Paris Walking Tour: Notre Dame Interior & City Landmarks

Summary

Walk Paris from Notre Dame to Concorde with city stories

You’ll wander central Paris with an exclusive guide, stepping inside Notre Dame’s restored interior and strolling from île de la Cité past the Louvre to Tuileries Garden. Pause for an espresso in Place Dauphine or linger by Pont des Arts as boats pass below—the city’s history feels close all along this route.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving right away—feet echoing on the stones of île de la Cité, where Paris began. Our guide, Camille, had this way of weaving little stories into the walk; she pointed out a carved face above a doorway and said it was older than the United States. I could smell roasted chestnuts from a street vendor somewhere nearby. The air felt heavier inside Notre Dame (the main keyword, by the way), even though our visit there was unguided—just us and the hush of other visitors, sunlight filtering through scaffolding and old stained glass. I tried to imagine what it looked like before the fire; you can still feel something ancient clinging to the walls.

After that we circled past Palais de Justice and Sainte-Chapelle—Camille joked about how Parisians never agree on which is more beautiful. The Conciergerie gave me chills; she told us Marie Antoinette spent her last days there, and suddenly history felt weirdly close. We paused at Place Dauphine for a snack break (I got a tiny espresso that nearly knocked me over) and watched two men play pétanque in total silence except for their laughter when one missed badly. Crossing Pont Neuf, I leaned over the edge to watch boats sliding under us on the Seine—a little dizzying but worth it.

The Louvre just kind of appears as you walk—first courtyards, then that glass pyramid everyone photographs. Camille explained how I.M. Pei’s design was controversial at first; honestly, it fits better than I expected. We wandered through Palais Royal’s gardens where everything seemed impossibly green for city life, then drifted into Tuileries Garden (another main keyword) with its gravel crunching underfoot and kids chasing pigeons around statues. There’s this tiny bookshop tucked in one corner—I almost missed it until Camille waved me over—and if you like old paper smells or garden books, you’ll want to duck inside.

We ended at Place de la Concorde where traffic swirled around us like some wild ballet. Camille pointed out where the guillotine once stood—she made a face and said Parisians have long memories about these things. The Champs Elysées stretched off into the distance but honestly my feet were done by then (bring good shoes). Still think about that espresso break and how walking Paris feels like flipping through someone else’s memory album—except now some of those memories are mine too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paris city center highlights

• Start at Ile de la Cité
• Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral interior
• See Palais de Justice buildings
• Visit St Chapelle
• Explore the Conciergerie
• Pass by Saint-Michel fountain
• Visit Place Dauphine square
• Walk to Pont Neuf bridge
• View equestrian statue of King IV
• See Pont des Arts bridge
• Pass through Louvre Cour Carrée
• View Louvre Pyramid entrance
• Visit Palais Royal and gardens
• Walk through Arc du Carrousel
• Enter Tuileries Gardens
• Pass Gardens’ Bookshop
• End at Place de la Concorde

Top questions

Is entry to Notre Dame Cathedral included on this Paris walking tour?

You can enter Notre Dame Cathedral freely during the tour; however, the interior visit is unguided due to current regulations.

How long does this private Paris city center tour last?

The walking tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Does this Paris walking tour include hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you’ll meet your guide at a designated meeting point in central Paris.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the walk?

No snacks or drinks are included but there is time for a snack or restroom break during the tour.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, if booked as a private tour option; all areas are wheelchair accessible and strollers are welcome too.

What landmarks are visited on this day trip in Paris?

The route covers Notre Dame Cathedral interior, Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Pont des Arts, Palais Royal gardens, Place Dauphine, Conciergerie and more.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions as most of it is outdoors.

Can children join this Paris city center walking tour?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers along accessible routes.

What’s included

Your day includes an exclusive private guide for your group (unless you select semi-private), entry into Notre Dame Cathedral’s interior (self-guided), plus time for snack and restroom breaks as you stroll through central Paris landmarks like Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde—rain or shine and fully wheelchair accessible if booked privately.