Guided Walking Tour Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior

At the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, we’ll dive into centuries of history, from its groundbreaking construction in the 12th century to its role in key moments of Parisian life. You'll learn about the secrets of its Gothic architecture.

At this stop, we’ll dive into the story of the devastating fire that struck Notre-Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019. We’ll talk about how the blaze caused immense damage, including the destruction of the spire and wooden framework, and how it led to a major restoration project. We’ll discuss the efforts underway to restore the cathedral, including the craftsmanship and techniques used to bring it back to its former glory. This is a symbol of Paris’ resilience, as the city unites to preserve one of its most iconic landmarks.

At Square Jean XXIII, nestled right next to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, you’ll find the charming bookinists — the riverside booksellers who have been a fixture of Parisian life for centuries. This is where you can discover a wide selection of books, vintage postcards, and various treasures. The bookinists have become an integral part of the city's literary and cultural scene, offering everything from classic French literature to rare finds. As we walk along the Seine, you'll hear stories about these riverside booksellers, their history, and their importance to the spirit of Paris.Quasimodo, the beloved hunchback, spent his days, and it’s a place rich with history, symbolism, and drama. As we conclude our journey, we’ll reflect on how Hugo’s tale immortalized this cathedral and shaped its legacy. It’s a fitting end to our exploration of one of Paris’s most treasured landmarks.

At this stop, we’ll explore the charming Île Saint-Louis, one of Paris' two natural islands on the Seine. Known for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and tranquil atmosphere, this island offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We’ll discuss its rich history, dating back to the 17th century, when it was developed as a residential area for the French elite. With its narrow cobblestone streets and quaint cafes, Île Saint-Louis has become a beloved spot for both Parisians and visitors alike. Get ready to take in the beauty of one of Paris' most romantic locales!

At this stop, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of gargoyles and chimeras, which can be seen on the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. As we walk along Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame, we’ll discuss the role these striking sculptures played in both protecting and embellishing the cathedral. Gargoyles, originally designed as water spouts to divert rainwater, have become symbols of the Gothic style, while chimeras – fantastical creatures – are often associated with myths and legends. We’ll explore their symbolism and how they continue to captivate visitors with their mysterious and otherworldly appearance.

At our final stop, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, e’ll wrap up the tour with the legendary story of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Here, we’ll discuss Victor Hugo’s iconic novel and its deep connection to Notre-Dame Cathedral. This is where Quasimodo, the beloved hunchback, spent his days, and it’s a place rich with history, symbolism, and drama. As we conclude our journey, we’ll reflect on how Hugo’s tale immortalized this cathedral and shaped its legacy. It’s a fitting end to our exploration of one of Paris’s most treasured landmarks.