Paris: Notre Dame Walking Tour & Sainte Chapelle Entry

Summary

Notre Dame stories, riverside walks, stained glass glow in Paris

You’ll follow a local guide through Notre Dame’s shadowy lanes and along the Seine, pause outside Shakespeare and Company for a whiff of old paper, then slip into Sainte Chapelle with included entry to see its stained glass blaze with color. Expect small surprises — laughter from your guide or a sudden hush inside — and leave with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

“C’est fermé aujourd’hui,” the old man at the corner newsstand told me, nodding toward Notre Dame. He shrugged and handed me a paper anyway — I guess my French accent made him smile. Our guide, Camille, was already waiting by the cathedral’s battered iron fence. She didn’t rush us; instead, she pointed out how the bells sounded different since the fire. I hadn’t noticed until she said it, but there was this hush around the square that morning, like everyone was listening for something missing.

We wandered along the Seine, past flower stalls and a couple arguing softly in rapid French (I caught maybe three words). Camille led us through winding lanes on Île de la Cité — honestly, I lost track of which century we were supposed to be in. We stopped outside Shakespeare and Company. The smell of old books drifted out as someone opened the door; I tried to peek inside but got distracted by a street musician playing “La Vie en Rose” on an accordion. It felt almost staged but also totally real — Paris does that.

The private Sainte Chapelle entry was next. Inside, sunlight poured through those wild stained glass windows — not just colors but whole stories floating up there. Camille explained some biblical scenes (I’ll admit I zoned out for a second just watching the light move across my hands). There was a moment when everyone went quiet at once, even the kids. It’s strange how you can feel history pressing in from every side but also just be standing there thinking about lunch or how your feet hurt. Anyway, I still think about that blue glow sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle Tour

• Outdoor walking tour around Notre Dame
• Visit Shakespeare and Company bookstore
• Enter Sainte Chapelle

Top questions

Is entry to Sainte Chapelle included in this tour?

Yes, entry to Sainte Chapelle is included as part of the tour.

Do we go inside Notre Dame Cathedral?

No, this tour covers an outdoor walking tour around Notre Dame; interior access is independent and free for all visitors.

Is this Notre Dame & Sainte Chapelle tour suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed and infants may sit on an adult’s lap.

Does this tour include a visit to Shakespeare and Company Bookstore?

The itinerary includes a stop outside Shakespeare and Company; entering depends on timing and group interest.

Is public transportation nearby for this Paris walking tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point on Île de la Cité.

How long does it take to walk between Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle?

The walk between Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle is short—just several minutes on foot across Île de la Cité.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, this particular walking tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes an outdoor guided walk around Notre Dame Cathedral with stories from your local guide, time at Shakespeare and Company Bookstore (at least outside), plus your entry ticket to Sainte Chapelle so you can experience its famous stained glass from within before heading back into Paris’ lively streets.