Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Paris Tour with Optional Seine Cruise
Highlights
- Discover the architectural beauty and cultural importance of Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Visit Île de la Cité, one of the oldest and most historic areas of Paris
- Visit Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie, two landmarks of medieval Paris
Take a 1-hour Île de la Cité walking tour in Paris. Stroll past Place Dauphine, Pont des Arts, Sainte-Chapelle, and enjoy views of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Tour in Paris with Optional Seine Cruise is a one-hour guided experience that takes you through the historic heart of Paris, an island in the middle of the Seine River that has shaped the city’s history for centuries. This immersive tour combines cultural insights, fascinating stories, and visits to some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris.
Your journey begins at the Pont des Arts, a picturesque pedestrian bridge known for its romantic charm and scenic views of the city. Here, you’ll meet your guide, easily recognizable with a white flag, who will introduce you to the rich history of Île de la Cité and set the stage for the walk ahead.
The first highlight is the equestrian Statue of King Henri IV, located at the Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge in Paris. This monument pays tribute to one of France’s most influential kings, and your guide will share stories about his reign and legacy.
From there, the tour continues to Place Dauphine, one of the city’s most beautiful hidden gems. Surrounded by symmetrical architecture and offering a calm atmosphere, this square reflects the more peaceful side of Parisian life. It’s a perfect spot to admire the timeless charm of old Paris.
Next, you’ll catch sight of the impressive Saint Michel Fountain, dedicated to Saint Michael’s victory over the devil. With its dramatic sculptures and grand design, the fountain is both a historic monument and a favorite photo stop for visitors.
As the tour unfolds, you’ll pass by the Conciergerie, once a medieval royal palace and later a prison during the French Revolution. The Conciergerie is most famous as the place where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. Your guide will recount powerful stories from this turbulent chapter of French history, adding depth to the visit.
The walk also takes you past the Sainte-Chapelle and Palais de Justice. Sainte-Chapelle is one of Paris’s Gothic treasures, renowned for its magnificent stained-glass windows, while the Palais de Justice continues to function as an important judicial building. Both landmarks reflect the island’s dual role as a place of religion and authority.
No exploration of Île de la Cité would be complete without visiting the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral. Though currently under restoration after the 2019 fire, the cathedral remains one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. From the outside, you’ll admire its striking façade and hear stories about its architecture, history, and importance as the spiritual heart of Paris for nearly 900 years.
Throughout the walking tour, your knowledgeable guide will bring history to life with captivating stories and cultural insights. From medieval kings to revolutionary upheavals, from Gothic architecture to timeless Parisian charm, every stop reveals another layer of the city’s fascinating past.
Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or looking to deepen your knowledge of the city, this guided tour offers a memorable journey through one of the most historic and picturesque places in Paris.