Notre Dame Paris Cathedral Early Access Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This isn’t just a walk around Notre-Dame — it’s a journey through the heart of Paris, blending history, architecture, literature, and local life. Begin in Square Viviani, a hidden garden steeped in history, then explore the legendary Shakespeare and Company, where literary icons like Hemingway and Joyce once roamed. Discover the stories behind Notre-Dame Cathedral, Parvis Jean-Paul II, Sainte-Chapelle, Palais de Justice, Conciergerie, and the medieval Tour d’Horloge, all vividly brought to life by your guide. Stroll through the vibrant Marché aux Fleurs, soak in the charm of Place de la Dauphine, and finish at the Statue of Henry IV on Pont Neuf overlooking the Seine. With self-guided time inside Notre-Dame combined with expert storytelling outside, this tour reveals hidden literary corners, medieval history, and Parisian culture that most visitors never see, offering a complete, unforgettable experience in the city’s historic heart.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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.
Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
Please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders
Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility
Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
Please be aware that due to the recent re opening of Notre Dame the Cathedral is extremely popular causing wait times to increase. This is completely out of our control.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Please wear modest clothing suitable for a place of worship (avoid wearing transparent or tight-fitting clothing, cover shoulders, torso, stomach and thighs, for men remove hats, caps or bonnets indoors).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Square Rene Viviani
The tour begins at Square Viviani, a peaceful garden in the Latin Quarter just steps from Notre-Dame. Shaded by old trees and overlooking the Seine, this small square offers a quiet introduction to Paris’s layered history, from ancient Roman roads to medieval Paris. Nearby stands the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a symbol of Paris’s literary soul. Founded in the 20th century, it became a meeting place for writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and later Beat Generation authors. During a 15-minute stop, your guide will bring this corner to life, sharing stories of the garden, the neighborhood, and the creative spirit that made Shakespeare and Company a haven for writers, artists, and travelers from around the world.
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
You will then enter Notre-Dame Cathedral for a self-guided interior visit of approximately 45 minutes. This portion of the experience is not guided, allowing travelers to explore the cathedral independently and at their own pace. Take time to admire the vast Gothic nave, stained-glass windows, chapels, and the remarkable atmosphere of this historic monument. The self-guided visit offers freedom to pause, reflect, and fully absorb Notre-Dame’s beauty before rejoining the group outside to continue the walking tour.
What‘s Included
Explore the interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral at your own pace with a self-guided visit
Enjoy panoramic views of the Île de la Cité and the Seine River
Experience a guided walking tour led by a friendly, expert local guide
Hidden corners and secret details of the Île de la Cité
Iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and its stunning Gothic architecture
Additional food and drinks
Transportation
Entry/Admission - Sainte-Chapelle
Options
Semi Private Notre Dame Tour
Max 12 guests for a more intimate guided tour experience.
Notre Dame Walking Tour
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Related Experiences
Operated by Bonjour-Tours