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Île de la Cité Tour: Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle with Skip-the-Line Tickets

• Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior only)
• Sainte Chapelle
• Conciergerie
• Church of Saint-Séverin
• Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre
• Saint-Jacques Tower
• Île de la Cité

• Embark on a journey through the heart of medieval Paris, exploring the iconic Gothic architectural wonders of Île de la Cité with an expert guide.
• Planning to visit Paris for the 2024 Olympics or Paralympics? Check with us for availability!

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• Île de la Cité

The Historical Heart of Paris

• See & Do

Île de la Cité:  The Historic Heart of Paris

Want to explore Île de la Cité, one of two attraction-packed islands in the Seine River at the heart of Paris? 

You may already know Île de la Cité as the home of three magnificent world-famous medieval masterpieces - Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie - but it's also the birthplace of Paris and filled with lots of other interesting places for you to visit.

Almost 2,300 years ago, a Celtic tribe called the Parisii created a small settlement here, and since that time, Roman invaders, France's first kings, Medieval and Renaissance architects and builders, and the French Revolution have contributed to Île de la Cité 's fascinating mix of history and charm.

Today, in addition to the three top medieval attractions , you can visit a wonderful flower and bird market that's flourished here since the early 1800s, a haunting World War II memorial, beautiful but almost hidden parks, an archeological dig where you can see layers of Paris history, a square lined with lovely buildings built in the early 1600s by a French king, inviting bistros and boutiques, and other special places missed by many visitors.

Consider beginning your explorations by joining a small-group guided tour of the island.  One of the best is the Île de la Cité Walking Tour, which also includes skip-the-line tickets and tours of Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie. 

In this article, you'll find 14 fascinating places to visit plus a map of Île de la Cité, tips for getting there, suggestions about where to stay nearby, and where to eat.

Top photo:  Notre Dame Cathedral before the fire, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

14 Best Things to Do & See on Île de la Cité

1.  tour île de la cité by foot or on wheels.

A popular way to get acquainted with Île de la Cité's famous and lesser-known attractions is to join a guided tour. 

Whether you prefer to make the most of your time by visiting Île de la Cité with a local expert or you want a quick introduction to the neighborhood before exploring more on you own, these tours offer you a variety of fun and unforgettable experiences while seeing top attractions, learning about the island's history and lore, and even seeing other parts of Paris:

• Île de la Cité Walking Tour including Notre Dame - See the island, Sainte Chapelle, and the Conciergerie on this small group tour; includes skip-the-line tickets
• Île de la Cité Walking Tour, Seine Cruise, & Skip-the-Line Sainte-Chapelle - Explore the neighborhood on this guided walking tour; get tickets to visit Sainte-Chapelle and take a Seine River cruise on your own
• Paris Highlights: From Notre Dame to Eiffel Tower - On this small group or private walking tour, you'll see Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and other top Paris historical sites, bridges, palaces, and parks.
• Classic Sites Tour by Vintage Citroen 2CV - See famous Paris attractions all over the city, including Notre Dame on Île de la Cité, on this 2-hour driving tour in a classic French car
• Charming Paris Nooks & Crannies Bike Tour - Explore Paris's most charming neighborhoods including Île de la Cité by bike on this fun tour of the city's top attractions

Fun fact about Île de la Cité:   The island is split between two of Paris's 20 administrative districts.  The island's western end is in the 1st arrondissement, and the eastern end is in the 4th.

2.  Gaze at the Medieval Splendor of Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral - or in French, Notre-Dame de Paris , meaning "Our Lady of Paris) is one of the world's finest and most famous Gothic cathedrals, built between 1160 and 1260.

The cathedral is the most important medieval monument in Paris, and certainly the most important attraction on Île de la Cité.  Its flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings, gorgeous stained glass rose windows, superb (and enormous) pipe organ and bells, massive quantities of decorative sculpture including its famous gargoyles, priceless art and religious relics, and beautiful concerts are just a few of the many reasons to visit.

Unfortunately, you cannot go inside right now.  After a huge fire came close to destroying this irreplaceable cultural treasure, a multi-year restoration effort is now in progress, with a grand reopening planned for December 8, 2024.  Check Paris December Events for details as they become available.

Other dates to note: 

• A special mass in the Nave is scheduled for April 15, 2024, exactly 6 years after the fire
• A replica of the mid-19th century spire added by French architect Eugene Violette-le-Duc will be in place by the time of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

Despite all the scaffolding currently in place, Notre Dame still belongs on your "must visit" bucket list.  From the front (the view in the photo at the top of this article), the cathedral doesn't actually look as bad as you might expect, and you can see quite a lot of the magnificent structure from the surrounding streets and across the river. 

Only when you walk around and gaze at the sides and back will you notice the full extent of the damage - but you will still be able to see lots of the intricate sculptural details and the architecture. 

If you want to get current information about the status of the repairs and a French perspective about the politics surrounding restoration decisions, take one of the neighborhood walking tours mentioned above:  Île de la Cité Walking Tour including Notre Dame (includes Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie skip the line tickets), Île de la Cité Walking Tour with Seine Cruise & Skip-the-Line Sainte-Chapelle tickets (the cruise lets you see the damaged cathedral from a different perspective, and Paris Highlights: From Notre Dame to Eiffel Tower are all good choices.

If you want to book a Seine cruise to see Notre Dame on your own, the hop-on hop-off Batobus is a good choice because you can cruise by as many times as you want, and the Notre Dame stop is close to the cathedral.

Finally, if you don't have a lot of time or want to combine seeing the famous cathedral with other acdtivities, consider a 1-hour Seine River cruise, an evening Seine River cruise with dinner, or a combo ticket for a hop-on hop-off bus tour and Seine River cruise.

3.  Soak Up Beauty in Saint Chapelle

Famous for its dazzling medieval stained glass windows and candlelight concerts, Sainte Chapelle is another Gothic gem on Île de la Cité.  In a city filled with magnificent churches, the beauty of this small chapel built to house religious relics has no equal.

If you're planning to visit for the first time, get the most from your experience by joining the small group Île de la Cité Walking Tour with tours of Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie.  Your guide will share highlights of Sainte Chapelle's history and architecture, and explain a few of the 1,113 scenes depicted in the chapel's 15 huge glass panels.

If you're planning a return visit - because one visit here is never enough - save time by getting combo tickets and a tour that also includes the Conciergerie, almost next door, plus an outside tour of Notre Dame Cathedral.

You can also get free admission when you have a Paris Museum Pass.

Find out more about visiting Sainte Chapelle

4.  Explore the Conciergerie:  Medieval Palace, Reign of Terror Prison

Many Paris visitors overlook the Conciergerie, Île de la Cité's third magnificent medieval attraction, in favor of Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle, its more famous neighbors.  That's a pity because this UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of 13th century secular Gothic architecture. 

Aside from its spectacular soaring arches, vaulted ceilings, and immense spaces, the Conciergerie holds a special place history as the royal palace of the first French kings in addition to serving as a notorious Reign of Terror prison where Marie Antoinette spent her final days awaiting execution.

Best ways to see the Conciergerie:

• Get a timed-entry ticket online
• Save money with a discounted combo ticket + guided tour for the Conciergerie and Saint Chapelle, plus the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral

Find out more about why to visit the Conciergerie

Find More Top Attractions Near Île de la Cité

Take a look at this Paris attractions map to find more fun things to do near Île de la Cité:

5.  Relax in Place Dauphine

Almost hidden behind Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie are two special places that most Paris visitors miss - but you shouldn't.

