Private Tour of Notre Dame Cathedral and Its Historic Surroundings
Notre Dame of Paris Private Tour : It is a journey through centuries of French history, and spirituality. Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and continued for nearly two centuries. Its design reflected innovative Gothic techniques that were revolutionary at the time. This vibrant area captures the essence of Paris, weaving architectural grandeur, historical tales, and beauty. For travelers who want an immersive and authentic experience, a private tour offers an unparalleled way to explore.
Victor Hugo and Notre-Dame de Paris
Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, Notre-Dame de Paris (known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame), played a crucial role in saving the cathedral from ruin. Indeed, written in 1831, Hugo’s novel was both a love letter to Gothic architecture and a passionate plea for preservation. Through the story of Quasimodo and Esmeralda, Hugo awakened public interest in the beauty and history of Notre-Dame, inspiring major restoration efforts in the 19th century. Today, as you explore this iconic monument with Paris by Emy’s private Notre-Dame tour, you can feel the spirit of Hugo’s words come alive in every stone, gargoyle, and stained-glass window a timeless reminder of art’s power to protect the cathedral.
Notre-Dame Inspired Private Tours in Paris
To venerate the Crown of Thorns every first Friday of the month at Notre Dame
This relic was purchased by Louis IX from the Latin Emperor of Constantinople in 1239. It is considered one of Christianity’s most revered relics. Each first Friday of the month, the faithful gather at Notre Dame for a deeply and sacred moment. Indeed, the veneration of the Holy Crown of Thorns is a very holy experience. This precious relic, believed to have been worn by Christ during His Passion, displayed for public devotion; a rare and powerful opportunity for prayers, reflections, and reverences. Pilgrims and worshippers from around the world come to honor this symbol of Christ’s suffering and love. The tradition is not only an act of personal faith but also a beautiful expression of the Church’s unity across the world.
English: Crown of Thorns in the circular reliquary in crystal of 1896.
Français : La Couronne d’Épines dans le reliquaire circulaire en cristal de 1896.
Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.
Gavigan 2007 non_restricted
2 Hour Notre Dame Private Tour – The Marvel of Paris Cathedral
Discover Notre Dame with a private guide and marvel at its stunning façade, intricate gargoyles, magnificent rose windows, vibrant stained glass, and centuries of history.
- From €240 – USD $280 for a 2-hour private tour with a licensed guide
- Introduction to Notre Dame’s exterior architecture
- 1 hour dedicated inside Notre Dame Cathedral
- Insights into the cathedral’s restorations and new features
- Historical and spiritual significance of Notre Dame
- Faith-centered exploration for Christian travelers in option
3 Hour Notre Dame Private Tour – Extended Private Tour in Paris
Experience the beauty of Notre Dame with a private guided tour, then explore Paris’s oldest neighborhoods.
- From €360 – USD $390 up to 6 persons upon level of customization
- 1 to 2-hour private tour at Notre Dame’s interior and exterior highlights
- 1 to 2-hour private guided tour with stops at the city’s main highlights
- Strolling through Notre Dame surroundings Left or Right Bank
Choose between the Left Bank with Saint-Germain and Latin Quarter or the Right Bank with Le Marais and Les Halles.
Notre Dame & Saint Germain Private Tour
Discover Paris’s intellectual and artistic heart. Begin with Notre Dame, then wander through the lively Latin Quarter, with the Sorbonne University, and elegant Saint-Germain walks, where artists like Picasso, philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, writers including Hemingway, cafés, and centuries of history meet.
Notre Dame and the Marais Private Tour
Combine the majesty of Notre Dame with the vibrant energy of Paris’s Right Bank. Explore the medieval streets of Le Marais, the place des Vosges, the oldest square of Paris, and the historic marketplace of Les Halles, called the Belly of Paris, with Saint Eustache church.
The Importance of Silence During Notre Dame Private Tour
Noise can disrupt prayers, reflection, and meditation. Silence allows everyone, visitors and worshippers alike to fully appreciate the serene atmosphere.
