Explore the place where everything began and discover the treasures of the Ile de La Cité
The Ile de la Cité, in the heart of the city, is known as the island on which Paris was born. Join us and discover the history and timeless structures of this island, including definitive medieval architecture and quaint side streets. Visit from exterior the imposing, gaze at the dazzling stained glass of the Sainte Chapelle, and enter the medieval Conciergerie Palace that was ultimately the prison of Marie Antoinette.
Meet our expert and passionate guide and join this immersive stroll in the Ile de la Cité. Notre Dame Cathedral is the first visit on the agenda. This 850-year-old church is not only a widely recognized symbol of the city, but also the epitome of the gothic style of architecture that originated here in the Paris region. Due to the recent fire, we cannot longer access the interior of the cathedral, the towers, or the crypt. But there is so much to see from outside as well! We will walk around this imposing church and we will discuss about the medieval Gothic style and the architectural innovations that emerged from the construction of this Parisian masterpiece. We will see and talk about the gargoyles, rose windows, flying buttresses, and all the Gothic gems that represent this impressive period of architecture and engineering. And of course we will discuss about the future of the church. Even if it is not possible to access in the church, you will understand why it is still one of the most visited place in Paris.
From Notre Dame, It is a short walk to the Sainte Chapelle, a much smaller gothic church that is unmissable due to the world-famous stained glass windows that surround the upper level. With its unified composition of architecture, stained glass, painting, and sculpture, the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle still takes our breath away. Again, our guide will start to make an introduction from exterior before skipping the long lines and spending considerable time inside. Once inse you will see the holy relics of King Louis IX, better known as Saint Louis, which ordered its construction in the 13th century. Wherever you are inside the church, you are surrounded by the spectacular stained glass windows which were modeled on religious manuscripts of medieval times. Your guide will help you “read” them!
After this immersive visit on Sainte Chapelle, we will reach the last stop of our tour experience, the Conciergerie. The original Royal Palace of the kings of France, this institution ironically served as a prison during the French Revolution. This was where Marie Antoinette and countless other were finally incarcerated, tried, and condemned to the guillotine during the French Revolution. Learn about this tumultuous period in French history and discover the conditions in which prisoners were kept as they awaited their fate.
The tour ends in the hearth of the Ile de la Cité. You can keep to stay in this area and enjoy a walk in the picturesque streets and beautiful squares, or cross the Pont Neuf (the oldest standing bridge in Paris) to reach the Right Bank and enjoy the rest of your Parisian day.