The first one you'll come to is Place Dauphine, created by King Henri IV between 1607 and 1614 as one of his many projects to improve city life.  You'll feel its charming and tranquility the moment you enter from Rue de Harlay. 

Stroll past the small book stores and antique shops tucked among the restaurants, enjoy a leisurely meal, or just find an empty park bench on the tree-filled gravel plaza and admire the (mostly) 17th century architecture. 

Henry IV decreed (a perk of being king) that all the buildings surrounding the square must have the same appearance: two arcaded shops on the ground floor and two residential floors above, topped by an attic.  

Through the centuries, owners have added floors and embellished the building's façades.  Only two remain mostly unchanged from their early 17th century design.

Want to see the two original buildings?   Look toward the west, where the buildings come almost together to form the point of a triangle.  See the last house on each side, noticeably shorter than the others?  That's what they all once looked like.

Now, walk through the gap between the buildings (it's wider than it looks in the photo), and you'll see three more things:   1) Paris's oldest bridge, Pont Neuf, which connects Île de la Cité to the city's Right Bank and Left Bank, 2) a large statue of Henri IV on horseback facing east toward Place Dauphine, and 3) about 20 feet (7m) below, the second special place you should visit:  Square du Vert-Galant.  

6.  Picnic in Square du Vert-Galant

To reach Square du Vert-Galant, descend the rather steep set of stairs behind the statue of Henri IV. 

You're near the spot where Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, was burned to death in front of a large crowd in 1314 before the garden existed.  Bonus points if you can find a small bronze plaque memorializing the event. Hint: look up toward the bridge.

Walk through the gate into the park, and you're now on a small spit of land at Île de la Cité's western tip formed by lining a natural sandbar with rock walls, or quais.  

This is one of the city's loveliest almost-hidden gardens, and a popular site for picnics. 

Want to enjoy a picnic of your own here?  You can buy provisions by crossing the Pont Neuf bridge to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood on the Left Bank.  Walk along Rue Dauphine (the extension of the bridge), and you'll see numerous small places offering tasty carryout and, of course, wine.  No corkscrew?  Just ask the shopkeeper to take out the cork for you. 

7.  Photograph the Pont Neuf Bridge

Pont Neuf opened to traffic in 1604 and is now the city's oldest bridge still in existence - ironic since its name means "new bridge."  

Pont Neuf's arches hark back to the style used by Romans, and although it was the first bridge in Paris not to be lined with houses, it still attracted a lively crowd of thieves, murderers, gangs, hustlers, pickpockets, faith healers, prostitutes,entertainers, and tooth pullers - it even its own set of gallows for public executions. 

Try to imagine any of that happening today.  Pont Neuf, now is quintessential Paris landmark, is one of the most photographed Paris bridges.   If you want to take some of your own, late afternoon when the light bounces off the mellow stone is the best time. 

8. Admire the Cité Metro Station's Art Nouveau Entrance

Although the Paris Metro boasts many different styles of entrances ranging from artistic to modern to slightly quirky, by far the most famous are the distinctive Art Nouveau masterpieces designed by architect Hector Guimard in the early 1900s. 

Although 141 of Guimard's entrances once graced the city, only 86 of them remain.  You can recognize them by their sinuous lines, organic motifs, and intricate details, evoking the Belle Époque era.  Guimard crafted them from cast iron, and coated them with a signature shade of green paint similar to oxidized brass.  The red glass globe lights are another defining feature. 

To see one of the best Guimard entrances, stop by the Cité metro station, located in almost the exact center of the island.  Bonus:  you can then pop into Marché des Fleurs next to the station - a fantastic flower and bird market.

9. Soak Up Colors in Marché des Fleurs, Île de la Cité's Flower & Bird Market

In a city filled with epic markets, Île de la Cité's Flower Market ( Marché aux Fleurs ) stands out.  It's open every day from 8am-7:30pm, and has been delighting Parisians for over two centuries.  Six green cast-iron pavilions with skylights make the market comfortable year-round, and outdoor tables accommodate even more vendors.

Stop by and admire the masses of colorful and fragrant offerings - every type of flower you can imagine.  You'll also find all kinds of pots, tools, and other accessories.  As Christmas approaches, the pavilions overflow with holiday arrangements and gifts.

On Sundays, the outdoor space transforms into a bird market catering to Parisians who love keeping a small parakeet or even a parrot as a pet in their apartments, although there are many exotic birds as well.  You'll sometimes even see a few chickens and ducks.

But be warned:  if you stop by thinking you'll spend only five minutes here, an hour can easily pass by before you realize it.

10.  Stand on Point Zero

What it Point Zero? 

Supposedly the Point Zero marker, a small bronze plaque set in granite amid the cobblestones in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, marks the exact center of the City of Paris. 

Look at a map, and you may have your doubts about the "exact" part - but it is close to the center.

More important, the star in the marker's center is the point from which all distances in France are measured - which is why its exact name is Point Zéro   des routes de France .

Don't be surprised if you have trouble finding the marker; it is small - less than 3 feet (1m) in diameter.  Traditionally, Notre Dame's annual Christmas tree is placed directly on top of it - so here is a photo to help you locate the spot:

Find out more about Christmas in Paris

11.  Remember the Dead at the Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation

The Memorial to the Martyrs of the Deportation (Le Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation) commemorates the 200,000 people - French Jews, foreign Jews, Roma, political dissidents, refugees, communists, members of Résistance - deported by the Vichy France collaborationist government to Nazi death camps during World War II.  You will find it located behind Notre Dame Cathedral on the site of a former morgue on the eastern tip of the island.

The Memorial is deliberately designed to be an immersive experience - so expect to perhaps feel claustrophobic, entrapped, and doomed as you descend the narrow stairs and walk through dimly-lit cells, just as deportees may have felt as they were conveyed out of France to concentration camps.

Most tourists miss this site.  Don't be one of them.  The Memorial is moving, evocative, thought-provoking, and if you visit, you'll remember it long after your trip is over.

Open daily from 10am-7pm from April through September, and 10am-5pm from October through March.  Admission is free.

12.  See Paris History at Crypte Archéologique

Crypte Archéologique started back in the 1960s when an excavation for a parking lot under the large plaza ( Parvis ) in front of Notre Dame unearthed some unexpected discoveries:  layers and layers of artifacts representing over 2,000 years of Paris history.

After archeologists, antiquarians, and other specialists arrived on the scene, preserved, sorted out, and identified the jumble of ruins, a new museum emerged.

What can you see here?  Roman baths and upscale Roman houses with forced-hot air heating systems ("hypocausts"), medieval walls, ramparts, wells, and house foundations, remnants of an ancient port, remains of an 18th century orphanage - and lots more.

Fortunately, 3D renditions help you make sense of what you're looking at:  a panoramic view of how Paris has recreated itself through the centuries.

Admission:  9 euros, plus another 5 euros if you want an audio guide.  Free entrance if you have a Paris Museum Pass.

13.  See Charlemagne on Horseback 

Like most of the older historic Paris neighborhoods, Île de la Cité has more than its share of statues of famous people, but the most imposing and best known is a bronze statue of Charlemagne, crowned King of the Franks in 800, on horseback with his guards Olivier and Roland. 

The statue is located on a pedestal on the south side of the plaza (ie, toward the river) in front of Notre Dame.  The statue is fairly magnificent, particularly if you're interested in Charlemagne - but the main reason you may want to be familiar with what it looks like is because many tour groups tell you to meet by it - so take a good look at the photo.

