Île de la Cité is the undisputed historic heart of Paris. This small island in the River Seine is where the Celtic tribe known as the Parisii established the first settlements in the area, later becoming an important Roman stronghold that would evolve into the City of Light we know today. It is home to the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral, which recently re-opened to the public after 5 years of restoration following a devastating fire, the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century chapel with stained glass windows fit for a king, and the imposing Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned revolutionary prison. Our fascinating private walking tour allows you to visit all three sites with a local expert guide, uncovering the intriguing stories behind these Parisian icons.
On this 3-hour private tour, you will:
- Explore three of Paris’s most important landmarks;
- Enjoy the undivided attention of your expert tour guide, well-versed in French history and architecture;
- Step inside Notre Dame Cathedral and learn all about its emblematic Gothic architecture, spiritual significance, and important events that have taken place within its walls;
- Get the lowdown on the devastating fire in 2019 and the extensive restoration works undertaken ever since;
- Find out about the evolution of the Palais de la cité, from the 6th Century to the present day;
- Visit the Sainte-Chapelle, a key place of worship for generations of French royalty, and discover why it is considered the pinnacle of Rayonnant Gothic architecture;
- Ascend to the upper chapel to admire the vibrant stained glass windows and grand vaulted ceiling;
- Make your way to the Conciergerie and uncover its turbulent past;
- Take in the mix of architectural styles and how they reflect various stages of construction and restoration;
- Learn about its role as a prison during the French Revolution and see the cell of its most famous inmate: Marie Antoinette.
Discover the palimpsest of Parisian history on this private walking tour through Île de la Cité, the city’s birthplace and historic heart. With your expert guide leading the way, you will get a comprehensive look at the most important monuments on this small but mighty island. The experience begins outside the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral. After taking in intriguing details of its elaborate facade, you will step inside this world-renowned masterpiece of Gothic architecture, tracing its evolution across the centuries as you admire soaring vaults, luminous stained glass, and important religious artefacts. Along the way, your guide will regale you with stories of the coronations, revolutions, and cultural milestones that have unfolded within these walls. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the cathedral’s resilience in the wake of the dramatic 2019 fire and the painstaking restoration efforts undertaken in the years since.
From Notre Dame, your journey continues to two other jewels of the Palais de la Cité, the extensive former royal palace complex, with the exact order varying depending on ticket availability. At the Sainte-Chapelle, your guide will explain the eye-catching elements of French Rayonnant architecture on display in this spectacular place of worship, which was originally intended as a repository of sacred relics. As you ascend to the upper chapel, the walls will dissolve into a kaleidoscope of stained glass, thanks to the 15 towering windows that narrate biblical scenes in a blaze of colour. Standing beneath the chapel’s celestial vaulted ceiling, a privilege once reserved for French royalty, is nothing short of breathtaking.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Sainte-Chapelle, your guide will lead you through the hallowed halls of the Conciergerie, a vast fortress-like building whose architecture reflects centuries of change. Once part of the royal residence, it later became one of the most infamous prisons of the French Revolution. As you walk its atmospheric corridors, your guide will share the stories of those who awaited their fate here, including Marie Antoinette, whose reconstructed cell offers a poignant glimpse into her final days.
This tour is a wonderful way to delve into the architecture, artistry, and dramatic history of Île de la Cité. With easy access to three of its most important monuments and the insights of a passionate local guide, you’ll leave with a richer appreciation of Paris’ past and some of the most precious treasures that continue to shape its identity today.
