Notre Dame Private Tour - Paris Cathedral

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. Emy, Catholic licensed guide, is happy to welcome Christians travelers and any travelers.

To venerate the Crown of Thorns every first Friday of the month at Notre Dame

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.

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.

Location and Opening Hours

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.

2 Hour Notre Dame Private Tour – Religious Sightseeing Experience in Paris

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.

• 2-hour private tour with a fully licensed Christian tour guide
• Introduction to Notre Dame’s exterior architecture
• Insights into the cathedral’s restorations and new features
• Historical and spiritual significance of Notre Dame
• Iconography of vices and virtues in Western art
• Faith-centered exploration for Christian travelers in option
• From €240 – USD $280 up to 6 persons upon level of customization
• Online Booking and Credit Card Payment

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. Choose between the Left Bank’s Saint-Germain or the Right Bank’s Marais and Les Halles.

• 2-hour private tour with a fully licensed Christian tour guide
• Stops at Notre Dame’s interior and exterior highlights
• 1-hour private guided tour with stops at the city’s main highlights
• Strolling through Notre Dame surroundings Left or Right Bank
• Fully Licensed Tour Guide and Christian – Catholic
• From €360 – USD $390 up to 6 persons upon level of customization
• Online Booking and Credit Card Payment

Notre Dame Private Tour & the Left Bank

Discover Paris’s intellectual and artistic heart. Begin with Notre Dame, then wander through the lively Latin Quarter and elegant Saint-Germain, where literature, cafés, and centuries of culture meet. A rich blend of history, charm, and Parisian spirit.

Notre Dame Private Tour & the Right Bank

Combine the majesty of Notre Dame with the vibrant energy of Paris’s Right Bank. Explore the medieval streets of Le Marais, the historic marketplace of Les Halles, and hidden gems full of local flavor. A tour that captures tradition and modern Parisian life

Notre Dame Private Tours Prohibited during Services

Guiding is also prohibited on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

• 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 :

• https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/visit/reservation-free/

The admission is 100% free and can only be booked via the official website. No third-party platform is authorised to sell tickets

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 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: The high altar was completed, 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 architectural 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, looted, and used as a storage space.
• The revolutionaries destroyed many of its religious treasures, and the statues were taken down.

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 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.The Artistic Legacy of Gothic Architecture

• 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

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 and open.

• 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.

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 has three magnificent rose windows, considered masterpieces of medieval art:

• North Rose Window XIII century
• South Rose Window XIII century
• West Rose Window (entrance) XII century

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 architectural features, combining practical function with artistic creativity.

• Gargoyles (water spouts)
• Chimeras (only decorative)

These stone figures, perched high on the exterior of the cathedral, are iconic symbols of Gothic architecture and have captured the imagination of visitors for centuries.

The Spire and Statues of Notre Dame

The spire and statues of Notre-Dame de Paris are iconic elements of the cathedral’s architecture, combining spiritual symbolism with Gothic artistry. They have played a significant role in the cathedral’s history and its global recognition.

Iconography in Western Art

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 symbolic figures.

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 in Paris, 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.

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.

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

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

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 are filled with 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.

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 steeped in history, culture, and architectural brilliance.

• Old-World Charm Notre Dame Island Private Tour

Île de la Cité is considered 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 is adorned with 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 & Sainte Chapelle Private Tour

PARIS BY EMY does NOT offer a Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle tour, as this experience is often too 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. Pair your visit to Sainte-Chapelle with the historic Conciergerie. Indeed, Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie are next to each other. World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Conciergerie is one of the oldest vestiges of the Palais de la Cité, residence of kings in Middle Ages. The Conciergerie also remained a major place of detention during the French Revolution with the installation of the Revolutionary Tribunal. Its most famous prisoner was Marie-Antoinette.

• Stained Glass Windows

Just a short walk from Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, which depict biblical scenes with remarkable color and detail. Known as the “Jewel Box of Light,” it contained the relics of Christ from Saint Louis King. However, after the French revolution, the relics moved to Notre Dame. This chapel is a testament to 13th-century craftsmanship and is especially magical when the sunlight streams through its 15 towering windows.

• Historical Role and Importance in Paris

Originally built to house precious religious relics bought by king Saint Louis, Sainte-Chapelle holds historical importance as a royal chapel. A visit here offers a glimpse into Paris’s royal past and the opulent architectural preferences of medieval France.

Conciergerie – A Walk Through French Revolution History

The Conciergerie, once a royal palace turned prison, played a key role during the French Revolution. This historical site is where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her trial and subsequent execution. Visitors can explore her cell and other areas of this infamous prison, getting a somber view of this turbulent period.

• Architectural Significance and Prison Cells Tour

The building’s mix of Gothic and medieval architecture adds depth to its historical ambiance. PARIS BY EMY’s guides bring the experience to life with stories of revolutionary trials and prison life, immersing visitors in the drama of this iconic location.

• French death metal band Gojira Perched on the Conciergerie

One of the most striking moments of the Olympic opening ceremony ! After following the footsteps of the revolutionaries, magnificently portrayed by Eugène Delacroix in his famous painting La Liberté guidant le peuple, we saw a decapitated Marie-Antoinette singing “Ah! ça ira, ça ira, ça ira!”, a revolutionary song written during the French Revolution.

Notre Dame Private Tour & Saint Louis

Nestled in the Seine River, east of Île de la Cité, Saint Louis Island, “Île Saint-Louis” in French, was developed during the 17th century under Louis XIII and Louis XIV. 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 was dug. It 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 and Christian Guide

Exploring the Notre Dame historical area with PARIS BY EMY offers 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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