It was April 15, 2019, the day Notre Dame caught on fire, but I remember it as though it was yesterday. I woke…
Notre Dame Outdoor Walking Tour With Crypt Entry
A journey of rebirth, ruins, and remembrance
Highlights
- Discover the storied history of Notre Dame, dating back to the 12th century.
- Learn what was lost and what was miraculously saved from the 15-hour fire in 2019.
- Hear first-person perspectives from your local guide about the tragedy.
- Get the inside scoop on how and when the cathedral will reopen.
- Receive your ticket to descend to the archeological crypt beneath Notre Dame.
- See a unique perspective of Île de la Cité, the original city of Paris.
- Upgrade to enjoy a narrated cruise on the beautiful Seine river.
- Take our Paris shuttle for convenient transportation, included with your tour.
What you'll do
When you come to Paris, there are icons you can’t miss, and Notre Dame is one of these. Though it suffered damage from the fire April 15, 2019, you can still discover the history, tragedy and bright future of this beloved cathedral with our Notre Dame walking tour.
You’ll learn how it began in 1163 ...
When you come to Paris, there are icons you can’t miss, and Notre Dame is one of these. Though it suffered damage from the fire April 15, 2019, you can still discover the history, tragedy and bright future of this beloved cathedral with our Notre Dame walking tour.
You’ll learn how it began in 1163 and took over a century to finish. You’ll relive the night when people all over the world watched in horror as the cathedral filled the sky with ash, hearing what was lost but also what was saved. And you’ll share in the story of survival thanks to the valiant rescue and recovery efforts of first responders.
Walk with your guide around the scene of the fire, as they share first-person perspectives about this historic event. You’ll admire the iconic features of the well-known facade, including the towers and legendary gargoyles, reliving the moments when their survival was uncertain.
Get as close as possible to Point Zero, the geographic center of Paris that’s sometimes considered a place of good luck, just steps from the famous cathedral.
Finish your tour of Notre Dame’s exterior at the entrance to the archaeological crypt below the cathedral. Learn about this unique site before going underground for your self-guided visit to the very foundations of Île de la Cité, the original Paris.
Notre Dame tour itinerary
-
Notre Dame’s famous façade
With its iconic towers and legendary gargoyles that survived the blaze
-
Point Zero
A glimpse of the geographic center of Paris at the heart of the tragic fire
-
The right side of the cathedral
Where you’ll see magnificent flying buttresses and the empty space where the famous spire fell
-
Scaffolding and signs of rebirth
As the cathedral is restored to its original splendor
-
Archaeological crypt of Île de la Cité
A self-guided visit to the foundations of Paris below Notre Dame
Plan your trip
Upgrade
Add on a Seine river cruise, good for one year from your tour date.
Ticket
Your entry ticket to the archeological crypt below Notre Dame is included in this tour.
Tour ending point
This tour ends at Notre Dame where you’ll continue for a self-guided visit of the crypt.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Full Schedule
1 PM, 2:30 PM daily except Monday
Notre Dame tour reviews
This was an excellent outdoor tour of Notre Dame. Our guide, Sophia, was very knowledgeable, engaging, and funny. The tour was fascinating, and I recommend it highly.
— DavidDayana
Mark
Meeting point
If you are facing the crypt and Notre Dame, the meeting point is on the right side, next to the Statue of Charlemagne. For easy navigation, paste the following coordinates into Google Maps: 48.8533421443481, 2.3482782134482134.
Your guide will be holding an orange sign that says “ExperienceFirst.”
FAQs
Will we go inside the Notre Dame Cathedral?
This tour doesn’t go inside Notre Dame. Nobody has been permitted to enter the cathedral since the tragic fire of 2019. This guided experience is an outdoor walking tour of the area surrounding the cathedral, followed by entry (ticket included) to the crypt beneath it.
How does the Seine cruise upgrade work?
Your guide will give you instructions on where to find the boat. Your ticket is good for a one-hour cruise along the Seine anytime within one year of the date of your tour. Make sure to arrive on time for your Eiffel Tower tour to receive your boat tickets — if you miss your tour, you won’t be able to pick up your cruise tickets. Reservations are not required for the river cruise. Just show up 20 minutes early with your tickets. The boat ride is roundtrip, starting and ending by the Eiffel Tower. Here is a map of the meeting point.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this tour is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
When should I get there?
Plan to be there 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
Realice este recorrido en español
Reserve AhoraParis travel guides
Montmartre is the Paris that you came to see. It’s the whimsical, charming neighborhood most often featured in international depictions of Paris. It…