14.  View Île de la Cité from a Different Perspective on a River Cruise

Walking around Île de la Cité and exploring it on foot lets you appreciate its many attractions close up - but viewing it during a Seine River sightseeing cruise gives you a whole different perspective. 

You'll get up-close views of Square du Vert-Galant and the Pont-Neuf Bridge, see the full expanse of the Conciergerie and all its medieval towers, and have some of the best views of Notre Dame. 

And of course, you'll see much more, as so many of Paris's most famous landmarks and monuments are located along the river.

Getting There:  Île de la Cité Location & Map

Location:  Middle of the Seine River, between the Right and Left Bank; Île de la Cité straddles the 1st and 4th Arrondissements  Walking:   Walking across any of the bridges to reach Île de la Cité:  Pont Neuf, Pont Au Change, Pont Notre Dame, Pont d'Arcole, Pont au Double, Petit Pont, Pont de l'Archevêché, Pont Saint-Louis, Pont d'Arcole Metro:   Line 4, Cité station Batobus:  (Notre Dame or Hotel de Ville stop) - Get Batobus hop on hop off river cruise tickets Bus:   Lines 21, 38, 47, 58, 70, 75, 96; this map shows where they cross the island:

Interactive Map Showing Top Attractions on Île de la Cité

Another Map Showing Île de la Cité

If you prefer non-interactive maps, this one created by Paris 16  and OpenStreetMap contributors show the island and nearby areas on the Right and Left Banks:

Best Hotels & Apartments near Île de la Cité 

Although there are no hotels on Île de la Cité, you'll find plenty of wonderful choices just a few minutes' walk away on the Right Bank, Left Bank, and adjacent island, Île Saint-Louis.  Here are a few to consider

• Hôtel Europe Saint Séverin Paris - Small Latin Quarter hotel close to Notre Dame; request a room with a balcony! Find best rates
• Hotel Saint-Louis en l'Île - Highly rated 3-star boutique hotel with air conditioning and an elegant ambiance on nearby Île Saint-Louis near Notre Dame - Book now
• Citadines Saint Germain des Prés - Serviced apartments (studios and larger) in a top-notch Right Bank location across from Île de la Cité and the Conciergerie Book best deals
• Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris - Charming 4-star boutique hotel in a historic 15th century building in the Latin Quarter - just a quick walk across the Pont Saint-Michel bridge to the Conciergerie Find best rates
• Hôtel Left Bank Saint Germain - Charming 3-star boutique hotel with just 31 rooms in an 18th century building in fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Prés, just a 5 minute walk from Conciergerie - See best deals

Want more suggestions?   Check out:

• Hotels near Notre Dame - Recommendations for accommodations on Ile Saint Louis and across the river in the Latin Quarter
• 1st Arrondissement Paris Hotels - Find best places to stay across the river in this convenient-to-everrything Right Bank district

Île de la Cité does have a few high end and luxury apartments such as Residence Lancaster available for short-term rentals that are definitely worth considering if they fit your budget. 

Others include the Dauphine Apartments at 25 Place Dauphine, a historic 1610 building, and are rented through Paris Perfect.

Guest Apartment Services which handles rentals for a couple of apartments on Ile de la Cité as well as several others on adjacent Ile Saint-Louis.

First time visitor to Paris?  Find out about the best neighborhoods to stay in

Map Showing More Paris Hotels & Apartments near Île de la Cité

Use this Paris hotel map to find more hotels and apartments on Île de la Cité.  Enter your dates to see what's available and find the cheapest rates:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

Where to Eat on Île de la Cité:  Bistros, Brasseries, Cafes, Raclette, & Creperies

• Place Dauphine - Many small restaurants, bistros, and cafes - all are good, so check out the menus and choose the one you like best
• Across the street (Boulevard du Palais) from Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie:   Les Deux Palais - favorite spot for burgers, steak-frites, salads, omelettes, and other traditional brasserie fare
• Near Notre Dame - If you're facing the cathedral, you'll find lots of casual places along the street on its left - some may seem rather touristy, but the food is generally quite good
• Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole (24 Rue Chanoinesse) - Although perhaps best known for its lovely display of wisteria blooms during April, this small cafe offers tasty traditional food near Notre Dame
•  Île Saint-Louis - Walk across Pont Saint-Louis and walk down Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île where you'll see a dozen or two choices including a couple of creperies - all are good.  After your meal, head to Berthillon at #31 and indulge in the most famous ice cream in Paris
• Latin Quarter - If you have a craving for raclette, head to Le Marmiton de Lutèce (6 Rue Saint-Severin) in the Latin Quarter, about a block from the river; to get there, walk across Petit Pont bridge, turn right onto Rue Severin, and you'll see Le Marmiton almost immediately on your right

More to Explore near Île de la Cité

You're in the center of Paris, surrounded by so much to see and do!  Here are just a few suggestions for nearby famous as well as lesser-known attractions:

• The Louvre - Walk across the Pont Neuf bridge to the Right Bank, and the famous museum will be to your left.  Book a skip-the-line ticket online or join a tour - you can find out about our favorite small-group tour experience here.   After you've had your fill of art, architecture, and culture, head to Tuileries Gardens to the west of the Louvre and relax by the beautiful fountain.
• The Marais - The best-preserved old medieval parts of the city, and a favorite of fashionistas who love the international and Parisian boutiques along and near Rue des Francs Bourgeois and Rue des Rosiers.  Treat yourself to a falafal at L'As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers) in the heart of this traditional Jewish neighborhood.  Visit Paris's Holocaust museum, Mémorial de la Shoah, or the Picasso Museum.   See some lovely little-known parks and gardens on our Rue Payenne walking tour.
• The Latin Quarter - Want to see more medieval treasures, including the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries?   Get your Middle Ages fix at the Cluny Museum (use a Paris Museum Pass for free entrance) which also has well-preserved Roman baths.  Or go back even farther in time and visit a well-preserved Roman arena, Arènes de Lutèce.  
• The Rest of the 1st Arrondissement - Île de la Cité is only a small part of the attraction-packed First Arrondissement.   Find about all the other fascinating places to see and things to do in this historic part of Paris.

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Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

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April in Paris

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May in Paris

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June in Paris

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July in Paris

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August in Paris

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September in Paris

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October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

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Hanukkuh in Paris

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Christmas in Paris

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Notre Dame Paris – Priority Entrance, tickets, prices, guided tours

Notre Dame de Paris or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the favorite tourist destinations for Catholic and non-Catholic tourists.

Tourists admire its stained glass, the towers, rose windows, steeple, and gargoyles.

They also spend time exploring the Notre Dame treasury and climb the towers to see panoramic views of Paris.

In this article, we explain everything you should know before booking tickets for the Notre Dame in Paris.

Top Notre Dame, Paris Tickets

# Self-guided tour with audio guide # Guided tour of Notre Dame # Guided tour with Tower access

Table of contents

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Following a severe fire on 15 April 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral, its treasure, and towers are closed for visitors until further notice. We recommend  Sainte Chapelle  and  Pantheon instead.

Notre Dame is about 127 meters (417 feet) long and 48 meters (158 feet) wide and can hold around 9000 people.

The three enormous stained glass windows are its most prominent feature.

The glass windows were created in different periods, but the parts are from medieval times.

The diameter of the two large rose windows is 13.1 meters (43 feet).

The rose window on the West, over the portals, was the first and smallest of the windows in Notre Dame.