Respecting Eucharistic Celebrations
Never photograph the Eucharist or any part of the Mass. These moments are sacred, and capturing them is considered highly disrespectful.
Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices
Phones should always be turned off or set to silent. Even a brief ringtone can disrupt worshippers and ceremonies.
Avoiding Common Dress Mistakes
Avoid hats, sunglasses indoors, or overly casual clothing like shorts and tank tops. Modesty shows respect for the sacred space.
Before the Construction of Notre-Dame
Before the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the site was home to earlier sights of worship. In the 4th century, Clovis converted to Christianity. As the Frankish king, he made Paris his capital and developed Christian worship. A first cathedral, Saint-Étienne, Saint Stephen Martyr is a 1st-century preacher, was built on the Île de la Cité. This church dated back to the 4th or 6th century and was built on the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple, reflecting the long history of worship.
Notre-Dame Through Revolution, War and Liberation
During the French Revolution, Notre-Dame de Paris suffered greatly as a symbol of the old monarchy and the Catholic Church. Many of its treasures were looted or destroyed, statues of biblical kings were mistaken for French royalty and decapitated, and the cathedral itself was converted into a “Temple of Reason.” The great bells were melted down for cannon, and for years, the once-majestic cathedral fell into neglect and decay until public admiration, reignited by Victor Hugo’s novel, led to its restoration in the 19th century.
Decades later, Notre-Dame became a beacon of hope once more. On August 26, 1944, just days after the Liberation of Paris from Nazi occupation, a solemn Mass was held within its walls. The deep, resonant sound of the Bourdon Emmanuel bell, one of the cathedral’s oldest and most revered, rang across Paris, announcing freedom and peace to a city reborn. The moment marked Notre-Dame not only as a masterpiece of faith and architecture but also as a witness to France’s enduring spirit through revolution, destruction, and renewal.
Notre Dame de Paris a Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture
Notre Dame de Paris stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, embodying both technical innovation and profound symbolism. Its soaring arches and ribbed vaults create a sense of verticality that draws the eye heavenward, while the iconic flying buttresses not only support the structure but also symbolize the church’s role as a bridge between earth and heaven. The façade is adorned with intricate sculptural programs, saints, prophets, and allegorical figures that served as visual storytelling for the faithful, teaching biblical lessons through stone. Masterpieces such as the rose windows, glowing with vibrant stained glass, illustrate divine light and cosmic order. Gargoyles and chimeras, often misunderstood as mere decoration, function as both water spouts and symbolic guardians warding off evil. Together, these elements make Notre Dame not just an architectural wonder, but also a living encyclopedia of medieval spirituality and artistry.
- Cultural and Religious Significance
Beyond architecture, Notre-Dame serves as a center for Catholic worship and a symbol of Paris itself, inspiring countless artists, writers, and visitors.
- Influence on Literature and Art
Gothic cathedrals inspired works from Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” to modern cinematic portrayals, cementing the style in cultural imagination.
Defining Characteristics of Gothic Architecture in France
From Paris, the Gothic style spread rapidly across France, England, Germany, and Italy. Each region adapted the style to its own traditions, creating unique variations.
Pointed Arches
The pointed arch is the hallmark of Gothic design, allowing for greater height and structural stability compared to the rounded Romanesque arches. This design directs weight more efficiently to the ground, enabling taller walls and larger windows.
Ribbed Vaults
Ribbed vaulting distributes weight across intersecting stone ribs, providing both support and decorative elegance. This allowed for expansive interiors that feel airy.
Flying Buttresses
Flying buttresses transfer the outward thrust of the roof and walls to external supports. These elegant structures also create a sense of drama and lightness, making massive cathedrals appear almost ethereal.
Stained Glass Windows
Stained glass is not just decorative, it tells biblical stories and bathes interiors in colored light, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Parisian Gothic cathedrals are famous for their towering rose windows.
