- Category
- Architecture
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Location
- Paris
- Learn the basics of Gothic architecture in a small group-format
- Led by a medievalist, architect or art historian
- Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior only), Conciergerie, Church of Saint-Séverin, Île de la Cité, Saint-Jacques Tower, and Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre
Our three-hour Notre Dame tour will unveil the tenets of the medieval Gothic architectural style, known for its soaring vaults, flying buttresses, intricate stonework, and shimmering expanses of stained-glass. Accompanied by a medievalist, historian or art historian, we’ll explore Île de la Cité, the city's central island, and its surroundings to encounter the principal masterpieces of Gothic Paris: the majestic Church of Saint-Séverin, the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior only), the Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, the Saint-Jacques Tower—the only remaining vestige of the church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur (Saint James The Great).
FAQ
Does this tour include climbing the bell towers of Notre Dame and/or a visit to the interior? Will we be visiting the crypt as well?
Our tour does not include the towers or the interior of the Notre Dame cathedral. The Archeological crypt is not included in the tour either.
Does this tour include climbing the Saint-Jacques Tower?
No! But your expert guide can give you information about how you can climb the tour on your own.
Sainte-Chapelle is wheelchair accessible, but the Conciergerie is not. Please contact us with any questions.
Generally speaking, the tour begins near Place Saint-Michel. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map. The tour typically ends on the Ile de la Cité.
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Yes. Your guide will have them on hand. Please note that we don't visit the towers or the interior of Notre Dame, nor the Saint-Jacques Tower.
Unfortunately, not. Tickets are mandatory and can't be canceled or modified. The Museum Pass is accepted at both the Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie but doesn't guarantee skip-the-line access.
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. We have a separate Notre Dame and Gothic Paris for Families tour just for families with children 12 and under. When booking, please provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.

The daughter of a sculptor, Marie has been surrounded by art ever since she was born. A native Parisienne, she holds an undergraduate degree in history and art history, with a specialty in iconography and French and Flemish paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. She also holds a Master's degree in museology from the Ecole du Louvre and one in Art History from the Sorbonne. She currently works for the French National Art History Institute on special cultural events. Since she loves literature, ballet, theatre, opera, jazz clubs, and classical concerts—she has been playing the piano since she was 9—Paris and its artistic life are a perfect fit.

Anna received her PhD in 2006 from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. A specialist in medieval art, she has published and presented numerous conference papers on illuminated manuscripts. She is preparing a book proposal based on her dissertation about representations of miraculous images of the Virgin Mary. She currently teaches at the American University of Paris. She is also a France Director of the International Medieval Society in Paris.

Since visiting her first art exhibition at 5 years old Nicole has been passionate about the world of art and architecture. Research for her dissertation brought Nicole to France in 2006. Her doctoral dissertation explores the idea of architecture as an expression of political power, specifically during the Gothic period of twelfth-century, France. Yet her interests extend beyond the medieval period to include the modernism. Holding a PhD and Masters degrees from the Columbia University and a BA from Barnard College, Nicole has worked as a university professor, writer, curator and consultant. Receiving a fine arts training in her youth, equally informs Nicole’s approach to art and architectural history. Raised in a family of collectors and classic car aficionados Nicole is an avid classic car enthusiast, together with her husband an art collector.
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