Embark on a self-guided tour of the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, both inside and out, with the aid of an audio guide. The audio guide app provides a convenient GPS map of the route, illustrations and audio recordings of the cathedral's most intriguing sites. Download the Notre Dame tour to your smartphone and explore the landmark at your own pace, without the need for an internet connection.
Discover how Notre Dame was built and Gothic architecture began, why the cathedral nearly faced demolition and who rekindled public affection for it, why coronations cannot be held there, and the meaning of “Paris is worth a Mass.”
You will also have the opportunity to view rare pieces of medieval art from the 13th and 14th centuries, including stained glass, frescoes, statues and wood carvings.
This tour, curated by a professional historian, offers reliable stories and fascinating legends. However, it is not an academic tour and does not include tedious lists of dates and specific terms.
- The tour begins at Place Jean-Paul II, near the Archaeological Crypt of Ile de la Cité. - This is a self-guided tour; there will be no guide at the meeting point. - Launch the TouringBee app, start the Notre-Dame de Paris Tour and follow the designated route.
Île de la Cité is the historic heart of Paris, set in the middle of the Seine. In Roman and medieval times, the island became a center of political and religious life. Kings ruled from the palace that later became the Conciergerie, while Notre-Dame rose at the eastern end. Today, landmarks such as Sainte-Chapelle, Pont Neuf and the cathedral preserve layers of more than two thousand years of Parisian history.
Point Zero, set into the square in front of Notre-Dame, is the official reference point from which road distances from Paris are measured. A marker has existed here since 1768; the familiar brass medallion dates from 1924. Removed after the 2019 cathedral fire, it was recreated and returned in 2025. Tradition says that stepping on it means you will someday return to Paris.
Notre-Dame’s twin towers rise 69 metres above the western façade and were completed in the mid-13th century. Though plans for spires were considered, the towers remained flat-topped, creating the cathedral’s familiar silhouette. Inside hang its great bells, including Emmanuel. A climb of 422 steps leads to the upper terrace, with sweeping views across central Paris.
Notre-Dame de Paris is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture begun in 1163 on the Île de la Cité. Its flying buttresses, rose windows and twin towers have shaped the Paris skyline for centuries. Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel helped inspire a major 19th-century restoration. After the devastating fire of 2019, the cathedral was restored and reopened in December 2024.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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