Paris Île de la Cité: Notre-Dame Walking Tour & Crypt Entry

Summary

Walk medieval streets, spot hidden clocks and flowers, glimpse Notre-Dame’s scars

You’ll follow a local guide through Île de la Cité’s secret corners, pause at Place Dauphine, trace echoes of royalty and revolution at Conciergerie, and stand beneath Notre-Dame’s watchful gaze. Entry to the archaeological crypt is included—where you’ll touch Paris’s roots beneath your feet.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a pain au chocolat as we waited by the Henri IV statue—our guide Marie just shrugged and said “it’s Paris.” I liked her already. The Seine was kind of silver that morning, not quite sunny but not cold either. We started weaving through Place Dauphine, which is so tucked away you’d almost miss it if Marie didn’t stop to point out the old plane trees and a couple playing pétanque. She told us Henri IV built this spot for peace after all the chaos—funny how quiet it feels now compared to the rest of Paris.

I kept getting distracted by details: the clang from a distant tram, a woman selling lilies at Marché aux Fleurs (smelled like wet earth and something sweet), and that clock tower—the Tour de l’Horloge. Marie explained it’s one of the oldest in Paris, but honestly I was just fascinated by how battered its gold looked up close. We walked past the Palais de Justice; she told us about famous trials there, but I mostly remember her miming the powdered wigs. The Conciergerie loomed over us—gothic stone, kind of severe—and she paused so we could imagine prisoners peering out centuries ago. Didn’t expect to feel that chill.

Notre-Dame is still scarred from the fire, but standing outside with everyone craning their necks at those gargoyles felt weirdly hopeful. Someone asked if we could go in—Marie shook her head (not yet) but pointed out little things on the façade I never would’ve noticed alone. After she left us at the crypt entrance (included in the tour), I wandered down into cool stone corridors under Paris itself. It’s quiet down there—almost too quiet—and you see bits of ancient walls just sitting in silence below all that city noise above.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Île de la Cité highlights

• Start at Henri IV equestrian statue
• Visit scenic Place Dauphine square
• Pass by Court of Appeal façade
• See medieval Tour de l’Horloge clock tower
• Admire exterior of the Conciergerie
• Discover Palace of Justice exterior
• View Sainte-Chapelle church exterior
• Explore Marché aux Fleurs flower market
• Observe Notre Dame Cathedral exterior
• Self-guided visit to Archeological Crypt

Top questions

Does this walking tour include entry inside Notre-Dame?

No, entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral is not included as group visits are not currently permitted. You can enter on your own before or after the tour.

Is entry to the archaeological crypt included?

Yes, your ticket includes self-guided entry to the archaeological crypt beneath Notre-Dame after the guided tour ends.

How long does this Île de la Cité walking tour last?

The guided walking portion lasts about 90 minutes. You can visit the crypt at your own pace afterward.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at the equestrian statue of Henri IV on Île de la Cité in central Paris.

Can I upgrade for Sainte-Chapelle or Conciergerie entry?

Yes, you can upgrade your ticket for post-tour entry to Sainte-Chapelle or Conciergerie. Ask your guide for help reserving times if needed.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels and uses public sidewalks throughout.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What happens if the crypt is closed?

If maintenance closes the crypt, you’ll receive an extended walking tour around Notre-Dame instead.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute guided walk through Île de la Cité with a local expert who shares stories along every stop; self-guided entry to the archaeological crypt under Notre-Dame; plus optional upgrades for Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie tickets if you want more time exploring after your walk ends.