Paris: Private Walking Tour with Notre Dame Medal

Experience a Personal Walk Through Paris’s Heart

Imagine strolling through Paris’s historic streets in a small, intimate group—up to 8 people—guided by a knowledgeable Cultural Coach. For just $293 per group (up to 4 people), you’ll spend about an hour and a half exploring some of the city’s most cherished landmarks. The tour includes visits to Notre Dame, the Hôtel de Ville, and the tranquil Île Saint Louis, finishing at the famed cathedral itself. What makes this experience stand out is not only the private, personalized nature but also the exclusive gift of a Notre Dame de Paris medal—a tangible keepsake that captures the spirit of this legendary site.

Two aspects we particularly like are the focused, in-depth visits that avoid the crowds and the engaging storytelling provided by the guide, which brings history to life. The tour’s small size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for asking questions and soaking in details you might miss on a larger group tour. However, a potential consideration is that tickets to Notre Dame are not included, so you’ll need to plan to purchase those separately if you want full access inside the cathedral.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy culture without the hassle of large crowds and value getting off the beaten path with a knowledgeable guide. It’s ideal for those who want a meaningful, well-rounded experience of some of Paris’s most emblematic sights in a short amount of time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Visit key landmarks: Hôtel de Ville, Île Saint Louis, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Exclusive souvenir: a Notre Dame de Paris medal that’s a meaningful keepsake.
• Guided by a Cultural Coach who shares insights into Paris’s history and architecture.
• Duration of 1.5 hours makes it a manageable, enriching addition to your day.
• Tickets to Notre Dame are not included, so plan accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Place du Hôtel de Ville

We begin our journey at the Place du Hôtel de Ville, a lively square surrounded by historic architecture and bustling with local life. Our guide, a friendly Cultural Coach, carries an orange umbrella marked with the tour company’s logo, making it easy to spot. This location is perfect for setting the tone—an authentic Parisian scene that pulses with history and city energy. From here, we make a brief guided tour of the Hôtel de Ville, a building that’s more than just a city hall; it’s a symbol of Paris’s evolving political and civic history.

Hôtel de Ville (15 minutes)

Our guide offers insights into the architecture and history of this iconic building, which has seen everything from royal ceremonies to revolutionary upheavals. We loved how the guide highlighted its transformation over centuries, making history feel tangible. The 15-minute stop is enough to appreciate the grandeur without lingering too long, keeping the pace lively and engaging.

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Crossing to Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis (15 minutes + 30 minutes)

Next, we cross the Seine via the historic quays, stepping onto Île de la Cité, the birthplace of Paris. Here, the guide spins stories about the island’s medieval roots, giving life to the stones. The walk continues to Île Saint Louis, often overlooked by travelers rushing past, yet one of the most elegant spots in Paris. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, this small island boasts classical architecture and private mansions that were once the homes of the Parisian bourgeoisie—imagine strolling past buildings that have witnessed centuries of change.

We spend roughly 30 minutes exploring Île Saint Louis, where the guide points out architectural details and shares stories about the residents who have called it home. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets, offering a rare glimpse into the private side of Parisian life.

Notre Dame Cathedral (30 minutes)

The highlight of the tour, of course, is the Notre Dame Cathedral. While inside access isn’t included, the exterior view alone is breathtaking—its flying buttresses, sculpted façade, and stained glass windows are iconic. The guide provides a detailed overview of the Gothic architecture, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of Paris and its resilience after the 2019 fire.

What makes this part special is the exclusive Notre Dame de Paris medal you receive—an authentic token infused with the energy of the sacred space. One reviewer noted, “The medal feels like a little piece of Paris’s soul,” adding a personal touch to your souvenirs. The guide also explains that this site was sacred long before the cathedral’s construction, enriching your understanding of its spiritual history.

Final Reflection and Tips

The tour ends back at Notre Dame, leaving you with a vivid mental picture of one of the world’s most storied cathedrals. The entire experience is designed to be manageable in a short timeframe, making it a great option for those with limited time or as part of a bigger day of sightseeing.

Practical Details and Considerations

Price and Value: At $293 for a group of up to four, this tour offers a surprisingly intimate experience in a city where larger tours can feel rushed or impersonal. The small group size allows for meaningful conversations, tailored insights, and the chance to ask questions. The inclusion of the Notre Dame medal adds sentimental value, especially if you appreciate authentic souvenirs.

Timing and Duration: With a 1.5-hour window, it’s a perfect way to incorporate a cultural highlight into a busy itinerary. You’ll cover a lot, but not exhaustively—making it ideal for those who want depth without burnout.

Accessibility: Since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, be prepared if you or your travel companions face mobility challenges. The tour involves walking, some cobblestone streets, and standing for periods.

Language: Guides speak French, Portuguese, and Spanish, so check availability in your preferred language when booking.

Tickets to Notre Dame: Remember, admission to the interior is not included, so if you want to go inside, plan to buy those tickets separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy personalized, storytelling-focused tours with a touch of history and local flavor, this experience is perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer small groups and meaningful interactions over large, impersonal crowds. Art and architecture lovers will appreciate the detailed explanations, and those wanting a meaningful keepsake will value the Notre Dame medal.

However, if your schedule relies on visiting interior attractions with pre-booked tickets or if mobility is a concern, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This private walking tour offers a rich, authentic glimpse into Paris—not just the landmarks, but their stories, architecture, and the atmosphere surrounding them. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances history, culture, and personal connection in a manageable time frame. The small group size and guided storytelling make it a memorable way to deepen your understanding of the City of Light.

For travelers who seek a relaxed, insightful, and personalized introduction to some of Paris’s most iconic sites, this tour hits the right notes. Plus, the exclusive medal adds a special souvenir that will remind you of your journey long after you’ve wandered back into the city’s bustling streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are tickets to Notre Dame included in the tour? No, tickets for inside the cathedral are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you want to enter.

• How many people are in the group? The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

• What languages are available for the tour guides? Guides speak French, Portuguese, and Spanish; check availability when booking.

• How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy day.

• Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues? No, the tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking and standing requirements.

• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, season-appropriate clothing, an umbrella, sun protection, and a charged phone or extra battery are recommended.

• What is the meeting point? The tour begins at Place du Hôtel de Ville, marked by a guide with an orange umbrella.

• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is this tour good for families? Yes, as long as everyone is comfortable with walking and standing for the duration.

• What makes this tour stand out? Its small group size, personalized storytelling, and the exclusive Notre Dame medal make it a memorable experience.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, architecture, and local flair, perfect for those wanting a meaningful glimpse into Paris’s soul without the rush of large tours. It’s a wonderful way to connect more deeply with the city’s sacred and civic spaces, leaving you with souvenirs and stories to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: