Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Walking Tour With Crypt

Explore the storied streets of Île de la Cité, as your local guide leads you through the very heart of Paris. This Notre Dame walking tour covers centuries of history, from famous landmarks to local culture.

Learn why Parisians called Henri IV the “Good King” and still leave flowers at his feet. Follow your guide to some lesser-known gems even in this famous corner of Paris, like the peaceful Square du Vert Galant, stretching to the tip of the island and the historic Place Dauphine.

As we walk, you can’t miss the grand buildings like the imposing Cour d’Appel, the Conciergerie, and the Palais de Justice, but your guide points out details that make these places come alive. For example, did you know the ornate, gilded clock on the Tour de l’Horloge at the Palais de la Cité has been telling time since 1370?

We’ll stroll through a flower market bursting with color and fragrance. And you can admire the Gothic architecture of Sainte-Chapelle as you hear about the jewel-box-like room inside. It’s a fascinating comparison to another Gothic cathedral, the highlight of our tour: Notre Dame. 

Hear how Notre Dame has been reborn since the fire and what makes it so special today. We don’t go inside the cathedral (indoor group visits aren’t yet allowed), but you’re welcome to enter on your own after the tour. Your tour guide will provide tips for what to look for inside.

You’ll tour the outside of the cathedral and then continue to the Archaeological Crypt beneath it. Your ticket to the crypt is included for your self-guided visit of the ancient foundations of Paris buried below the cathedral, including many interpretative panels in English to explain what you’ll see.

You can also upgrade for a combo ticket to two Gothic masterpieces: Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie. Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning church built in the 13th century. As you stand in the nave below its lofty ceiling, colored light filters through the stained glass windows surrounding you. 

The Conciergerie has been both a palace and a prison (famously, it held Queen Marie Antoinette) and is steeped in Parisian history. It’s right across from Sainte-Chapelle and a perfect way to cap your Paris tour of Île de la Cité!