Enjoy skip-the-line privileges into the magnificent Sainte Chapelle, known as the Sistine Chapel of Paris. Hear stories of Notre Dame and learn of the Parisian pride and the city’s efforts to rebuild this icon. Your Île de la Cité Tour will begin at the Louis XIV statue in front of the picturesque IM Pei Glass pyramid just in front of the Louvre. Right in the center of the Seine you will find Île de la Cité, the birthplace of Paris and home to its beloved Notre Dame Cathedral. This Ile de la Cite Tour will take you through this storied island’s gorgeous Gothic churches and historic buildings.

Continue onto Île de la Cité’s peaceful Place Dauphine. If this square looks familiar to you, then you have probably seen Place Dauphine before in a few major motion pictures like Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. Though this square may be familiar for its more modern accomplishments, it holds an impenetrable place in history as well. This is the second oldest square in Paris, dating back to 1600. It was initiated by King Henri IV and named after his crowned prince son Louis XIII, the dauphin of France. As you make your way along the island, your Professional Local Expert guide will explain the long history of this natural island in the center of Paris.

Your Île de la Cité Tour will begin at the Louis XIV statue in front of the picturesque IM Pei Glass pyramid just in front of the Louvre. Start with a meet and greet with your local guide and begin with a leisurely stroll along the Seine River to Pont Neuf, the oldest stone bridge in Paris. A simple glimpse will give you an idea of what makes this one of the most charming cities in the world.

After admiring the brightness of Sainte Chapelle’s stained glassed windows, it is now time to hear a few of the darker tales of Paris’ past as you walk by the notorious Conciergerie. Your guide will transport you back to the bloody days of the French Revolution, where you will get an idea of Marie Antoinette’s last days before meeting her fate under the guillotine.

Your tour continues to one of the most beloved spots of Paris, the Medieval masterpiece known as the Notre Dame Cathedral. Although Parisians are still shocked by the devastating 2019 fire, they are working tirelessly to rebuild this masterpiece for future generations. Notre Dame is temporarily closed to the public, but you can still learn about this architectural wonder and admire it from afar. When touring around this storied cathedral, take extra time to appreciate its noteworthy use of the flying buttresses. These revolutionary outdoor arches helped architects accommodate the soaring interior heights associated with High French Gothic. Learn about Notre Dame’s intricate frame design, and the current efforts in rebuilding it. In addition to learning more about Notre Dame’s past, your guide will fill you in on future renovations at France’s famed cathedral so you know exactly when to plan your next trip to Paris!

You and your guide will continue onto Île Saint-Louis, yet another natural island in the center of Paris with picture perfect homes and balconies looking out onto the Seine River.

Your tour ends at the charming Pont Marie in the trendy Marais District where you can enjoy the rest of your day boutique shopping or gallery browsing.