Île de la Cité Tour: Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle

At the outset of the tour, we’ll learn about the background and context of Gothic architecture with our guide. Born in 1144 at Saint-Denis, Gothic became the architectural style of Europe for the next four centuries. Fittingly, the Gothic wonders of Paris are—of course—Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sainte-Chapelle. Starting with one of the oldest churches in Paris, the Église Saint-Séverin in the Latin Quarter, we will discuss the ribbed vaults and walk down the church’s double aisles which, inside Notre Dame lead to a famous ambulatory. With a better understanding of the main Gothic features, we’ll walk towards the parvis of Notre Dame de Paris. Here, our expert will help us unravel the elaborate symbolism of Notre Dame's sculptural decoration from the exterior, understand the development of the rose windows, and trace the evolution of the Gothic style. We will discuss the meaning of the gargoyles and slender flying buttresses that represent the height of medieval engineering, before (if after June 9 2025) entering to admire the restored interior and its imposing rose window.

With its unified composition of architecture, stained glass, painting, and sculpture, the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle still takes our breath away. We’ll spend considerable time here, however, due to strict rules prohibiting group lecturing in the upper part of the chapel, we’ll do most of our conversation from the exterior before heading inside. Next, we’ll explore King Louis IX's chapel, where we’ll explore the vestiges of this former residence at the neighboring Conciergerie. Here, we will focus on the impressive feast hall designed for the royal guard, which is the largest surviving Gothic hall in Europe. Time permitting, we may also visit the former prison building where Marie Antoinette and countless others were held before being sent to the guillotine (discussed further on our French Revolution Tour Paris). 

We will end the tour with a flamboyant style represented in the Gothic architecture of the emblematic Saint-Jacques Tower. This curious Gothic belfry stands alone in the heart of Paris and has long been the departure point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Its enduring architecture offers compelling evidence of resistance to change. As our time together comes to a close, we will come away from the tour with a clear understanding of the main characteristics of Gothic Architecture and be able to identify them ( for a deeper dive into French Gothic Architecture we recommend our half-day trip to Chartres) We will also have a basic sense of the major landmarks of the Île de la Cité, once the epicenter of Medieval Paris, and grasp how these sites represent religious and secular authority in France's medieval capital.

Will we visit the interior of Notre Dame on the tour?
Our itinerary will include the interior of Notre Dame, though please note we will not have skip the line access. The line moves quickly and we will use the time to introduce the interior portion of the tour.

Does this tour include climbing the bell towers of Notre Dame? Will we visit the crypt?
The bell towers remain closed to the general public. Our tour does not visit the crypt.

Does this tour include climbing the Saint-Jacques Tower?
No, however, your expert can give you information about how you can climb the tour on your own.

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
Generally speaking, the tour begins near Place Saint-Michel. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map. The tour typically ends on the Ile de la Cité.

Will you pre-purchase tickets?
We pre-purchase tickets to the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie - your guide will have them on hand. 

Can I use the Museum Pass?
Unfortunately, the Museum Pass cannot be used for this tour. Tickets are mandatory and cannot be canceled or modified. While the Museum Pass is accepted at both the Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, it does not guarantee skip-the-line access. Instead, we use E-tickets to expedite entry to Sainte-Chapelle due to long waiting lines.

Is this tour good for kids and teens?
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. We have a separate Notre Dame and Gothic Paris for Families tour just for families with children 12 and under. When booking, please provide us with information about your children, such as their favorite school subjects and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.