Notre Dame Twin Towers
The cathedral’s iconic towers rise approximately 69 meters and offer panoramic views of Paris. These towers are a signature element of Gothic architecture. Discover the newly reopened tour of the Towers of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Climb 424 steps where heritage treasures and breathtaking views of the heart of Paris await you. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, construction began in 1163 and continued for over 170 years. Until the 13th century and the building of Amiens Cathedral, it stood as the largest religious structure in the Western world. The Towers of Notre-Dame officially reopened to the public on September 20, 2025.
Notre Dame de Paris Grand Organ of 8,000 pipes and 5 keyboards
The Grand Organ of Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most famous and significant musical instruments in the world. Known for its size, history, and exquisite sound, it has been central to the cathedral’s musical tradition for centuries.
Historical Overview
- The original organ at Notre-Dame dates back to the 14th century, but the current instrument is primarily the result of modifications made over the centuries.
- A major overhaul occurred in the 18th century when the renowned builder François-Henri Clicquot created a new instrument in 1733, incorporating older pipes from previous versions.
- In the 19th century, famed organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll modernized the organ, significantly expanding its capabilities and bringing it to its current grandeur.
Specifications
- The Grand Organ has 8,000 pipes, making it the largest organ in France.
- It has 115 stops (sound registers), 5 keyboards, and a pedalboard, allowing for incredible musical versatility.
- Some pipes date back to the medieval and Renaissance periods, giving the organ its unique timbre and historical character.
Usage and Significance
- The organ is played during major religious ceremonies, including Christmas, Easter, and state occasions.
- Notre-Dame’s organists have included some of the greatest names in the world of sacred music, such as Louis Vierne, Pierre Cochereau, and Olivier Latry.
The 21 bells of Notre Dame de Paris – Bourdon bell the oldest
The bells of Notre-Dame de Paris are famous for their size, history, and significance in French culture. They have traditionally played an essential role in marking religious ceremonies, historical events, and daily life in Paris. The most renowned of the bells is the Bourdon, but there are several others in the cathedral. The biggest bell of France is the Savoyarde at the Sacred Heart Basilica.
The 3 Rose Windows of Paris Notre Dame
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is world-renowned for its three magnificent rose windows, breathtaking masterpieces of Gothic art and craftsmanship. Each window is a marvel of design, light, and symbolism, reflecting both the artistic genius and the spiritual depth of the Middle Ages.
- North Rose Window XIII century
Created around 1250, the North Rose Window is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It represents the Old Testament and is often called the “Rose of the Virgin.” Its deep blue tones create a mystical atmosphere, and its intricate design radiates harmony and peace. The window’s imagery features prophets, kings, and figures from the Hebrew Scriptures, all arranged around the central image of the Virgin and Child.
- South Rose Window XIII century
Constructed shortly after the North Rose, the South Rose Window is devoted to Christ and the New Testament. Its brilliant reds and golds illuminate the southern transept with warmth and glory. Donated by King Louis IX (Saint Louis), this window depicts Christ surrounded by apostles, martyrs, and angels. It serves as a visual celebration of divine light and redemption.
- West Rose Window (entrance) XII century
The oldest of the three, the West Rose Window dates back to around 1220 and adorns the main façade above the cathedral’s entrance. Smaller and simpler than its later counterparts, it nonetheless establishes the foundation of the Gothic rose window tradition. The West Rose symbolizes the Last Judgment, greeting visitors with a powerful vision of faith and eternity as they enter the church.
The chevet of Notre-Dame de Paris
The chevet of Notre-Dame de Paris is part of the Gothic cathedral. Located at the eastern end of the building, it houses the apse and forms a semicircular structure supported by a series of buttresses and flying buttresses. These 14 flying buttresses relieve the pressure exerted by the massive vaults while giving the building an airy elegance. The chevet is also adorned with large bay windows about Mary’s life.
