Paris: Île De La Cité Highlights Guided Tour & Seine Cruise

Paris’ enchanting Île de la Cité is a must-visit destination, and this guided tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its highlights. From the iconic Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle to the medieval streets and the Seine River cruise, this 3-hour journey promises a captivating blend of history, architecture, and stunning vistas. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Paris enthusiast, this tour is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of the city’s timeless charm.

Good To Know

• This guided tour provides skip-the-line access to the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, as well as a one-hour Seine River cruise.
• The tour highlights Île de la Cité’s medieval streets, the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and includes live commentary.
• The tour is priced at $80.05 per person, has a duration of 3 hours, and is conducted in English.
• Guests should bring a passport or ID card, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive 15 minutes early for a smooth start.
• Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and the tour may not be suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Paris: Île de la Cité Highlights Guided Tour & Seine Cruise offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic Île de la Cité. Priced from $80.05 per person, the 3-hour English-language tour begins at the Equestrian Statue of Henri IV.

Guests will enjoy skip-the-line access to the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, as well as a guided walking tour of Île de la Cité and an exterior visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral, concluding with a one-hour Seine River cruise.

The tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility issues or those carrying large bags. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Equestrian Statue of Henri IV, the tour begins with a guided visit to the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison during the French Revolution, where guests will learn about its history and the famous detainee, Marie Antoinette.

Next, visitors explore the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, marveling at the over 1,000 biblical scenes depicted in its stained glass windows.

The tour continues with a guided walking exploration of the medieval streets of Île de la Cité, uncovering the stories of poets, philosophers, and artists.

Guided exploration of Île de la Cité’s medieval streets, uncovering the tales of poets, philosophers, and artists.

Finally, the tour concludes with an exterior visit of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, followed by a one-hour Seine River cruise.

Tour Features

This tour offers skip-the-line tickets to both the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, allowing guests to bypass the lines and dive straight into the historical significance of these iconic landmarks.

The tour also includes a one-hour Seine River cruise with live commentary, giving visitors a unique perspective of the city’s architecture from the water.

Headsets are provided throughout the tour, ensuring guests can clearly hear the guide’s insights.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those carrying large bags, as it involves a moderate walking pace.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for this tour paint a picture of an enriching and engaging experience. Guests uniformly praise the knowledgeable and captivating guides, who bring the history of Île de la Cité to life. Many highlight the value for money, with one reviewer commending the tour as "an absolute steal." The Seine River cruise receives high marks as well, with the live commentary enhancing the scenic views. Travelers rate this excursion 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it a must-do activity for those visiting Paris.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.7/5 |

| Guide | 4.9/5 |

| Transportation | 4.5/5 |

| Value | 4.7/5 |

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Important Information

Guests are advised to bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes for this tour.

Luggage and large bags aren’t allowed, so packing light is recommended. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early, as the tour maintains a moderate pace without difficulty.

After the tour, Notre-Dame Cathedral will reopen for group visits in June 2025, with access available through walk-in or pre-booked time slots.

This tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with large bags, as the itinerary involves a significant amount of walking and navigating historic sites.

Meeting Point and Cancellation Policy

The meeting point for this tour is the Equestrian Statue of Henri IV, located at 15 Pl. du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris, France.

This tour offers a convenient cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests have the flexibility to:

• Cancel their booking for a full refund if plans change

• Reschedule their tour to a different date

• Enjoy the peace of mind of the no-risk booking

• Take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option

Booking and Payment Options

Booking this tour is easy and convenient. Customers can reserve their spot in advance and pay later using the ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ option. This allows them to secure their place on the tour without having to pay upfront.

The tour is priced at $80.05 per person, and payment can be made online or locally upon arrival. The cancellation policy is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a hassle-free way to explore the highlights of Île de la Cité and enjoy a scenic Seine River cruise.

Accessibility and Group Visits

This tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with large bags.

However, the tour does provide an enjoyable experience for those who can comfortably walk at a moderate pace.

To ensure the best visit, guests should:

• Arrive 15 minutes early to the meeting point

• Be prepared to walk without difficulty during the tour

• Leave large bags and luggage at home

Note that group visits inside Notre-Dame Cathedral will resume in June 2025, with access available via walk-in or pre-booked time slots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a dress code, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour does not provide any meals or refreshments, so it’s best to plan accordingly and purchase food and drinks before or after the tour.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour does not include scheduled restroom breaks. However, guests are advised to use restroom facilities before the start of the tour, as there may be limited opportunities during the 3-hour experience.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, though flash photography may be prohibited. However, it’s always best to check with the tour guide or on-site staff for any specific restrictions.

Will the Tour Operate in Inclement Weather?

The tour generally operates in inclement weather, as the guided components take place indoors at the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. However, the outdoor walking tour and Seine River cruise may be subject to cancellation or modification in severe weather conditions.

The Sum Up

The Île de la Cité Highlights Guided Tour & Seine Cruise offers a captivating experience that combines the historical charm of Paris with picturesque river views. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic landmarks, including the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, while also enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Seine. This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the heart of the city, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy the beauty and history of Paris.

You can check if your dates are available here: