Paris Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Walking Tour With Crypt
Explore the heart of Paris on this walking tour of Île de la Cité, starting at the iconic equestrian statue of Henri IV. You will explore the scenic Place Dauphine and marvel at the medieval grandeur of the Tour de l’Horloge and the Conciergerie, once home to royalty and revolutionaries alike.
Your guide will share local culture, from the rich legal history of the Palais de Justice to the bustling Marché aux Fleurs (flower market). Admire the stunning exterior of Sainte-Chapelle and the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral as your guide points out the interesting details to notice in their Gothic architecture.
Following your tour, you will enjoy a self-guided visit to the Archeological Crypt below Notre Dame, where you’ll discover the foundations of the Île de la Cité, the original Paris.
Note: This tour does not include entrance to the cathedral. Group visits aren’t yet allowed, but you are welcome to enter on your own after the tour.
Options
Guided Tour + Crypt in English
Walking Tour + Crypt Entry: Explore the heart of Paris with a local, from Notre Dame to the Conciergerie to a charming flower market and scenic parks.
What's included in Paris Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Walking Tour With Crypt
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
You’ll start your tour at the iconic equestrian statue of Henri IV, known as the “Good King.” It symbolizes the king’s achievements in bringing stability to France after the Wars of Religion.
Square du Vert-Galant
This peaceful green oasis sits at the tip of Île de la Cité and offers you scenic views of the Seine River. It’s named after King Henri IV who was known as the “Vert Galant” for his romantic escapades.
Place Dauphine
Next, you’ll visit this triangular square hidden in the heart of Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s most charming and quiet spots. Built by Henri IV, it was designed to create a peaceful residential area.
Inclusions
- Expert local guide
- Ticket to the archaeological crypt underneath Notre Dame
- Entry to Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie if upgrade selected
- 90-minute walking tour of Île de la Cité
- Gratuities
- Notre-Dame Cathedral access and reserved time slot
- Guide in Crypt
- Guide in Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is possible that the crypt can be closed at times for construction or maintenance. In this case you will receive an hour-long guided walking tour around Notre Dame but you will not be able to enter the Crypt.
- This is a guided walking tour of the area around and outside of the Notre Dame Cathedral followed by a self-guided visit of the Archeological Crypt. There will not be a guided tour inside Notre Dame, as group visits are not yet permitted. You are welcome to enter the cathedral on your own before or after the tour.
- If you upgrade for entry to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, you will need to reserve your entry time via the official Monuments Nationaux website. Alternatively, you can ask our guides for help when you arrive early for your tour.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet your guide in front of the statue of Henri IV on the Pont Neuf bridge. Your guide will be holding an orange sign that says “ExperienceFirst.” For easier navigation, you can paste this address into Google Maps: 15 Pl. du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris
End Points
- This tour ends outside the Archeological Crypt.