Notre Dame Gargouilles and Chimères
The gargoyles and chimeras of Notre-Dame de Paris are among the cathedral’s most famous and fascinating features, blending practical engineering with artistic imagination. Perched high along the façade and towers, these stone creatures have long captured the curiosity and wonder of visitors from around the world.
Gargoyles (water spouts)
Gargoyles are stone water spouts to drain rainwater away from the building’s walls and foundations. By projecting the water outward, they help prevent erosion of the stone masonry. Each carved gargoyle has the shape of a grotesque creature, part animal, part monster, sometimes even part human. They often have elongated necks or open mouths, allowing rainwater to flow out dramatically. Their frightening appearance was also symbolic: in medieval times, they ward off evil spirits and remind people of the sin dangers.
Chimeras (only decorative)
Unlike gargoyles, chimeras have no functional role, they are purely decorative sculptures. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc added the most famous chimeras during the 19th-century restoration. These figures perch on the Galerie des Chimères (Gallery of Chimeras), the balcony connecting the cathedral’s two towers. The chimeras include a mix of mythical creatures, demons, birds, and fantastical hybrids, blending medieval imagination with romantic artistry. One of the most recognizable is the “Stryga,” or “The Spitting Gargoyle,” a demon-like figure with hornsd resting its chin in its hands, gazing dreamily over Paris. Though not an actual gargoyle (it doesn’t drain water), it has become a symbol of Notre-Dame itself.
The Spire and Statues of Notre Dame
The Statues of Notre-Dame de Paris and Spire are among the cathedral’s most iconic and symbolically rich architectural features, blending Gothic artistry, engineering ingenuity, and religious symbolism.
The Spire (La Flèche)
- First Spire (13th century): The original medieval spire, built in the 13th century, made of wood and lead, deteriorated over time. Itwas was eventually removed in the late 18th century due to instability.
- Viollet-le-Duc’s Spire: architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc designed the famous spire most people during his restoration of the cathedral between 1844–1864.
- It stood about 96 meters (315 feet) tall and weighed roughly 750 tons, primarily made of oak and covered in lead.
- Destruction and Rebirth: This spire tragically collapsed during the 2019 fire, falling dramatically through the roof.
- Reconstruction faithful to Viollet-le-Duc’s design began in 2020 and is nearing completion for Notre-Dame’s planned reopening in December 2024.
- The spire functioned as a spiritual focal point, drawing the eye heavenward—a literal and figurative aspiration toward the divine.
- Around its base stood 12 copper statues of the Apostles and Saint Éloi (Saint Eligius), the patron saint of metalworkers, symbolically protecting the cathedral.
The Statues The Apostles and the Evangelists:
- Viollet-le-Duc added 16 copper statues in total: 12 Apostles, arranged around the spire’s base, looking outward over Paris.
- 4 Evangelists, positioned at the corners, each accompanied by their traditional symbols (angel, lion, ox, and eagle).
- One of the Apostles, Saint Thomas, who represents architects, bears the face of Viollet-le-Duc himself, a subtle self-portrait watching over his masterpiece.
- Just days before the 2019 fire, all 16 statues removed for restoration, saved them from the blaze. They have since been restored and will be reinstated with the reconstructed spire.
- Current Status (as of 2025): The new spire, an exact reconstruction of Viollet-le-Duc’s, is being finished using traditional materials and craftsmanship.
- The restored statues are set to be replaced around its base in preparation for Notre-Dame’s grand reopening.
Iconography in Western Art Notre Dame Private Tour
The iconography of vices and virtues in Western art, as seen in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, serves as a moral and spiritual guide. Sculptures, stained glass, and carvings depict virtues like Justice, Prudence, and Charity as noble, upright figures, while vices such as Greed, Envy, and Lust appear as grotesque, often monstrous forms. This visual contrast reinforces Christian teachings, reminding viewers of the eternal struggle between good and evil and encouraging ethical living through striking imagery. An excellent example of the iconography of vices and virtues in Western art can be seen in the sculptural decoration of the portals of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, particularly on the Last Judgment portal on the west façade (the central portal).