Once you are inside, you must check out the top floor, made entirely of oak wood.

It is believed that they cut a forest of 21 hectares (52 acres) to construct this masterpiece.

There are around 29 chapels in the cathedral.

In the chapels, you will find a silver statue of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 14th century.

Don’t miss out on the “Mays” of Notre-Dame de Paris.

These paintings are referred to as ‘Mays’ because the Parisian Goldsmiths’ Society commissioned them every year to be gifted to the cathedral on May 1.

The organ of the Notre Dame has around 7800 pipes and is 30-foot-wide.

The Cathedral has five bells, the largest of which is called Emmanuel.

It has been part of Notre Dame since the 16th century.

Emmanuel is in the South tower and weighs over 13 tons.

This bell is always rung first, at least 5 seconds before the rest. The other four bells are in the North Tower.

Notre Dame’s most valuable relic is the Crown of Thorns, a legendary cultural property from Judea.

Tickets for the Notre Dame Cathedral are available online and at the attraction.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

During peak days, the tickets may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Go to the Notre Dame booking page and choose your desired date and time and the number of tickets. 

Once you purchase Notre Dame tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit Notre Dame.

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Notre Dame tickets – priority entrance

The only way to avoid the long lines is by buying priority entrance tickets.

If you have decided to buy Notre Dame tickets, you have three options.

1. Self-guided tour with an audio guide 2. Guided tour 3. Guided tour with access to the Tower

All these tickets will get delivered to your inbox immediately after purchase.

On the day of your visit, show the ticket on your smartphone and walk in.

You get to skip the line with this ticket and enter Notre Dame cathedral through the priority entrance.

At the reception, you hand over an ID and collect the audio guide (you don’t have to pay).

Besides English, the other languages supported are Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (12+ years): €19 Child ticket (up to 11 years): Free entry

This English guided tour is available for two time slots – 10 am and 2 pm.

They take you in and around the Cathedral for an hour, narrating stories and sharing anecdotes.

The guide also shares whether the legends of the novel “Hunchback of Notre Dame” written by Victor Hugo are true or not.

After the guided tour is over, you are free to explore the cathedral on your own.

Adult ticket (18+ years): €20 Youth ticket (10 to 17 years): €15 Child ticket (up to 9 years): Free

This guided tour needs a lot of walking, not to mention the 400 steps you must climb to reach the tower.

With these tickets, you will skip two lines – the queue at the entrance and the queue for going up the Tower.

The duration of this tour is two hours.

Adult ticket (4+ years): €44 Child ticket (up to 3 years): Free

Recommenced reading: Everything about climbing Notre Dame Towers

Notre Dame combo tickets

There are two reasons why Notre Dame combo tours are popular among tourists.

Reason 1: Combo tour tickets are 20% cheaper than if you bought the tickets individually Reason 2: There are lots of interesting attractions near Notre Dame, which tourists prefer to see on the same day

For instance, The Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and Latin Quarter are within 15 minutes of walking distance from Notre Dame.

Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are 5 Kms from Notre Dame, and a cab can take you there in ten minutes.

Here are our favourite Notre Dame combo tours –

You start with a walking tour of island Ile de la Cité, one of two natural islands on the Seine River.

The second part of the tour includes a guided tour of Notre Dame.

You also get to climb the towers and see a panoramic view of the city.

Adult ticket (15+ years): €35 Child ticket (4 to 14 years): €30 Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free

This tour is quite popular with religious tourists. You will skip the lines and enter both Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame under the guidance of an English speaking guide.

You will also climb up the tower at Notre Dame.

Adult ticket (19+ years): €63 Child ticket (4 to 18 years): €53 Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free

This ticket gets you to skip the line entrance to Notre Dame and The Louvre, saving you a lot of waiting time.

After exploring the Cathedral, you skip the line to go up the Towers.

At The Louvre, the guide takes you around on a masterpieces tour showing you world-famous icons like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, etc.

Adult ticket (15+ years): €96 Child ticket (4 to 14 years): €91 Child ticket (up to 3 years): Free

Notre Dame Cathedral is located on the île de la Cité in the heart of the city.

It’s one of the two remaining natural islands in river Seine.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris. Get Directions

You can reach the cathedral by public transport or personal vehicle.

If the Paris Metro is your preferred mode of transport, you can get down at any of these Metro stations

•     Cite Station or Saint-Michel station on Line 4 •     Hôtel de Ville station on Lines 1 or 11 •     Cluny – La Sorbonne or Maubert-Mutualité station on Line 10 •     Châtelet RER station on lines 7, 11 or 14

Paris also has the commuter/rapid transit system – Réseau Express Régional (RER).

On both Line B and C of RER, you can get down at the Saint-Michel l – Notre-Dame station.

If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

You will find enough car parking spots.

From Monday to Friday, Notre Dame opens at 8 am and closes at 6.45 pm.

It opens at 8 am on Saturday and Sunday but extends its closing time by an hour to 7.45 pm.

All through the week, there are no midday closures.

This timing is applicable all through the year.

Welcome desk’s timings

The information desk at the Cathedral follows a different timing.

On weekdays, it opens at 9.30 and closes at 6 pm.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the information desk opens early at 9 am but closes at the same time – 6 pm.

The Mass takes place every Monday at 8 am, and 9 am in the choir of Notre Dame.

The 9 am choir doesn’t happen in July, August, and the first 15 days of September.

From Monday to Saturday, mass also happens in Notre Dame at noon, at the main altar.

Sunday Mass at Notre Dame Paris

On Sunday, several Mass occur throughout the day.

At 8:30 am, there is a simple Mass followed by Laud’s service and then the Gregorian Mass at 10 am.

International Mass happens at 11:30 am, followed by another Mass at 12:45 pm.

The 6:30 pm Mass is presided over by the archbishop of Paris, an important event for Catholic tourists visiting Paris.

Visitors need at least an hour to explore Notre Dame – half an hour to walk around the Cathedral and another half hour to go in and enjoy the interiors.

There is as much to see from outside the Cathedral as there is inside.

Time needed to climb Notre Dame Tower

If you decide to climb the towers of Notre Dame , you may need more time.

The queues are long, and climbing up the 402 stone stairs is a hectic task though the view is as rewarding as the climb is exhausting.

Waiting in the line, climbing the tower at Notre Dame, and then getting back can take you around two hours.

If you decide to sign the book of remembrances, factor in 15 minutes more.

Visiting the treasury will add another 20 minutes to your tour of Notre Dame.

Here is the summary –

*Some tourists don’t recommend the tower climb. They say it is too much of an effort for views of Paris which can be seen from either the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe .

If you decide to go up, click here for everything about Notre Dame Paris Towers

The best time to visit Notre Dame is 5.30 pm.

Around this time, visitors can enjoy the  Notre Dame cathedral  draped in sunset colors, relish the stained glass experience, and hear Vespers Service singing.

If you plan to go up the Notre Dame Tower, 5.30 pm is too late for you because the entries to the Towers close at 6 pm.

Best time to experience the stained glass

For the best stained-glass experience at Notre Dame, mornings and evenings are much recommended because the light enters at an angle.

If you reach Notre Dame after dark, you won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of the stained glass.

Best months to visit

Queues at Notre Dame are the longest from April to October.

The best months for a quick visit are from November to March – you won’t waste a lot of time queuing up.

When NOT to visit Notre Dame

Major religious holidays like Christmas, Easter, All Saints’ Day, Ascension Day, etc., are not the best days to visit Notre Dame, Paris.

