Notre Dame Cathedral Tour Guide and Latin Quarter Walking Tour

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Duration 02h00
Group Tour
Group Size
10 max
Refund up to 48 hours
35 reviews
Disabled access

Highlights

This walking tour will take you a few centuries back and show you the real Cradle of Paris, the stunning Ile de la Cité. Your guide will start with an in-depth exploration of the world famous Notre Dame Cathedral, a 12th Century masterpiece of architecture and home of the Hunchback. Your dedicated expert guide and history addict will retrace the building of this medieval gem and tell you all about the long-forgotten details lurking in the shadows.

You’ll then cross the Seine River to discover the northern edge of the vibrant Latin Quarter and wander the first streets of Paris. Where did they lead? Why this area is called the Latin Quarter? You’ll get all the answer while wandering the most singular streets of Paris. Last but not least, your guide will take you to the neighbourhood most iconic intellectual hotspot: Shakespeare & Co bookstore!

Enquire about this tour

Why you'll love this

Unlock the deepest secrets of the world’s most famous cathedral

Tap into the magic of the historic Lutecia

Glimpse medieval streets and gothic architecture

Meander through the heart of historical Paris

What's included

An inside out exploration of Notre Dame’s glory

An eye-opening walking tour along some of Paris’ oldest streets

A grand finale at Paris most inspiring bookstore

Price Details

Size of group

All

Per person

€49

Want to customize your experience? Contact our customer services team.
Traveling with a bigger group? Contact our customer services team for pricing and options.

F.A.Q.

What parts of Notre Dame will we visit?
Your tour will include detailed observation of the exteriors of the cathedral, as well as a guided tour inside.
*Please note that the bell towers and Archeological Crypt will not be visited. If you wish to see these additional two sites, please contact our customer service team.

Does the cathedral have visitor rules I should know about?
There is no dress code inside Notre Dame, though visitors are advised to dress appropriately (shoulders covered and mid-length to long trousers or skirts), visitors are also asked to remove hats upon entering. Photography is allowed without flash. The cathedral does not allow food, beverages, and all items of luggage (which includes large backpacks).

Can I explore the Latin Quarter further?
Our customer services team will be delighted to arrange a custom made private tour. Please get in touch and we will happily suggest an alternative itinerary!

Why are parts of the Left Bank sometimes called the Latin Quarter?
This neighborhood has been around for centuries and was renowned for its prestigious medieval universities. Because professors gave their classes in the language of Latin, the area was nicknamed the Latin Quarter and it stuck!

Meeting point & walking distance

Meeting point: Cité Metro Station
Walking distance: 1.7km / 1 mile

The itinerary

Did you know that Ile de la Cité, the heart of Paris, has been inhabited for an astonishing 22 centuries? From the first Gallic tribe that settled here to the architectural jewels of the glorious medieval times, learn the secrets of the Paris’ tumultuous history.

Your tour begins with the most famous cathedral in the world: Notre Dame de Paris. This breathtaking example of early Gothic architecture is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has been studied worldwide for the richness of its decoration. Built over eight centuries ago, the structure has kept its strength and the façade its grandeur!

Your guide will decipher its secrets and bring to life its rich past: damage done during the French Revolution, the hidden symbolism adorning the doorways, concealed messages embedded in its stones and much more. You’ll also be taken inside to scour the vast halls for enigmatic treasures.

You’ll then cross the Seine River to the edge of the energetic Latin Quarter in the Left Bank. Your guide will take you through Paris oldest and narrowest streets and, with its remarkable houses, you’ll manage to get a feel of what the city was like during medieval times.

A little further, gathered around the oldest tree in Paris (4 centuries!), your guide will explain why this area is called the Latin Quarter. Any guess? As time flies by, we had to think of a brilliant spot to end this experience. Allow us to take you to today’s most iconic intellectual hotspot in Paris, the emblematic Shakespeare & Co bookstore and its captivating story!

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Gallery

The center point of Paris near Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Your guide

Knowing Paris inside-out comes with years of exploring, but above all a passion for discovering all the magic that a city has to offer. Our city guides are selected for their insatiable love for Paris, and their desire to share it with our visitors. Leaving no stone unturned, our guides are always ready to go the extra mile to ensure that those who explore with them get to discover the Paris that truly makes them tick.