The Last Judgment Portal (Central Portal, West Façade)
This portal illustrates the Christian concept of judgment after death, where souls are weighed and sent to Heaven or Hell. Around Christ the Judge, sculptors represented the moral struggle between Virtue and Vice through personifications and symbols.
Virtues encourage moral living and the imitation of Christ’s goodness.
- Charity may be shown giving alms or holding a flaming heart.
- Faith is often portrayed with a cross or chalice.
- Justice might hold scales or a sword.
Vices remind viewers of the consequences of sin.
- Pride is often shown being overthrown or humiliated.
- Avarice (Greed) may hold a money bag or treasure chest.
- Lust might be represented by serpents or animals of temptation.
- Envy or Wrath often appear with contorted faces or violent gestures.
At Notre-Dame Cathedral, the iconography of Virtues and Vices serves as a didactic program, a visual lesson teaching medieval Christians the moral path to salvation. The sculptures on the Last Judgment portal embody the eternal struggle between good and evil, encouraging viewers to cultivate the Virtues and avoid the Vices.
What’s New inside Notre Dame Cathedral
Since its reopening in December 2025, Notre-Dame Cathedral has introduced several significant updates to the baptistery, altar, reliquary, and seating arrangements. Inside the cathedral, visitors find an awe-inspiring atmosphere filled with towering columns, intricate altars, and historical relics. As one of the most visited religious sites in the world, the Notre Dame Cathedral remains a place of reflection and spirituality, inviting visitors to experience its sacred aura firsthand.
Baptistery of Notre Dame
A new baptistery crafted from bronze, aligning with the cathedral’s restored aesthetic. This modern design complements the other liturgical furnishings, maintaining a cohesive visual narrative within the sacred space.
Notre Dame Cathedral Altar
The cathedral’s new altar is a monumental bronze piece, symbolizing both resilience and sanctity. During the inaugural Mass, this altar was consecrated with the relics of five saints associated with the Church of Paris
Holy Reliquary of Notre Dame de Paris
A prominent addition is the new reliquary housing the revered Crown of Thorns. Standing at approximately 13 feet tall, this structure is crafted from cedar wood and bronze, designed by Sylvain Dubuisson. Positioned in the church’s apse, it serves as a focal point for veneration and reflection.
Seating
The cathedral has introduced 1,500 new solid oak chairs, designed to echo the structure of the roof. These chairs feature a minimalist and modern style, aiming for a ‘noble simplicity’ that complements the cathedral’s interior while providing comfort for the faithful.
Location and Opening Hours of Notre Dame
Notre-Dame Cathedral de Paris
6 Parvis Notre-Dame
Place Jean-Paul II
75004 Paris
- Monday to Friday: 7:50 am to 7:00 pm.
- Thursday: 7:50 am to 10:00 pm.
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:15 am to 7:30 pm.
Notre Dame Private Tours Prohibited during Services
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 6:45 p.m.
- First Friday of the month: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m.
- In the event of special services
Warning – Fake Tickets for Sale
You can reserve your entrance on the Official Notre Dame website :
The admission is 100% free and can only be booked via the official website. No third-party platform is authorised to sell tickets
Notre Dame Self Guided Tour with free mobile App
Download the official free mobile app of Notre Dame : https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/visit/mobile-app/
- Tailored Tours: Explore 3 routes designed for visitors
- Spiritual Content: Access prayers, daily liturgical texts, and updates
- Accessibility Features: Easy-to-Read Understand (FALC) mode audio description
We encourage you to bring your own earphones or headphones to freely enjoy the content of the application during your visit.
Official Audio Guide of Notre-Dame Private Tour
You can have an audio guide at the reception (welcome desk) for €6.
- Languages: French, English, Spanish
They have magnetic loops for hearing-impaired visitors when using the audioguide.
Why Book a Notre Dame Private Tour?