You must avoid visiting for a few days before and after these significant religious holidays because many believers attend the church.

Notre Dame is also exceptionally crowded in the French Spring holidays, Easter Weekend, and 14 July.

As much as possible, avoid Sundays because it is teeming with believers who want to attend the service.

There is no admission fee for Notre Dame in Paris.

And that is why it is always crowded, with long lines which lead to a lot of waiting time.

If you want to  enter through a priority entrance  and/or  climb up the Bell Towers , you need to buy a ticket.

However, there is a way to use both the special entrance and go up the Towers for free – by buying the  Paris Museum Pass .

Besides the Notre Dame Cathedral, this discount card also gives you free access to 60 other Parisian museums and attractions.

Notre Dame Cathedral is notorious for its long line of tourists waiting to get in.

The lines are mainly because of visitors who block the entrance as they start taking pictures right at the door, blocking the way for others.

There’s no one to manage the lines, which means the lines move when they move.

On average, you must wait for 30 minutes or so before you can enter the Notre Dame Cathedral.

If you opt to go up the Tower, you must stand in yet another queue, where the waiting time can even go up to 90 minutes during peak times.

This long waiting time is because of two reasons: 1. Every 10 minutes, only 20 people can walk up the stairs 2. There are lots of visitors who want to go up the stairs

If you must go up the Tower, we suggest you reach Notre Dame 30 minutes before it opens. This way, you will be one of the first to go up the stairs.

Since Notre Dame in Paris is also a place of worship, a strict dress code gets followed.

Visitors found violating the dress code get stopped at the entrance.

Women must wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.

Low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts are a strict no.

Men must avoid shorts and hats as well.

If you visit on a Sunday and plan to sit for the service, you may want to dress up a bit.

During your trip to Notre Dame, please be on your guard – it could mean the difference between an excellent tour of the Cathedral or a holiday that went bad.

Outside Notre Dame (and in other tourist areas of Paris), you can be approached by locals requesting you to sign a petition.

Do not sign anything; walk away.

Once you show interest, you will be asked to donate money, which goes into the scamster’s pocket.

Sources # Wikipedia.org # Britannica.com # Notredamecathedralparis.com # Friendsofnotredamedeparis.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Découvrez notre, boutique en ligne, find out about our, depuis l’incendie du 15 avril 2019, la cathédrale est fermée.

Elle réouvrira ses portes les 7 et 8 décembre prochains

Allumer une bougie

Notre-dame : vers la réouverture , faire dire une messe, jean-charles de castelbajac rejoint l’atelier de notre-dame .

pendant les travaux de restauration dans des lieux de culte à proximité

pour soutenir la restauration de Notre-Dame et pour continuer à la faire vivre

l’histoire, l’architecture, les sculptures… de Notre-Dame de Paris

Dessinés par l'artiste Guillaume Bardet, les différents éléments du mobilier liturgique de la Cathédrale prennent vie à la fonderie Barthélémy Art, située dans la Drôme. Suivez la fabrication de l'autel, de l'ambon et de la cathèdre avant leur installation prévue fin 2024.

Notre-Dame, Ile De La Cité & St. Severin Private Family Tour

Exploring the heart of Paris has never been more captivating than with this guided tour through the city’s historic landmarks. Delving into the rich heritage of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral , the charming Île de la Cité , and the picturesque St. Severin Church , participants embark on an engaging and informative journey led by knowledgeable guides specialized in cultural experiences for families. From the ongoing reconstruction efforts at Notre-Dame to the significance of these remarkable Parisian sites, this personalized group tour promises an immersive experience that leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation for the city’s enduring legacy.

• This private family tour offers a 2-hour exploration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Île de la Cité, and St Severin Church, led by specialized cultural guides. • Visitors can learn about the ongoing reconstruction efforts at Notre-Dame Cathedral and discover the historic heart of Paris on Île de la Cité. • The tour includes a guided visit inside Notre-Dame Cathedral, an exploration of the charming Île de la Cité, and a discovery of the architectural significance of St Severin Church. • The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in Spanish, English, and French, providing a personalized group experience for families. • Pricing starts from €250.00 per group of up to 12 people, offering excellent value for the specialized expertise and comprehensive itinerary.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Eiffel Tower Guided Climb Tour by Stairs
• Louvre Museum – Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included)
• Paris: Louvre Masterpieces Tour With Pre-Reserved Tickets
• From Paris: Day Trip to Champagne With 8 Tastings & Lunch

Tour Overview

This private family tour , led by guides specialized in cultural visits for children, offers a 2-hour exploration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral , Île de la Cité , and St Severin Church .

Available in Spanish, English, and French, the tour is wheelchair accessible and provides a personalized group experience.

Guests will learn about the rescue and reconstruction efforts of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, while also discovering the history and significance of the Île de la Cité and the ‘little sister’ of Notre-Dame, the St Severin Church.

With a focus on engaging children , this immersive tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the heart of Paris and its rich cultural heritage.

Key Highlights

Guests on this private family tour will learn about the rescue and reconstruction efforts undertaken to save the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral following the devastating 2019 fire.

They’ll then explore the île de la Cité , the historic heart of Paris, before being guided through the charming St Severin Church , often referred to as the ‘little sister’ of Notre-Dame.

This church, with its stunning Gothic architecture, provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city streets. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights and anecdotes, tailoring the experience to engage and educate both children and adults.

Exploring these historical landmarks offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Paris.

Private guides specialized in cultural visits for children lead this immersive tour, taking visitors on a comprehensive exploration of the Notre-Dame neighborhood , the historic Île de la Cité, and the captivating St Severin Church .

The tour includes a guided visit inside the Cathedral , providing a unique opportunity to learn about its rescue and reconstruction following the devastating fire.

Visitors will also discover the charming Île de la Cité , the heart of Paris, and explore the history and architecture of the St Severin Church.

With a private group experience and thoughtful inclusions, this tour offers an engaging and enriching way to experience the cultural heritage of this iconic Parisian neighborhood.

Pricing and Booking

For this tour, pricing starts from €250.00 per group of up to 12 people. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with the booking automatically confirmed.

This private family tour offers excellent value, considering the specialized expertise of the guides and the comprehensive itinerary. The tour covers the key highlights of the Notre-Dame neighborhood , including the iconic cathedral, the Île de la Cité, and the St Severin Church.

Whether you’re traveling with children or simply want a more intimate cultural experience, this tour provides a great opportunity to explore the rich history and architecture of this iconic Parisian district.

Important Information

The tour is held with a private group , and the booking is automatically confirmed upon reservation. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame remains inaccessible due to the ongoing fire restoration efforts.

The tour is designed for private groups only, ensuring a personalized and tailored experience. Booking is confirmed as soon as you reserve your spot, providing convenience and peace of mind.

Unfortunately, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently closed to the public due to the extensive damage caused by the devastating fire in 2019. Despite the Cathedral’s closure, the tour still offers a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding Île de la Cité and the charming St. Severin Church.

Exploring Île De La Cité

Nestled in the heart of Paris , the Île de la Cité offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich history and captivating architecture.

Serving as the geographical center of the French capital, this island on the Seine River is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and charming cobblestone streets.

During the tour, guests will explore this historic quarter, learning about its significance as the birthplace of Paris and the site of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral .

The guide will lead the group through the winding alleyways , pointing out hidden gems and sharing fascinating stories that bring the Île de la Cité to life.

Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable Parisian neighborhood.

Guided Tour of St Severin

After exploring the Île de la Cité, the tour continues to the neighboring St Severin Church, dubbed the ‘little sister’ of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Visitors will discover the rich history and architectural significance of this Romanesque-Gothic structure, which dates back to the 6th century.

The guided tour highlights:

• The church’s intricate façade, featuring elaborate stone carvings and rose windows.
• The impressive interior, with its high vaulted ceilings, ornate columns, and stained glass windows.
• The unique history of the church, including its role as a center of Parisian intellectual life during the Middle Ages.
• The stunning side chapel, dedicated to the local patron saint, Severin, and known for its stunning frescoes.

Reconstruction of Notre-Dame

Following the devastating fire that ravaged the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019, a massive reconstruction effort has been underway to restore this renowned architectural masterpiece to its former glory.

Authorities have spearheaded a complex and meticulous rebuilding process , drawing on the expertise of engineers, architects, and skilled artisans to meticulously reconstruct the damaged structures and preserve the cathedral’s rich historical and cultural significance.

The reconstruction project has faced numerous challenges, including the need to stabilize the fragile structure, salvage and restore priceless artifacts, and ensure the safety of the site.

Despite these obstacles, the teams working on the restoration remain committed to reviving Notre-Dame as a symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of Paris.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• From Paris: Reims and Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour
• Paris: Musée D’orsay Guided Tour With Pre-Reserved Tickets
• From Paris: Versailles Guided Tour by Deluxe Minibus
• From Paris: Versailles Palace & Garden Bike Tour W/ Tickets
• From Paris: Small-Group Champagne Tour With 3-Course Lunch
• Paris: Loire Valley Chambord Castle, Wine Tasting & Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accessible Is the Tour for Families With Young Children?

The tour is highly accessible for families with young children. It features private guides specialized in cultural visits for children, wheelchair access, and a private group experience tailored to engage and educate young travelers.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour. The guides will provide guidance on appropriate times and locations for taking photos to ensure an enjoyable experience for the entire group.

Do the Guides Have Experience Working With Children?

The tour guides are specialized in leading cultural visits for children. They have extensive experience engaging young participants and tailoring the experience to their interests and attention spans. This ensures an educational yet enjoyable tour for the whole family.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Limited Mobility?

Yes, the tour is suitable for individuals with limited mobility. It’s wheelchair accessible, and the guides are specialized in cultural visits for children, ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all participants.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and no special requirements are needed. Families with children will enjoy the private guides specialized in cultural visits tailored for kids. Booking is easy and can be done with a later payment option.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• From Paris: Skip-the-Line Palace of Versailles Bike Tour
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• Paris Private Custom Tour: Half-Day With a Local Guide
• Paris: Private Walking Tour With a Licensed Local Guide
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• One-Day Tour to Bruges From Paris Mini-Group in a Mercedes
• Full-Day Tour Including Crazy Horse With Hotel Transfers
• Cheese and Wine: the Perfect Pairing and Tasting
• Paris – Latin Quarter Guided Tour
• Versailles-Giverny Day Tour With Lunch at Moulin De Fourges
• Paris: Seine River Private Cruise
• Magnificence on Every Corner – Paris Walking Tour
• Skip-The-Line Pantheon Paris Tour With Dome and Transfers
• Paris: Louvre Must-See Tour With Reserved Entry Ticket

This guided tour offers families a captivating exploration of Paris’s historic landmarks , including the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the charming Île de la Cité, and the picturesque St. Severin Church.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour immerses participants in the rich heritage of these sites, providing insights into the ongoing reconstruction efforts at Notre-Dame and the significance of these remarkable Parisian landmarks .

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Notre Dame Outdoor Walking Tour With Crypt Entry

A journey of rebirth, ruins, and remembrance.

• When 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM - daily except Monday (seasonal schedule)
• Duration 2 hours (1 hour guided)
• Meeting Point Statue of Charlemagne

$39 per adult €36 per adult £31 per adult C$53 per adult A$58 per adult

$34 per child, €31 per child, £27 per child, c$46 per child, a$50 per child, local experts, worry-free booking.

Check Availability

$39 per adult

€36 per adult, £31 per adult, c$53 per adult, a$58 per adult.

• Meeting Point
• Travel Tips

• Discover the storied history of Notre Dame, dating back to the 12th century.
• Learn what was lost and what was miraculously saved from the 15-hour fire in 2019.
• Hear first-person perspectives from your local guide about the tragedy.
• Get the inside scoop on how and when the cathedral will reopen.
• Receive your ticket to descend to the archeological crypt beneath Notre Dame.
• See a unique perspective of Île de la Cité, the original city of Paris.
• Upgrade to enjoy a narrated cruise on the beautiful Seine river.
• Take our Paris shuttle for convenient transportation, included with your tour.

What you'll do

When you come to Paris, there are icons you can’t miss, and Notre Dame is one of these. Though it suffered damage from the fire April 15, 2019, you can still discover the history, tragedy and bright future of this beloved cathedral with our Notre Dame walking tour.

You’ll learn how it began in 1163 and took over a century to finish. You’ll relive the night when people all over the world watched in horror as the cathedral filled the sky with ash, hearing what was lost but also what was saved. And you’ll share in the story of survival thanks to the valiant rescue and recovery efforts of first responders.

Walk with your guide around the scene of the fire, as they share first-person perspectives about this historic event. You’ll admire the iconic features of the well-known facade, including the towers and legendary gargoyles, reliving the moments when their survival was uncertain.

Get as close as possible to Point Zero, the geographic center of Paris that’s sometimes considered a place of good luck, just steps from the famous cathedral.

Finish your tour of Notre Dame’s exterior at the entrance to the archaeological crypt below the cathedral. Learn about this unique site before going underground for your self-guided visit to the very foundations of Île de la Cité, the original Paris.

Notre Dame tour itinerary

Notre dame’s famous façade.

With its iconic towers and legendary gargoyles that survived the blaze

A glimpse of the geographic center of Paris at the heart of the tragic fire

The right side of the cathedral

Where you’ll see magnificent flying buttresses and the empty space where the famous spire fell

Scaffolding and signs of rebirth

As the cathedral is restored to its original splendor

Archaeological crypt of Île de la Cité

A self-guided visit to the foundations of Paris below Notre Dame

Plan your trip

Add on a Seine river cruise, good for one year from your tour date.

Your entry ticket to the archeological crypt below Notre Dame is included in this tour.

Tour ending point

This tour ends at Notre Dame where you’ll continue for a self-guided visit of the crypt.

Refund policy

We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Full Schedule

Notre dame tour reviews.

This was an excellent outdoor tour of Notre Dame. Our guide, Sophia, was very knowledgeable, engaging, and funny. The tour was fascinating, and I recommend it highly.

Meeting point

If you are facing the crypt and Notre Dame, the meeting point is on the right side, next to the Statue of Charlemagne. For easy navigation, paste the following coordinates into Google Maps: 48.8533421443481, 2.3482782134482134.

Your guide will be holding an orange sign that says “ExperienceFirst.”

Will we go inside the Notre Dame Cathedral?

This tour doesn’t go inside Notre Dame. Nobody has been permitted to enter the cathedral since the tragic fire of 2019. This guided experience is an outdoor walking tour of the area surrounding the cathedral, followed by entry (ticket included) to the crypt beneath it.

How does the Seine cruise upgrade work?

Your guide will give you instructions on where to find the boat. Your ticket is good for a one-hour cruise along the Seine anytime within one year of the date of your tour. Make sure to arrive on time for your Eiffel Tower tour to receive your boat tickets — if you miss your tour, you won’t be able to pick up your cruise tickets.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this tour is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.

What is the rescheduling policy?

We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.

When should I get there?

Plan to be there 30 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

What if it rains?

Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.

Are gratuities included?

Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.

Realice este recorrido en español

Paris travel guides.

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Best Western La Tour Notre Dame ★ ★ ★ 20, rue du Sommerard 75005 Paris

Located in the heart of Paris, this hotel is 500 metres from Notre Dame Cathedral. It offers guest rooms with free, unlimited Wi-Fi access and modern facilities.

Best Western La Tour Notre Dame, 3 stars : 47 rooms

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in date

Number of nights - +

More informations about Best Western La Tour Notre Dame

Stay in the Heart of Paris

Just a 5-minute walk from the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis, Mercure Paris Nortre Dame Saint Germain des Près is right across from the Sorbonne University in the Latin Quarter. The rooms are air-conditioned and decorated in a modern style.

All rooms feature satellite TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. They all have a private bathroom.

Breakfast is served every morning and you can enjoy a drink in the hotel bar. Restaurants can be reached within walking distance of the property.

Saint-Michel RER Station is only a 5-minute walk away with direct services to Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Château de Versailles. The Pantheon is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. A meeting room is also at your disposal and can welcome up to 25 people.

5th arr. is a great choice for travelers interested in Walking , Food and History .

Rooms type & Standard Occupancy

WiFi Available in All Areas

24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Safe, Baggage Storage

Laundry, Dry Cleaning

Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Fax/Photocopying

Non-smoking Rooms, Elevator, Soundproof Rooms, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private), Air Conditioning

Free! WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 25 per day.

These are general hotel policies for Mercure Paris Notre Dame. As they may vary per room type, please also check the room conditions.

From 13:00 hours

07:00 - 12:00 hours

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Pets are not allowed.

When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club

The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.

Children and extra beds

All children are welcome.

Free! All children under 2 years stay free of charge in a crib.

The maximum number of cribs in a room is 1.

Paris-paris.com in other languages :

Hotels in paris by area :, turism in paris france.

JC de Castelbajac to Dress Clergy for Notre-Dame Reopening

RAY OF LIGHT: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has been chosen to create the clerical outfits for the re-opening of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral this December.

He was selected by Monseigneur Laurent Ulrich, the Archbishop of Paris , to create the ceremonial garb thanks to a longstanding association with the Catholic Church.

In 1997, he created rainbow-bedecked outfits for 500 bishops, 5,000 priests and a million young people attending the Church's World Youth Day celebration in Paris, from T-shirtsto the chasuble worn by Pope John Paul II. It was the first time an artist or fashion designer had collaborated with the Vatican. "The Pope said to me the next day, ‘You used color as the cement of faith,'" De Castelbajac reminisced over the phone to WWD.

John Paul II bequeathed that vestment to Notre-Dame, and it escaped unharmed by the flames that destroyed much of the landmark in 2019. "It has become a relic," said De Castelbajac, who like many Parisians in situ and francophiles the world over watched the inferno ravage the building that evening of April 15. "We all saw the cathedral go up in flames with horror," De Castelbajac said. "It's a symbol of France that we are incredibly attached to. Notre-Dame is the mothership of the church in France."

For its reopening ceremonies in December, he was appointed to join l'Atelier Notre-Dame, a group of artists and craftspeople selected by the Diocese of Paris to work on its restoration.

He has designed 2,000 chasubles, dalmatics (a liturgical tunic) and stoles to be worn by 700 bishops, priests and deacons for three days of reopening celebrations starting Dec. 7 through to Whit Sunday next June. They will subsequently be worn for important occasions on the Christian calendar, and each parish of Paris will be entrusted with a chasuble.

In agreement with the Church, the inspiration for the designs was the edifice itself, from the light that plays on its white stonework to the blue, yellow, red and green hues of its stained-glass windows and the giant golden cross by Marc Couturier that survived the fire, seen by believers as a symbol of hope.

"I was inspired by the radiation of the cross," he explained. "The Rector of Notre-Dame de Paris, Monsigneur Ribadeau Dumas, was very attached to the idea of something pure, something simple, and that was also my approach," he said. The "Christogram" symbol, which adorned Emperor Constantine's flags as he went into battle, also features in the designs.

Currently in the prototype stage, they garments will be made using contemporary technologies and fabrics including a sweatshirt-like flocked material, he said. "I wanted the designs to speak to a young generation, with elements of streetwear."

For De Castelbajac, a lover of semiotics who has dedicated much of his work to art and cultural initiatives in recent years, his latest project is an important symbol. "It's very touching to participate in the creation of something that will never be sold, there is no commercial or marketing dimension to it, it's a spiritual gesture, something that will be transmitted to future generations," he said. "It's like a beacon of light in an era when we feel it's difficult to see the way forward."

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Watch CBS News

How to watch the Tour de France today: Livestream options, more

By Meredith Gordon , Fox Van Allen

Edited By Leslie Gornstein , Fox Van Allen

June 30, 2024 / 12:00 AM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

The world's best cyclists have convened in Europe for the 2024 Tour de France . You'll have to wake up bright and early to catch all the action, but it is well worth it to catch cyclists take on the multi-stage men's bicycle race happening (mostly) in France. 

Keep reading to learn how and when to watch the 2024 Tour de France, even if you don't have cable.

2024 Tour de France: Dates and details

Competition for the 2024 Tour de France is scheduled from June 29, 2024 - July 21, 2024. Every stage of the Tour de France will broadcast on Peacock, with Stage 8 (July 6) and Stage 14 (July 13) also airing live on NBC.

How to watch the 2024 Tour de France without cable

The easiest and most cost-effective way to watch every stage of the Tour de France is with a subscription to Peacock . To catch the two stages of the Tour also airing on NBC, you can subscribe to one of the platforms featured below. (Streaming options will require an  internet provider .)

The Tour de France on Peacock

In addition to major sporting events like the Tour de France and the 2024 Summer Olympic Games , Peacock offers its subscribers live-streaming access to NFL games that air on NBC and sports airing on USA Network. The streaming service has plenty more live sports to offer, including Big Ten basketball , Premier League soccer and WWE wrestling (including formerly PPV-only events such as WrestleMania ). There are 80,000 hours worth of recorded content to watch as well, including hit movies and TV series such as "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation."

A Peacock subscription costs $6 per month. An annual plan is available for $60 per year. You can cancel anytime.

Top features of Peacock:

• Peacock will air exclusive coverage of PGA Tour events, Olympic trials and Paris Olympics 2024 events.
• Peacock features plenty of current and classic NBC and Bravo TV shows, plus original programming such as the award-winning reality show "The Traitors."

Stream network-aired stages of the Tour de France on Sling TV

If you don't have cable TV that includes NBC, one of the most cost-effective ways to the Tour de France on network TV is through a  subscription to Sling TV.  The streamer also offers access to Olympic qualifiers, the 2024 Paris Games, NFL football airing on NBC, Fox and ABC (where available) and NFL Network with its Orange + Blue plan. Also worth noting:  Sling TV  comes with 50 hours of cloud-based DVR recording space included, perfect for recording all the season's top NFL matchups.

