Paris: Notre Dame Historical Tour with Optional Conciergerie

Explore the medieval center of Paris on a fascinating 1.5-hour walking tour of the island that evolved into the City of Lights. You’ll discover how the Parisii tribe came to power and grew into a major European force in the Middle Ages. With your expert local guide, you’ll stroll along streets where the buildings are soaked in the blood of royal rulers and revolutionary rebels.
From the peaceful atmosphere of Place Dauphine to the Conciergerie towers which were once home to royalty, Île de la Cité holds the dramatic tales of the journey towards self-rule which unfolded in Paris. You’ll pass by the Palais de Justice and Sainte Chapelle. The former was part of the royal palace and ironically where Marie Antionette was sentenced by the people to the guillotine. The latter was originally a private chapel built for royals in 1238 but it is now better known as a haven for lovers of stained glass. Like Notre Dame, it was damaged during the French Revolution and then restored to its glory.

You’ll learn about the Roman temples that can still be found under the island from before the time when the Christians arrived. You’ll be surprised by the welcome that St Denis received when he tried to convert the Parisians and about the queen that needed a miracle to save the city from Attila the Hun. You’ll leave the medieval world of Notre Dame Island and cross to the Latin Quarter which was the stomping ground of modern artists like Picasso and Hemingway. Along this section of the quais, you will find the best place to take pictures of the Notre Dame as reconstruction efforts continue. The Left Bank is also the best place to dive back into modern Paris with shops like Shakespeare & Co close by. The island is, of course, home to Notre Dame Cathedral*. It will remain closed while it is restored after the tragic fire. You’ll be able to see the exterior of the cathedral on your walking tour and you’ll discover how inspired artists as diverse as Victor Hugo and Picasso. Even with the streets closed off, you’ll be able to see the delicate supports created by the medieval master masons. The fact that it has survived so much is impressive. Not bad considering that when it was built the lofty spires, detailed façade and vaulted arches were unlike anything seen before in Europe.

*Please note that the streets around the Cathedral are closed until further notice. Therefore, you won’t be able to access the square in front of Notre Dame and see the 0km point. However, your guide will ensure to take you through alternative routes so you can get as close as possible to the Cathedral