Private Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit with Priority Access, Paris

4.5 (13 reviews)
Discover two of Paris' 13th-century Gothic landmarks on an in-depth, privately guided experience.

Overview

Uncover the heart of Paris's Gothic legacy on a private walk through Île de la Cité, where you'll visit the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris (referred to simply as Notre-Dame) and the nearby luminous Sainte-Chapelle, both marvels of 13th-century craftsmanship. With priority access and a relaxed pace tailored entirely to you, you'll wander in and around these historic monuments, your expert guide revealing the fascinating stories, technical brilliance, and enduring power of faith that continue to captivate the many who visit annually. 

Highlights

  • Learn about the twin towers, biblical sculptures, and the Gallery of Kings of Notre-Dame
  • Marvel at Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass windows, known for intricate details and vibrant colors
  • Discover the defining elements of Gothic architecture, from flying buttresses to rose windows
  • Enjoy fast-track entry to Sainte-Chapelle for a seamless, unhurried visit
  • Admire the technical skill and archaeological innovation that make these masterpieces stand out

Know before you go

Duration
2h 30m
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Private

What you'll do

Meet your guide and step into the famous Notre-Dame to dive into its nearly 900-year history. As you explore the interiors, your guide will unpack the symbolism woven into its architecture—from the expressive gargoyles and towering facades to the intricate stained glass—while also explaining the events of the 2019 fire and the remarkable restoration efforts underway today.

Leaving the cathedral behind, you'll make your way through the atmospheric medieval streets of the island, learning how this small stretch of land became the political, spiritual, and cultural heart of Paris. Your guide brings the past to life with stories of kings, relics, and revolutions that shaped the city as you know it.

The visit culminates at Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel), a true masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic design. Walls of stained glass, dating to the 13th century, rise toward the ceiling, depicting over a thousand biblical scenes in radiant detail. As sunlight filters through the panels, your guide will help you decode the stories and symbolism behind the glass, revealing why Sainte-Chapelle remains one of Paris's most breathtaking monuments.

Start times

  • Daily
    10:30 am, 2:00 pm

What's included

  • Licensed guide
  • Priority Sainte-Chapelle entry

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Traveler reviews

13 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9
Transport
4.1
Liz
Liz C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025
We learned a great deal from the guide. The buildings are truly amazing, and the history behind them adds significant meaning to the experience of visiting them. Read more

We learned a great deal from the guide. The buildings are truly amazing, and the history behind them adds significant meaning to the experience of visiting them.

Tips for future travelers

In the winter, dress warmly. When entering Saint Chappele, you'll need to go through security, so please do not bring a lot of items with you.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
we walked to the Notre Dame and met our guide
Susan
Susan W.
Hanover, MA | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
Expected a bit more - travel guide was wonderful and enjoyed Sainte Chapelle, but Notre Dame was underwhelming and disapointing to not see anything but the outside (not a lot of value as we could have just walked there and saw it on our own and saved hundreds of dollars, frankly). Read more

Expected a bit more - travel guide was wonderful and enjoyed Sainte Chapelle, but Notre Dame was underwhelming and disapointing to not see anything but the outside (not a lot of value as we could have just walked there and saw it on our own and saved hundreds of dollars, frankly).

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
None and had to navigate on our own, not horrible
Nigel
Nigel G.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025
Long line at Saints-Chapelle so we skipped it. Long line at Notre Dame but worth it. Again Ed’s knowledge was great.
Ed also found us a lovely restaurant for lunch in between and came back to pick us up prior to Notre Dame.
Read more

Long line at Saints-Chapelle so we skipped it. Long line at Notre Dame but worth it. Again Ed’s knowledge was great.
Ed also found us a lovely restaurant for lunch in between and came back to pick us up prior to Notre Dame.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jennifer
Jennifer O.
Parker, CO | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2025
Our guide took a perfectly-paced slow tour through Saint Chapelle, pointing out details in the stained glass, the architecture, and changes through its history Read more

Our guide took a perfectly-paced slow tour through Saint Chapelle, pointing out details in the stained glass, the architecture, and changes through its history

Tips for future travelers

Notre Dame doesn’t allow guides inside, so you’ll be on your own. You might consider downloading the official app or renting a physical audio guide at reception.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Susan
Susan r.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025
Lovely guide. Read more

Lovely guide.

Tips for future travelers

See Sainte Chapelle first… it will give a better understanding of the Notre Dame Restoration

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kathy
Kathy B.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Our tour guide, Sebastian was very knowledgeable, professional and personable.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth P.
Gilbert, AZ | Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025
We met with Chris and she guided us around the city, through Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. She has been a guide for over 30 years and is very knowledgeable about the city and the two cathedrals. She was able to point out tiny details about each visit that you would not even see or notice without a guide. Read more

We met with Chris and she guided us around the city, through Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. She has been a guide for over 30 years and is very knowledgeable about the city and the two cathedrals. She was able to point out tiny details about each visit that you would not even see or notice without a guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
we walked to the meeting point.
Karen
Karen P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Private tour allowed us to skip the lines plus have the benefit of a very knowledgeable and passionate guide. Read more

Private tour allowed us to skip the lines plus have the benefit of a very knowledgeable and passionate guide.

Quality of Experience
Seeing the renovated Notre Dame outside and inside.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Another amazing private guide.
Transport
A 3-mile walk from our hotel !!!!!!!
Shane
Shane R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024
The churches were beautiful and wonderful to view. Our tour guide was relational and informative. Read more

The churches were beautiful and wonderful to view. Our tour guide was relational and informative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tracy
Tracy N.
Little Rock, AR | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2024

Unfortunately, Notre Dame was not ready to tour, still surrounded by scaffolding, but Saint Chapelle was beautiful. Roberto was very knowledgeable and informative.

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Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

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