Medieval Paris – Ile de la Cité, St Chapelle & Conciergerie

Notre Dame of Paris Cathedral was recently tragically damaged by a important fire. We are all very saddened by the events. The monument will remain closed for renovations. Under the circumstances, and until further notice, we will offer a different itinerary for this tour (Notre Dame will not be visited inside, but your guide will give you a detailed presentation of its rich architecture and provide many facts about the History of Our Lady of Paris).

Often called the cradle of Paris, the Île de la Cité was adopted as home by the Parisii tribe over 2,000 years ago and is thought of as the historical centre of Paris. Your tour begins on the island in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, where you’ll be deciphering the intricate details of the stone façade of this gothic masterpiece and learning the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque. Despite the recent 2019 fire that partially destroyed its roof and spire, your guide will present Our Lady of Paris from the outside and its rich sculpted facade.

Next it’s the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and infamous prison that struck fear into the hearts of its detainees. You’ll see the sprawling vaulted ceilings of the Salle des Gens d’Armes, the world’s largest gothic hall and discover old prison cells, offering different levels of comfort according to the social status of the prisoner. The French Revolution also comes to life as you retrace Marie Antoinette’s fateful trip to the guillotine.

Finally the dazzling Sainte Chapelle, a masterpiece of medieval engineering with walls made entirely of stained glass. You’ll learn about the king behind this ambitious and costly project, and the high-profile relic for which the chapel was built.