Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Sainte Chapelle
- Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior only)
- Conciergerie
- Church of Saint-Séverin
- Saint-Jacques Tower
- Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre
- Île de la Cité
Photos & Highlights
- Led by an expert experienced with children, you will unravel the mysteries and architectural wonders of Paris – all set against the backdrop of the city's medieval charm.
- An experience tailored to your interests and needs
Select a date
Tour Description
Please note that Notre Dame reopened on December 8th, 2024. For the moment, guided tours are not permitted inside of the cathedral. Our tour will dedicate time to introducing the site from the exterior, preparing you for an independent visit following the tour. Our tour does not include Notre Dame tickets; you should plan to either reserve an entrance timeslot via this website 48 hours before you wish to visit or you may choose to wait in line following your tour to enter the cathedral.
Context is also currently developing a digital experience to enhance your independent exploration. Please check back here shortly for updates!
Experience an enchanting 2.5-hour adventure on Île de la Cité with your family. Hosted by an engaging art historian specially skilled in captivating young minds, this immersive walking tour will ignite your children's imaginations as they delve into the mysteries and architectural wonders of Gothic Paris, from intriguing gargoyles to breathtaking stained glass windows.
As you navigate the medieval labyrinth of the Latin Quarter, you'll uncover the birth of the Gothic style, starting with the awe-inspiring Église Saint-Séverin and its ancient bell.
While the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed to the public due to a fire, you'll still be able to admire the exterior splendor of this iconic landmark and its gargoyle companions. Next up, is the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece with exquisite stained glass windows that offer a fascinating glimpse into the delicate art of glasswork during this era.
Your journey will also take you to the historic Conciergerie – once the residence of France's early royals and later a notorious prison during the Revolution. You'll conclude your tour with a visit to the magnificent Saint-Jacques Tower, a mysterious Gothic belfry filled with intriguing sculptures.
By the end of this adventure, your young adventurers will have a solid understanding of Gothic architecture and be inspired to continue their exploration of Paris's rich history. Prepare for a memorable experience that sparks their curiosity.
Context is also currently developing a digital experience to enhance your independent exploration. Please check back here shortly for updates!
Experience an enchanting 2.5-hour adventure on Île de la Cité with your family. Hosted by an engaging art historian specially skilled in captivating young minds, this immersive walking tour will ignite your children's imaginations as they delve into the mysteries and architectural wonders of Gothic Paris, from intriguing gargoyles to breathtaking stained glass windows.
As you navigate the medieval labyrinth of the Latin Quarter, you'll uncover the birth of the Gothic style, starting with the awe-inspiring Église Saint-Séverin and its ancient bell.
While the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed to the public due to a fire, you'll still be able to admire the exterior splendor of this iconic landmark and its gargoyle companions. Next up, is the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece with exquisite stained glass windows that offer a fascinating glimpse into the delicate art of glasswork during this era.
Your journey will also take you to the historic Conciergerie – once the residence of France's early royals and later a notorious prison during the Revolution. You'll conclude your tour with a visit to the magnificent Saint-Jacques Tower, a mysterious Gothic belfry filled with intriguing sculptures.
By the end of this adventure, your young adventurers will have a solid understanding of Gothic architecture and be inspired to continue their exploration of Paris's rich history. Prepare for a memorable experience that sparks their curiosity.
Experts
Does this tour include climbing the bell towers of Notre Dame or a visit of the interior? Will we be visiting the crypt as well?
Due to the fire in 2019, these spaces remain closed to the general public. While the sanctuary is now open to the public, guided tours are not allowed. Our tour will introduce the site from the exterior, preparing you for an independent visit following the tour. Our tour does not include tickets to Notre Dame; you should plan to either reserve an entrance timeslot via this website 48 hours before you wish to visit or you may choose to wait in line following your tour to enter the cathedral.
Does this tour include climbing the Saint-Jacques Tower?
No, the tour does not include climbing the Saint-Jacques Tower. However, if you'd like to visit the tower, your guide can assist you in purchasing tickets at the end of the tour.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Sainte-Chapelle is wheelchair accessible, but the Conciergerie is unfortunately not.
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
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.
What if it’s raining?
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.
Will you pre-purchase tickets?
We pre-purchase tickets to the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie - your guide will have them on hand. The tour does not include tickets to Notre Dame Cathedral or Saint-Jacques Tower.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
Skip-the-line tickets allow you to bypass the ticket purchasing line and go directly to the security line at the chapel. However, you may still need to wait in the security line, which can move slowly due to increased security at the Justice Palace next door.
Can I use the Museum Pass?
Unfortunately, the Museum Pass cannot be used for this tour. Tickets are mandatory and cannot be canceled or modified. While the Museum Pass is accepted at both the Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, it does not guarantee skip-the-line access. Instead, we use E-tickets to expedite entry to Sainte-Chapelle due to long waiting lines.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
Due to the fire in 2019, these spaces remain closed to the general public. While the sanctuary is now open to the public, guided tours are not allowed. Our tour will introduce the site from the exterior, preparing you for an independent visit following the tour. Our tour does not include tickets to Notre Dame; you should plan to either reserve an entrance timeslot via this website 48 hours before you wish to visit or you may choose to wait in line following your tour to enter the cathedral.
Does this tour include climbing the Saint-Jacques Tower?
No, the tour does not include climbing the Saint-Jacques Tower. However, if you'd like to visit the tower, your guide can assist you in purchasing tickets at the end of the tour.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Sainte-Chapelle is wheelchair accessible, but the Conciergerie is unfortunately not.
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
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.
What if it’s raining?
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.
Will you pre-purchase tickets?
We pre-purchase tickets to the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie - your guide will have them on hand. The tour does not include tickets to Notre Dame Cathedral or Saint-Jacques Tower.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
Skip-the-line tickets allow you to bypass the ticket purchasing line and go directly to the security line at the chapel. However, you may still need to wait in the security line, which can move slowly due to increased security at the Justice Palace next door.
Can I use the Museum Pass?
Unfortunately, the Museum Pass cannot be used for this tour. Tickets are mandatory and cannot be canceled or modified. While the Museum Pass is accepted at both the Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, it does not guarantee skip-the-line access. Instead, we use E-tickets to expedite entry to Sainte-Chapelle due to long waiting lines.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to directly enter the security line at the chapel without waiting to purchase tickets, rather than taking a detour to the onsite ticketing office. You will still have to wait in a security line, which can often move slowly due to increased security at the Justice Palace next door.
Where You'll Start
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116 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Sarah is a jewel. She is sweet, very knowledgeable and she followed exactly what we were expecting from this tour. She addressed the questions and interests of our granddaughter. The tour was flawless. Thanks Sarah!
Ana
Mar 23, 2024
The tour and Ana were lovely and very informative, such amazing history.
Adrian
Nov 24, 2023
Sensi was knowledgeable and a great guide.
Leslie
Jul 27, 2023
