Paris: Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour – Small Group

Notre Dame Cathedral has long captivated visitors with its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the cathedral’s magnificent exterior up close. Led by an English-speaking guide, you will discover the intricate details and learn about the recent restoration efforts following the devastating fire. The small group setting ensures a personalized experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and beauty of this iconic Parisian landmark.

Good To Know

• 1-hour guided tour focused on the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Île de la Cité.
• Pricing ranges from $9.78 to $16.30 per person, with up to 40% savings available.
• Tour starts at the Cité metro station and is led by an English-speaking guide.
• Highlights include the cathedral’s facade, flying buttresses, Gothic details, and restoration efforts after the fire.
• Tour does not include entry inside the Notre Dame Cathedral or gratuities for the guide.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour provides a 1-hour experience exploring the historic Île de la Cité and the iconic cathedral’s exterior.

Priced from $9.78 to $16.30 per person, the tour offers significant savings of up to 40%. Visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour starts at the Place Louis Lépine, outside the Cité metro station, and is led by an English-speaking guide.

Highlights include admiring Notre Dame’s facade, flying buttresses, and Gothic details, as well as learning about the cathedral’s restoration.

Meeting Point and Duration

Starting at the Place Louis Lépine, outside the Cité metro station entrance/exit, the Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour lasts for 1 hour.

Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour allows visitors to explore the historic Île de la Cité and admire the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside.

Guided by an English-speaking guide, the tour explores the historic Île de la Cité and admires the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside.

This convenient location provides easy access to the tour’s starting point, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

The 1-hour duration offers ample time to appreciate the cathedral’s architectural marvels and learn about its rich history, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a brief yet enriching sightseeing opportunity.

Itinerary Highlights

While exploring the historic Île de la Cité, the Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour allows visitors to admire the cathedral’s magnificent facade, intricate flying buttresses, and exquisite Gothic details. Guests will learn about the cathedral’s restoration efforts following the devastating fire and discover Victor Hugo’s influential role in preserving this iconic structure. The tour provides an enriching experience, focusing on the exterior of Notre Dame without entry, enabling an appreciation of its beauty and history.

| Itinerary Highlights |

|———————|

| Explore Île de la Cité and its medieval landmarks |

| Admire Notre Dame’s facade, flying buttresses, and Gothic details |

| Learn about the cathedral’s restoration after the fire |

| Discover Victor Hugo’s influence in preserving Notre Dame |

Tour Features

The Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour offers a focused experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the cathedral’s beauty and history without entry.

The tour concentrates solely on the exterior, providing an enriching yet brief experience. Guests can marvel at the facade, flying buttresses, and Gothic details that make Notre Dame an architectural marvel.

The guide also discusses the cathedral’s recent restoration following the devastating fire, as well as the influential role of Victor Hugo in preserving this iconic landmark.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a concise yet informative introduction to one of Paris’ most famous sites.

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Additional Information

The tour does not include entrance tickets to Notre Dame cathedral. Visitors can choose to enter the cathedral on their own after the tour. A guided tour inside Notre Dame is also not provided as part of this offering. Plus, gratuities for the guide and hotel pick-up/drop-off services are not included. Guests are responsible for making their own arrangements for these items.

| Feature | Included | Not Included |

| — | — | — |

| Entrance to Notre Dame | ❌ | ✔️ |

| Guided Tour Inside Notre Dame | ❌ | ✔️ |

| Gratuities | ❌ | ✔️ |

| Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off | ❌ | ✔️ |

| Duration | 1 hour | – |

Explore Historic Île De La Cité

As part of the guided tour, visitors explore the historic Île de la Cité, the natural island at the heart of Paris that has been an important cultural and political center for centuries.

They’ll wander the medieval streets, discovering landmarks like the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned, and the Palais de Justice, the seat of France’s judicial power.

Tourists will also learn about the island’s pivotal role in the history of Paris, from its origins as a Gallo-Roman settlement to its present-day status as a popular tourist destination.

The tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Admire Notre Dame’s Gothic Architecture

Towering above the island, Notre Dame’s magnificent Gothic facade captivates visitors with its intricate details and architectural splendor.

Ornate stone carvings, pointed arches, and flying buttresses exemplify the cathedral’s iconic Gothic style.

Ornate stone carvings, pointed arches, and flying buttresses exemplify the cathedral’s iconic Gothic style, a testament to its architectural grandeur.

Admire the stunning rose windows, which flood the interior with colorful light.

Marvel at the grand main entrance, known as the West Facade, with its three ornate portals and rows of statues.

Discover how the restoration efforts after the 2019 fire aim to preserve Notre Dame’s exceptional Gothic design, ensuring this architectural masterpiece continues to dazzle for generations to come.

Discover the Cathedral’s Restoration

Following the devastating fire that ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, a mammoth restoration effort has been underway to salvage and rebuild this iconic landmark.

The tour guide will share key insights into the cathedral’s ongoing restoration:

1. Extensive damage to the roof and spire has required meticulous planning and execution to reconstruct.

2. Innovative techniques, including the use of 3D scanning, are being employed to preserve the cathedral’s unique Gothic architecture.

3. Thousands of scorched and fragmented artifacts are being carefully cataloged and restored by expert conservators.

4. The restoration is expected to take several more years, with the goal of reopening Notre Dame to the public by 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Interior of Notre Dame After the Tour?

Yes, guests can visit the interior of Notre Dame after the exterior tour. The tour focuses on the cathedral’s facade, but visitors are free to explore the interior on their own following the guided experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for the Notre Dame exterior tour. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing. The focus is on experiencing the cathedral’s exterior, so attire requirements are flexible to allow participants to enjoy the sightseeing experience.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour is accessible for people with disabilities. It takes place outdoors, and the guide can accommodate those with mobility issues. However, entry into Notre Dame Cathedral itself may have additional accessibility requirements.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour. The tour allows for photo opportunities to capture the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral and learn about its history and architectural details from the knowledgeable guide.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the standard 1-hour tour duration. However, travelers can opt for a more in-depth guided tour inside Notre Dame cathedral after the exterior tour is complete, for an additional fee.

The Sum Up

Discover the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral on this guided tour of its magnificent exterior. Explore the historic Île de la Cité, admire the intricate Gothic details, and learn about the ongoing restoration efforts after the fire. With a small group setting, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience and gain valuable insights from your English-speaking guide.

You can check if your dates are available here: