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

Unlock the Mysteries of Gothic Paris with Your Family
From US$491 privately
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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 a historian experienced with children, you will unravel the mysteries and architectural wonders of Paris –  all set against the backdrop of the city's medieval charm.
  • Planning to visit Paris for the 2024 Olympics or Paralympics? Check with us for availability!
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Tour Description
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
Marine Marine
Art Historian
Abigail Abigail
Local Guide
Celia Celia
Local Guide
Marie-Ange Marie-Ange
Local Guide
Pablo Jesus Pablo Jesus
Historian
Heidi Heidi
Art Historian
Eva Eva
Local Guide
Rémy Rémy
Local Guide
Ana Ana
Art Historian
Ange
Historian
Dina Dina
Local Guide
Françoise Françoise
Local Guide
Sarah Sarah
Art Historian
Béate Béate
Local Guide
Barbara Barbara
Art Historian
Stéphanie Stéphanie
Local Guide
Violette Violette
Art Historian
Tatiana Tatiana
Art Historian
Laurent Laurent
Local Guide
Anthony Anthony
Art Historian
Marie-Claire Marie-Claire
Art Historian
Marie Marie
Art Historian
Tina Tina
Local Guide
Jessica Jessica
Local Guide
Edwige Edwige
Local Guide
Caroline Caroline
Local Guide
Lindsey Lindsey
Art Historian
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?
No, this tour does not include access to the towers or the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, nor does it include a visit to the crypt. Due to the 2019 fire, the venue is still closed to guests.

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?
Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle are wheelchair accessible, but the Conciergerie is not. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us, and we can design an adjusted tour to accommodate your needs.

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
The tour generally begins near Place Saint-Michel, and the exact meeting point details and a map will be provided in your confirmation email. Typically, the tour ends on the Île de la Cité.

What if it's raining?
Tours operate rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour to include more indoor visits. It's a good idea to have an umbrella on hand just in case.

Will you pre-purchase tickets?
Yes, if you've selected the tickets at the time of booking, we will pre-purchase the combined Sainte-Chapelle+Conciergerie ticket in advance of your tour. Your guide will have these tickets ready for you. Please note that this tour does not include access to the towers or the interior of Notre Dame, nor the 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.
Where You'll Start
(4.53) 114 Reviews

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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!
The tour and Ana were lovely and very informative, such amazing history.
Sensi was knowledgeable and a great guide.