- Experience an exclusive private tour with an expert Paris guide and uncover the secrets of Paris cathedral
- Admire the intricate stained glass, the iconic Rose Window, and the mysterious sculptures and paintings
- Explore the heart of medieval Paris on the Île de la Cité and learn about this world-famous cathedral
- Delve into the fascinating details of Notre Dame’s Gothic façade, and the dramatic French Revolution events
- Unravel the artistry and history that make Notre Dame a Christian symbol of hope, and human ingenuity
Notre Dame de Paris Timeline
Timeline highlighting major events in the history of Notre Dame Cathedral:
12th – 14th Century: Construction and Early History
- 1163: Construction of Notre Dame began under Bishop Maurice de Sully
- 1182: Completion of the high altar, and the cathedral began to hold services
- 1250: The main construction of the nave, choir, and western façade was completed
- 1260-1345: Additional elements, such as the two towers, spire, and other details
16th – 18th Century: Decline and Damage of Notre Dame
- 1548: Many statues and decorations were damaged during the Huguenot riots
- 1790s: During the French Revolution, the cathedral was desecrated and looted
- The revolutionaries destroyed many of its religious treasures, and statues.
19th Century: Notre Dame de Paris Revival and Restoration
- 1804: Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor in Notre Dame, symbolizing a temporary resurgence of interest in the cathedral.
- 1831: Victor Hugo published The Hunchback of Notre Dame, sparking public interest in preserving the building.
- 1844-1864: Architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc led a major restoration project, adding the iconic spire and restoring damaged elements.
20th Century: War, and Renovation of Notre Dame de Paris
- 1909: Joan of Arc was beatified in the cathedral, which became an important religious and cultural symbol in France.
- 1944: After the liberation of Paris during World War II, the cathedral held a special service in honor of France’s freedom.
- 1963: To celebrate the cathedral’s 800th anniversary, a cleaning project was on to remove centuries of grime and pollution.
21st Century: Fire of Notre Dame in Paris and Reconstruction
- 2013: Notre Dame celebrated its 850th anniversary, installing new bells and completing various restoration efforts.
- April 15, 2019: A devastating fire broke out in the cathedral, destroying the spire and the wooden roof structure “the forest.”
- 2020-2024: Restoration with the goal of restoring Notre Dame by 2024 – Reopening in December 2024 to the public
Notre Dame Surroundings Private Tour
Discover the historical heart of Paris with a private guided tour of Notre-Dame. It is located on the beautiful Île de la Cité. This tour offers a deeper dive into the Middle Ages, a time when French kings ruled from this very island, and the Latin Quarter flourished with intellectual pursuits, including the famous Sorbonne University.
Notre Dame Architectural Marvel Private Tour
This private tour is offering a richer, deeper understanding of Notre Dame surroundings. You could also choose a Paris church, king and republic tour, insights into the historical context, cultural significance, and unique stories behind the churches of Paris.
The Seine River around Notre Dame Private Tour
A walk along the Seine River reveals Paris’s famous bookstalls, artists, and scenic views that feel like a scene from a romantic film. The riverbanks have spots for picturesque photos and relaxing stops to take in the sights. With customized routes, deep local insights, and exclusive stories, our private tours add a personal touch that allows you to experience the Notre Dame cathedral story.
Iconic landmarks surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral
Our Notre Dame surroundings private tour will offer unique insights into the Middle Ages, the architectural wonders of the cathedral, and the important role the Île de la Cité played throughout Parisian history. As you explore the area, we’ll take you through the iconic landmarks surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Notre Dame, originally constructed in the 12th century, stands as a timeless symbol of Gothic architecture and religious heritage. The cathedral has witnessed significant events, from royal coronations to public gatherings, and holds a special place in French history.
Exclusive Guided Tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral with Optional Extra Sites
Located in the very heart of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral serves as the perfect starting point for a private guided tour, offering endless possibilities to explore the city’s treasures such as the world-famous Louvre Museum religious art, or other historic Parisian churches like Saint-Étienne-du-Mont near the Panthéon. To enhance your experience, you can even add a scenic river cruise departing from the Pont Neuf, or discovering the French Revolution and its consequences at Notre Dame.
