Private Historical Tour of Notre Dame

4.7 (47 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

47 reviews

4.7

The Judgment Portal — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Western side of the Church — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Audio guide: English
Guide: English, French
Written guide: English
Operated by: Paris in person

Ages: Adults (0–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private tour
Included: Professional art historian guide
Included: Notre-Dame Cathedral access

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: for the moment, as the new rule is being implemented, guiding inside the cathedral is not guaranteed

Itinerary

Archeological Crypt of the Parvis of Notre-Dame

10 min Admission not included

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.
Point zero des routes de France

15 min

The historic, cultural, symbolical and overall relevance of this often overlooked yet immensely important site.
Equestrian Statue of Charlemagne

15 min

History of how France came to be and the significant role Notre Dame Cathedral had in it.
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris

20 min

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.
Stop 5

15 min

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.
Fontaine de la Vierge

10 min

A view of the cathedral from the back, and the detailed account of the immense and breathtaking complexity of Gothic architecture.
Petit-Pont-Cardinal-Lustiger

10 min

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 and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

End 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.

Using your ticket

Please let us know of the desired starting time and share an e-mail and and/or a phone number where you can be reached.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

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.