Notre Dame private tour
Notre Dame private tour
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 that is so.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Archeological Crypt of the Parvis of Notre-Dame
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.
10 minutesPoint Zero
The historic, cultural, symbolical and overall relevance of this often overlooked yet immensely important site.
15 minutesEquestrian Statue of Charlemagne
History of how France came to be and the significant role Notre Dame Cathedral had in it.
15 minutesCathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
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.
20 minutesRue du Cloître-Notre-Dame
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.
15 minutesFontaine de la Vierge
A view of the cathedral from the back, and the detailed account of the immense and breathtaking complexity of Gothic architecture.
10 minutesPetit-Pont-Cardinal-Lustiger
An overview of the entire cathedral and the story of its beauty, connected to dogma, creation of Marian Catholicism, French identity and politics.
10 minutesIncluded
- Private tour
- Professional art historian guide
Not Included
- Food and drinks
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.