Private Historical Tour of Notre Dame

4.7 (47 reviews) Paris, France
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Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, French
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

The tour is a product of a very long and detailed research, conducted by a PhD scholar, that was done for the purposes of mobile app Notre Dame Fiat Lux. This research will also be published in the form of a book. Therefore, our guides who partook in this research (most of them) or have prepared the tour from it, are arguably and very likely the foremost experts on Notre Dame in Paris, France, and indeed the world. The tour is a comprehensive view on the cathedral and its many different aspects. We offer a rare synthesis of research, over ten years of guiding experience, and most importantly, honest, deep and ever expanding love for this jewel of Gothic architecture. We feel that Notre Dame is the very pinnacle of Western civilization, and we are eager to explain why. Come share our passion and ever growing interest for this unique monument.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - while the new rule is being implemented, we cannot guarantee tour guiding inside - visiting the inside is still included.

What's included

  • Private tour
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral access
  • Food and drinks
  • for the moment, as the new rule is being implemented, guiding inside the cathedral is not guaranteed

What to expect

  1. Archeological Crypt of the Parvis of Notre-Dame
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    The underground of the cathedral and its importance not only for Notre Dame, but for history of Paris and France as well. We discuss the crypt without entering it, as it is a separate visit in its own right.
  2. Point zero des routes de France
    15m
    The historic, cultural, symbolical and overall relevance of this often overlooked yet immensely important site.
  3. Equestrian Statue of Charlemagne
    15m
    History of how France came to be and the significant role Notre Dame Cathedral had in it.
  4. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
    20m
    A detailed description of the Western Portal of the cathedral and the meaning of its statues and reliefs. The detailed explanation of their history and relevance. In this case in particular, art is never just ornamental, but deeply symbolical and instrumental.
  5. 15m
    The view of the cathedral from the side, as a chance to discuss its architecture, windows, gargoyles, and how it comes together both symbolically and functionally.
  6. Fontaine de la Vierge
    10m
    A view of the cathedral from the back, and the detailed account of the immense and breathtaking complexity of Gothic architecture.
  7. Petit-Pont-Cardinal-Lustiger
    10m
    An overview of the entire cathedral and the story of its beauty, connected to dogma, creation of Marian Catholicism, French identity and politics.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of the Charlemagne statue, a large bronze horse rider on the right hand side of the church. Your guide will be carrying a red canvas tote bag.

End point

The meeting point is in front of the Charlemagne statue, a large bronze horse rider on the right hand side of the church. Your guide will be carrying a red canvas tote bag.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The entrance to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is free and open to all. The services offered are independent of access to the interior of the building.
  • cathedral is not accessible on the inside and visit stays on the outside.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7 (47)
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€250.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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