Private Historical Tour of Notre Dame
At a glance
Private Historical Tour of Notre Dame is a 1h 30m private experience in Paris, France, operated by Paris in person. Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 47 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $286.32 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Private tour, Professional art historian guide, Notre-Dame Cathedral access.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 7 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- English, French
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
The tour is a product of a very long and detailed research, conducted by a PhD scholar, that was done for the purposes of mobile app Notre Dame Fiat Lux. This research will also be published in the form of a book. Therefore, our guides who partook in this research (most of them) or have prepared the tour from it, are arguably and very likely the foremost experts on Notre Dame in Paris, France, and indeed the world. The tour is a comprehensive view on the cathedral and its many different aspects. We offer a rare synthesis of research, over ten years of guiding experience, and most importantly, honest, deep and ever expanding love for this jewel of Gothic architecture. We feel that Notre Dame is the very pinnacle of Western civilization, and we are eager to explain why. Come share our passion and ever growing interest for this unique monument.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - while the new rule is being implemented, we cannot guarantee tour guiding inside - visiting the inside is still included.
What's included
What's included
- Private tour
- Professional art historian guide
- Notre-Dame Cathedral access
Not included
- Food and drinks
- for the moment, as the new rule is being implemented, guiding inside the cathedral is not guaranteed
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 10m
The underground of the cathedral and its importance not only for Notre Dame, but for history of Paris and France as well. We discuss the crypt without entering it, as it is a separate visit in its own right.
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Stop 2 · 15m
The historic, cultural, symbolical and overall relevance of this often overlooked yet immensely important site.
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Stop 3 · 15m
History of how France came to be and the significant role Notre Dame Cathedral had in it.
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Stop 4 · 20m
A detailed description of the Western Portal of the cathedral and the meaning of its statues and reliefs. The detailed explanation of their history and relevance. In this case in particular, art is never just ornamental, but deeply symbolical and instrumental.
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Stop 5 · 15m
The view of the cathedral from the side, as a chance to discuss its architecture, windows, gargoyles, and how it comes together both symbolically and functionally.
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Stop 6 · 10m
A view of the cathedral from the back, and the detailed account of the immense and breathtaking complexity of Gothic architecture.
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Stop 7 · 10m
An overview of the entire cathedral and the story of its beauty, connected to dogma, creation of Marian Catholicism, French identity and politics.
Meeting point
The meeting point is in front of the Charlemagne statue, a large bronze horse rider on the right hand side of the church. Your guide will be carrying a red canvas tote bag.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The entrance to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is free and open to all. The services offered are independent of access to the interior of the building.
- cathedral is not accessible on the inside and visit stays on the outside.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Private Historical Tour of Notre Dame take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $286.32 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Private tour; Professional art historian guide; Notre-Dame Cathedral access.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is in front of the Charlemagne statue, a large bronze horse rider on the right hand side of the church. Your guide will be carrying a red canvas tote bag.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English, French.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 47 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Paris.
