Paris: Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior Guided Tour

Exploring the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is a must-do for any visitor. This guided tour provides an in-depth look at the cathedral’s stunning exterior, from its intricate spires and gargoyles to the famous façade. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll uncover the rich history and ongoing restoration efforts following the 2019 fire. As you wander the picturesque Île de la Cité, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the architectural marvels and symbolic significance that make Notre-Dame one of the world’s most captivating landmarks.

Good To Know

• One-hour guided tour exploring the history and architecture of the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• Tour offers views of the cathedral’s iconic spires, gargoyles, and façade.
• Includes a walk around Île de la Cité to learn about Paris’s history and culture.
• Covers the 2019 fire and ongoing restoration work, with opportunity to explore the interior afterward.
• Tour starts outside restaurant L’Esmeralda on Île de la Cité, with separate entrance tickets required.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Paris: Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior Guided Tour" offers visitors a one-hour exploration of the iconic cathedral’s history and architecture.

Priced between Kč 677 and Kč 609 per person, the tour provides a discounted rate up to 10% off.

Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Reservations can be made without upfront payment, allowing visitors to book their spot and pay later.

The tour covers the cathedral’s notable features, including its spires, gargoyles, and famous façade, as well as the ongoing restoration work following the 2019 fire.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the "Paris: Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior Guided Tour" will explore the history and architecture of the iconic landmark.

They’ll view the cathedral’s spires, gargoyles, and rosettes, as well as its famous façade. The tour also includes a walk around Île de la Cité, where you will learn about Paris’s rich history and culture.

Plus, the tour covers the 2019 fire and the subsequent six years of restoration work.

The tour covers the 2019 fire and six years of restoration work on the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Afterward, guests can visit the newly-restored interior at their own pace, as guided tours inside the cathedral aren’t permitted.

Itinerary

The guided tour starts at the meeting point outside the restaurant L’Esmeralda, located on Île de la Cité, 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

From there, the group walks for 15 minutes to the Clock Tower.

Over the next 25 minutes, the guide leads visitors to several sightseeing stops, including the Conciergerie, Palais de Justice, Sainte-Chapelle, and Flower Market Elizabeth II.

The tour then explores the Notre-Dame neighborhood before finishing at the cathedral itself.

Entrance tickets must be purchased separately in advance through the official website, as guided tours inside the cathedral aren’t permitted.

Important Information

To begin, guests should arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time at the meeting point outside the restaurant L’Esmeralda on Île de la Cité.

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited inside the cathedral. Food and drinks aren’t permitted within the cathedral.

Entrance tickets to Notre-Dame must be booked separately through the cathedral’s official website in advance, as they aren’t included with this guided tour.

Following the exterior tour, visitors are free to explore the newly-restored interior at their own pace, though guided tours inside aren’t available.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have generally praised the Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior Guided Tour, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 23 reviews.

The guide ratings are 4.5/5, and the value for money is 4.5/5.

Highlights include:

1. Riccardo from Italy noted the tour lasted 1.5 hours instead of 1, and suggested this should be reported for planning purposes.

2. Miles from the UK praised the guide Remi for being engaging and knowledgeable, highly recommending the tour for understanding the cathedral’s history.

3. Karel from the UK said guide Benito made the experience enjoyable and informative, also highly recommending the tour.

Exploring the Exterior Grandeur

As visitors approach the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, they’re immediately struck by its towering presence and intricate Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s exterior boasts an array of architectural marvels, from its soaring spires and ornate gargoyles to the stunning rose windows and intricate stone carvings.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Spires | Reaching towards the sky, the cathedral’s twin bell towers and central spire create an awe-inspiring silhouette. |

| Gargoyles | Carved grotesque figures, these mythical creatures adorn the cathedral’s roofline, serving as both decoration and functional rainspouts. |

| Rose Windows | Massive circular stained-glass windows, each with a unique design, cast colorful light into the cathedral interior. |

| Façade | The cathedral’s ornate western façade, with its three grand portals, is a masterpiece of Gothic style. |

| Restoration | Ongoing work to repair damage from the 2019 fire has breathed new life into the cathedral’s exterior.

Architectural Marvels and Symbolism

The cathedral’s architectural marvels extend beyond its imposing exterior, revealing a rich symbolism deeply rooted in Christian tradition.

Among the captivating elements are:

1. The intricate buttresses and flying buttresses, which not only provide structural support but also symbolize the church’s upward reach toward the divine.

2. The ornate rose windows, with their intricate patterns of stained glass, representing the radiance of God’s light.

3. The gargoyles and grotesques, which serve as both functional water spouts and symbolic protectors against evil.

4. The sculptural elements, such as the richly detailed façade, which convey biblical stories and Christian teachings through their artistry.

The Path to Restoration

Though the Notre-Dame Cathedral withstood the devastating fire of 2019, its restoration has been a complex and arduous undertaking.

A six-year reconstruction effort is underway, overseen by experts and government officials. Scaffolding surrounds the iconic structure as workers stabilize the structure, replace damaged stone, and reconstruct the intricate roof and spire.

Visitors can observe the progress, but access inside remains limited. With an estimated cost of €1 billion, the restoration is a challenging process, yet one that aims to preserve this historic monument for generations to come.

The path forward is long, but the cathedral’s resilience shines through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Entrance Tickets at the Cathedral?

No, entrance tickets cannot be purchased at the cathedral. The tour information indicates visitors must book entrance tickets in advance through the official website. On-site ticket purchases are not available for this guided tour.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Cathedral?

Photography is allowed inside the cathedral, but flash photography is not permitted. Visitors should be mindful of respecting the holy site and following any guidelines provided by cathedral staff.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Cathedral?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the cathedral. However, visitors are expected to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and hats may be allowed, but it’s best to err on the side of caution when visiting a sacred site.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?

Unfortunately, there is no audio guide available for this tour. Visitors must rely on the expertise of the live guide to learn about the cathedral’s history and architecture during the 1-hour exterior walking tour.

Do You Offer Tours in Multiple Languages?

The tour is offered in multiple languages to cater to a diverse audience. Guests can choose from English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian guides to enhance their sightseeing experience and ensure they fully understand the tour’s content.

The Sum Up

The guided tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s exterior offers a unique opportunity to explore the iconic structure’s rich history and architectural grandeur. With knowledgeable guides, visitors can discover the cathedral’s stunning features, from its intricate spires and gargoyles to the ongoing restoration efforts following the 2019 fire. This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the cathedral’s significance and the dedicated work to preserve its legacy for future generations.

You can check if your dates are available here: