Notre Dame's Island with Sainte Chapelle and Marie Antoinette's prison

 

Discover the heart of Paris on this 2.45-hour guided walking tour. See the Ile de la Cité, the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore and the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral. Marvel at the prowess of her 13th century builders - Notre Dame survived the devastating fire of April 15 2019 and a new page of her history is being written today as we visit. Enjoy skip the line access and marvel at the spectacular stained glass of the Sainte Chapelle, and visit the final prison of Marie Antoinette - the Conciergerie.

Did you know that there are two islands on the river Seine, and that Paris was founded on one of them, the Ile de la Cité? Join our guide for a fascinating walking tour of this charming and historical island, home to some of the most dazzling medieval architecture in the city.

We'll start our tour on the Left Bank, in the Latin Quarter, home to scholars and intellectuals since the founding of the Sorbonne University in the 13th Century. We'll pass by the famed bookstore Shakespeare & Company, gathering place for the literary legends of the 'Lost Generation' - Hemingway, F Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and many others - who made Paris both their home and the artistic center of the world.

You will then see the imposing gothic structure of Notre Dame Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, this magnificent edifice has recently survived a devastating fire, yet she is still standing proudly as the symbol of the city. Learn of her incredible construction, the mastery of her medieval architects and builders, and watch history unfold before us as she readies herself to stand tall for another eight centuries. We will see the exterior of the cathedral, you can admire the imposing sculpted facade and bell towers, the flying buttresses still holding the structure of the cathedral together today, and
learn of her glorious past, including tales of the famous Hunchback.

Then it’s a short stroll through the charming flower market to the Sainte Chapelle, home to some of best-preserved and most breathtaking stained glass in the world. Built in the 13th century by the King Saint Louis, 80% of the walls are covered by remarkable colored glass windows. Once again you will skip the long entry lines, and your guide will teach you how to read the stories on these centuries old masterpieces, as you admire the astonishing multi-colored light flooding the chapel.

Redeem information
Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Place Saint-Michel

End point: Same as the starting point

Schedule
Opening dates
14:45 - 16:30
Sunday, 10:15 - 12:45

Guide options
Guide type: Guide
Tips type: Included