That Orange + Blue plan normally costs $60 per month, but the streamer is currently offering a 50% off promotion for your first month, so you'll pay just $30. Sports fans may want to up their coverage with the Sports Extra plan, which costs $11 per month, and includes Golf Channel among others. You can learn more by tapping the button below.

Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue plan:

• Sling TV is our top choice for all network-aired Olympic events .
• There are 46 channels to watch in total, including local NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available).
• You get access to most local NFL games and nationally broadcast games at the lowest price.
• All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.
• You can add Golf Channel, NBA TV, NHL Network, NFL RedZone, MLB Network, Tennis Channel and more sports-oriented channels (19 in total) via Sling TV's Sports Extras add-on.

Watch the Tour de France on network TV for free with Fubo

You can also catch the 2024 Tour de France on network TV on  Fubo . Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to network-aired sports like the Tour de France and almost every NFL game next season. Packages include the live feed of sports and programming airing on CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network and more, so you'll be able to watch more than just this weekend's tournament -- all without a cable subscription.

To watch the 2024 Tour de France without cable, start a seven-day free trial of Fubo . You can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. In addition to Olympic qualifying track and field events, you'll have access to NFL football, Fubo offers NCAA college sports, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games. Fubo's Pro Tier is priced at $80 per month after your free seven-day trial.

Sports fans will want to consider adding on the $7.99 per month Fubo Extra package, which includes MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, SEC Network and more channels. Or upgrade to the Fubo Elite tier and get all the Fubo Extra channels, plus the ability to stream in 4K, for an extra $10 per month.

Top features of Fubo Pro Tier:

• There are no contracts with Fubo -- you can cancel at any time.
• You can watch sporting events up to 72 hours after they air live with Fubo's lookback feature.
• The Pro tier includes over 180 channels, including NFL Network and Golf Channel.
• Fubo includes all the channels you'll need to watch college and pro sports, including CBS (not available through Sling TV).
• All tiers come with 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR recording.
• Stream on your TV, phone, and other devices.

Watch the 2024 Tour de France on Hulu + Live TV

You can watch the 2024 Tour de France on network TV, and many other top-tier sports coverage, including NFL Network, with  Hulu + Live TV . The bundle features access to 90 channels, including Golf Channel. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch Olympic qualifiers, every NFL game on every network next season with Hulu + Live TV,  plus exclusive live regular season NFL games, popular studio shows (including NFL Total Access and the Emmy-nominated show Good Morning Football) and lots more.

Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+ for $77 per month.

Watch the Tour De France live with a digital HDTV antenna

You can also watch the Tour de France on TV with an affordable indoor antenna, which pulls in local over-the-air HDTV channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, PBS, Univision and more. Here's the kicker: There's no monthly charge.

For anyone living in a partially blocked-off area (those near mountains or first-floor apartments), a  digital TV antenna  may not pick up a good signal -- or any signal at all. But for many homes, a digital TV antenna provides a seriously inexpensive way to watch sports without paying a cable company. Indoor TV antennas can also provide some much-needed TV backup if a storm knocks out your cable.

This ultra-thin, multi-directional Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro digital antenna with a 65-mile range can receive hundreds of HD TV channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox and Univision, and can filter out cellular and FM signals. It delivers a high-quality picture in 1080p HDTV, top-tier sound and comes with a 12-foot digital coax cable.

This antenna is regularly priced at $70 at Amazon, but it's currently on sale for $56 with coupon.

What is the Tour de France?

A three-week men's bicycle race held annually, the Tour de France is part of the Grand Tours, which also includes the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España. The race includes 21 days of racing over 23 days, and usually consists of 20 to 22 teams of eight riders. 

Tour de France broadcast schedule 

Below are the dates, times and how to watch each stage of the Tour de France . 

All times in Eastern

Saturday, June 29 - Stage 1 Race Start:  6:30 a.m. Locations:  Florence to Rimini Distance:  206 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Sunday, June 30 - Stage 2 Race Start:  6:05 a.m. Locations:  Cesenatico to Bologne Distance:  199.2 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Monday, July 1 - Stage 3 Race Start:  6:50 a.m. Locations:  Plaisance to Turin Distance:  230.8 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Tuesday, July 2 - Stage 4 Race Start:  7:00 a.m. Locations:  Pinerolo to Valloire Distance:  139.6 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Wednesday, July 3 - Stage 5 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Saint Jean de Maurienne to Saint Vulbas Distance:  177.4 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Thursday, July 4 - Stage 6 Race Start:  7:00 a.m. Locations:  Mâcon to Dijon Distance:  163.5 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Friday, July 5 - Stage 7 Race Start:  7:10 a.m. Locations:  Nuits Saint Georges to Gevrey Chambertin Distance:  25.3 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Saturday, July 6 - Stage 8 Race Start:  6:00 a.m. on Peacock, 8:00 a.m. on NBC Locations:  Semur en Auxois to Colombey Les Deux Églises Distance:  183.4 KM Watch on:  Peacock, NBC

Sunday, July 7 - Stage 9 Race Start:  7:05 a.m. Locations:  Troyes to Troyes Distance:  199 KM  Watch on:  Peacock

Monday, July 8 - Rest Day

Tuesday, July 9 - Stage 10 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Orléans to Saint Amand Montrond Distance:  187.3 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Wednesday, July 10 - Stage 11 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Évaux les Bains to Le Lioran Distance:  211 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Thursday, July 11 - Stage 12 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Aurillac to Villeneuve Sur Lot Distance:  203.6 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Friday, July 12 - Stage 13 Race Start:  7:30 a.m. Locations:  Agen to Pau Distance:  165.3 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Saturday, July 13 - Stage 14 Race Start:  6:30 a.m. on Peacock, 8:00 a.m. on NBC Locations:  Pau to Saint Lary Soulan Pla D'Adet Distance:  151.9 KM Watch on:  Peacock, NBC

Sunday, July 14 - Stage 15 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille Distance:  197.7 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Monday, July 15 - Rest Day

Tuesday, July 16 - Stage 16 Race Start:  6:50 a.m. Locations:  Gruissan to Nîmes Distance:  188.6 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Wednesday, July 17 - Stage 17 Race Start:  6:05 a.m. Locations:  Saint Paul Trois Châteaux to Superdévoluy Distance:  177.8 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Thursday, July 18 - Stage 18 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Gap to Barcelonnette Distance:  179.5 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Friday, July 19 - Stage 19 Race Start:  7:05 a.m. Locations:  Embrun to Isola 2000 Distance:  144.6 KM Watch on:  Peacock

Saturday, July 20 - Stage 20 Race Start:  7:35 a.m. on Peacock, 4:00 p.m. on NBC Locations:  Nice to Col de la Couillole  Distance:  132.8 KM Watch on:  Peacock, Replay on NBC

Sunday, July 21 - Stage 21 Race Start:  10:10 a.m. Locations:  Monaco to Nice Distance:  33.7 KM Watch on:  Peacock

What is the route of the Tour de France?

While the Tour's route changes each year, the 2024 Tour de France starts in Florence, Italy and finishes in Nice, France on July 21.

How does scoring work for the Tour de France?

Riders starts each stage of the race together, but earn points for their placement in various stages and for winning intermediate sprints. The leader wears a green jersey, which has become a symbol of the points classification competition, which is a secondary competition that awards points to riders for their stage finishes and intermediate sprint victories.

The winner of the Tour de France is the rider with the shortest overall combined time of every stage of the race.  The 2024 Tour de France will feature an individual time trial from Monaco to Nice as the final stage.

• Tour de France

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