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Paris Notre-Dame Cathedral Interior & Exterior Guided Tour

Notre Dame Cathedrale de Paris
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About

  • 4.7 321 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Reserve now & pay later
  • Duration 1 hour
  • Live tour guide: English
  • Small Group: Limited to 7 participants
  • Provided by: GetYourGuide

Highlights

  • Learn Gothic secrets and Notre-Dame’s dramatic history
  • Includes both exterior and interior guided tour
  • See the Rose Window, flying buttresses, and sculpted portals
  • Île de la Cité Insight: Learn why this island anchors Notre Dame
  • Small group, limited to 7 guests
Notre Dame Cathedrale de Paris
NotreDame Cathedrale facade Paris
Notre Dame Cathedrale Paris

Included

  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • 30-minute guided exterior walking tour of Notre-Dame
  • 30-minute guided interior tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Intimate small group experience (max 7 guests)

Availability

FULL DESCRIPTION

Step into the heart of Parisian history on a small-group Paris Notre-Dame Cathedral tour, limited to just 6 guests for a personal and enriching experience. Begin outside on the cathedral’s iconic Parvis, where your expert guide brings to life the symbolism carved into the three great portals, the stories behind the Gallery of Kings, and the religious and political drama etched into the stone. You’ll walk along the southern side to admire the South Rose Window from the outside, and see the flying buttresses that revolutionized medieval architecture and helped save the structure during the 2019 fire.

Then, follow your guide into the newly reopened interior of Notre-Dame. Inside, stand beneath the soaring ribbed vaults of the nave, where light pours through brilliant stained glass. You’ll explore the side chapels, view sacred altars, and learn about the relics once h... Read more

Step into the heart of Parisian history on a small-group Paris Notre-Dame Cathedral tour, limited to just 6 guests for a personal and enriching experience. Begin outside on the cathedral’s iconic Parvis, where your expert guide brings to life the symbolism carved into the three great portals, the stories behind the Gallery of Kings, and the religious and political drama etched into the stone. You’ll walk along the southern side to admire the South Rose Window from the outside, and see the flying buttresses that revolutionized medieval architecture and helped save the structure during the 2019 fire.

Then, follow your guide into the newly reopened interior of Notre-Dame. Inside, stand beneath the soaring ribbed vaults of the nave, where light pours through brilliant stained glass. You’ll explore the side chapels, view sacred altars, and learn about the relics once housed here—such as the Crown of Thorns—and the significance they held for centuries of worshippers. Along the way, your guide will share the story of Victor Hugo’s impact on the cathedral’s restoration, how Napoleon was crowned emperor here, and how artisans today are rebuilding it by hand, stone by stone.

This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience both the outside and inside of Notre-Dame in depth, with the added value of a passionate guide and a small group that ensures a thoughtful, unhurried experience.

* Please note: Exceptional closures of Notre Dame can occur last minute, we urge you to plan ahead and visit the official Notre Dame website in order to verify if your date may be affected by a closure at, https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/. Refunds will not be given due to closures of the Cathedral. If the interior is closed an enhanced exterior tour will be given for 1 hour . *

Good to know

  • Entry to Notre Dame Cathedral is free. The services offered are independent of entry to the building.
  • Notre-Dame is an active place of worship with a strict dress code.
  • All visitors must dress modestly to be allowed entry.
  • Shoulders must be covered (no sleeveless tops).
  • Shorts and skirts must be of knee-length or longer.
  • Entry may be refused by cathedral staff if attire is deemed inappropriate.
  • No refunds will be issued if entry is denied due to failure to follow the dress code.

Reviews

4.7/5 321 reviews

We had the pleasure of having Elizabeth as our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about medieval history and Notre Dame. You can tell she’s passionate about the topic. Highly recommend her.

Christopher – United States

Quentin our guide was probably the most knowledgeable historian guide I’ve ever met!! This tour was worth every penny because I learned more about Notre Dame than ever before. Using this guide website has never let me down and always exceeded expectations!

Anita – United States

Rose was an excellent guide, she was very knowledgeable and passionate about art and history. Most of the tour took place at the exterior of the church, once you enter it obviously is very crowded and difficult to deliver information as you are asked to keep quiet. Perhaps earpieces of some sort would be beneficial in order to learn more about specifics about the interior? Overall very good though!

Karen – Italy

Questions & Answers

When was Notre-Dame built? Construction began in 1163 and was largely completed by 1345.

Why is Notre-Dame so famous? It is an architectural masterpiece of French Gothic style, a major religious site, and the setting of Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

What does “Notre-Dame” mean? It means “Our Lady” in French, referring to the Virgin Mary.

Is Notre-Dame still a church? Yes, it remains a Catholic cathedral and hosts religious services.

What relics are housed in Notre-Dame? The cathedral holds significant Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ.

What is the best time to visit Notre-Dame? Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Can you climb the towers of the Notre-Dame Cathedral? Before the fire, visitors could climb to see the famous gargoyles and a panoramic view of Paris. It is expected to reopen after restoration.

What are some other nearby attractions? The Sainte-Chapelle Church, Conciergerie, and the Seine River walks are all close by.

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