Sainte Chapelle & Notre Dame Private Tour
PARIS BY EMY does offer a Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. Please, note that this experience is often very touristy. Sainte-Chapelle is no longer an active place of worship, and while admired for its stained-glass windows, a combined tour doesn’t do justice to either experience. Instead, we believe it is more enriching to dedicate time to Notre Dame and its Historical Parisian surroundings. Thus, we recommend to pair your visit to Sainte-Sainte-Chapelle tour with the historic Conciergerie.
Île de la Cité Notre Dame Private Tour
le de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris, is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, most notably Notre-Dame Cathedral. This island, located in the middle of the Seine River, is full of history, culture, and architectural brilliance.
- Old-World Charm Notre Dame Island Private Tour
Île de la Cité is the birthplace of Paris. This small island in the Seine has been inhabited since ancient times, serving as a strategic and political hub. From Roman settlements to medieval fortresses, Île de la Cité has always been at the center of Parisian life.
- Exploring the Flower and Bird Market
Every Sunday, the Flower and Bird Market on Île de la Cité transforms the area with vibrant colors and sounds. Strolling through the stalls, you’ll find an array of fresh flowers, plants, and birds, as well as a variety of unique souvenirs. It’s a charming spot that offers a more local, leisurely experience amid the island’s historical sites.
- Pont Neuf: Oldest Bridge in Paris
Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge in Paris, connects Île de la Cité with the rest of the city and offers beautiful views over the Seine. Built in the late 16th century, the bridge has stone faces carved into its sides, each with unique expressions that have intrigued visitors for centuries. It’s an ideal place to stop and take in the scenery.
- Hidden Gems on Île de la Cité
While many visitors flock to the main attractions, Île de la Cité is full of quiet spots and lesser-known areas. Square du Vert-Galant, a small garden at the western tip of the island, is a peaceful spot where you can relax by the water, away from the crowds. It’s an excellent place to unwind and soak in the beauty of Paris.
Notre Dame Private Tour & Saint Louis
Nestled in the Seine River, East of Île de la Cité, the Saint Louis Island is “Île Saint-Louis” in French. Louis XIII and Louis XIV developed the island during the 17th century. The island was a residential area for Parisian elites, featuring elegant townhouses. Over the centuries, the island was to artists, writers, and intellectuals.
- The cows’island
In 1356, in the continuity of the surrounding walls of Philippe Auguste, a channel dug divided the island in two. To the West, Île Notre-Dame and to the East, Île aux vaches (cows). Originally used as pastureland, the island became in the 17th century into a fashionable neighborhood for aristocrats. It also serves as a warehouse for the construction of boats during the reign of the Carolingians.
- Grandiose mansions and galleries
As you stroll through Île Saint-Louis, you’ll discover from grandiose 17th-century mansions to charming shops and art galleries. The Hôtel Lambert boasts a remarkable 17th-century architecture. This historic mansion gives the island its distinct character and elegance.
- Saint-Louis-en-l’Île Baroque church
Known formally as Saint-Louis-en-l’Île Church, this quaint church has an understated beauty. The baroque-style architecture and peaceful ambiance provide a lovely spot for quiet reflection.
- Famous ice-cream maker
A trip to Île Saint-Louis wouldn’t be complete without tasting the legendary Berthillon ice cream. Known for its natural ingredients and rich flavors, Berthillon has been an icon since the 1950s.
Notre Dame de Paris Private Tour with a Licensed Tour Guide
Exploring Notre Dame cathedral and its historical surroundings offer an insightful and personalized experience. It is perfect for anyone wanting to dive deep into Paris’s rich history and culture. With expert guides, a flexible itinerary, and exclusive local insights, this private tour brings Paris to life. PARIS BY EMY takes pride in offering tours that adapt to each visitor’s interests and preferences and will tailor the experience to give a richer understanding of Notre Dame de Paris.
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