Paris: Private Walking Tour with Notre Dame Medal

Exploring Paris on Foot: A Detailed Look at the Private Walking Tour with Notre Dame Medal

If you’re dreaming of wandering through Paris’s historic streets with a small, intimate group, this Private Walking Tour with Notre Dame Medal might be just what you’re looking for. It offers a chance to see some of the city’s most iconic sights—Notre Dame, Hôtel de Ville, and Île Saint-Louis—while enjoying the benefits of a personalized experience.

What really caught my eye is the small group size, limited to just 8 people, which promises a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere compared to the bustling crowds often found in larger tours. Plus, the exclusive Notre Dame de Paris medal as a keepsake is a thoughtful touch that adds a layer of memory to your visit.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that tickets to Notre Dame are not included. That means you’ll need to plan separately for entry if you want to explore inside or see certain parts of the cathedral. This can make the experience more flexible but also slightly more complicated if you’re eager to get inside the cathedral during your visit.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who appreciate a personalized, cultural experience with a focus on history and architecture. If you enjoy walking and want a deeper connection to the city’s stories, this could be a good fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small group setting ensures a more intimate and engaging experience.
• Includes an exclusive Notre Dame medal as a memorable souvenir.
• Focuses on key sights: Hôtel de Ville, Île Saint-Louis, Notre Dame.
• No inside Notre Dame tickets included, so plan separately.
• Duration is 1.5 hours, making it a manageable but enriching walk.
• Guided by a Cultural Coach in languages like French, Portuguese, or Spanish.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a well-organized, 1.5-hour walk through some of Paris’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. It’s designed to give you a thoughtful overview rather than rushing through every detail.

The tour kicks off at Place du Hôtel de Ville, a striking building that’s stood witness to Paris’s evolving history. Here, your guide will give a brief but insightful intro, setting the tone for the journey ahead. A 15-minute guided visit will help you appreciate the architecture and significance of this iconic monument.

Next, crossing the Seine River and the quays of Île de la Cité—the very heart of Paris—you’ll get a taste of the city’s medieval roots. The guide will share stories about the island’s past and its importance as the birthplace of Paris. This 15-minute segment offers a compact but rewarding look at the historic core of the city.

The highlight for many is the visit to Île Saint-Louis, a peaceful oasis within the bustling city. It’s known for its classical architecture, private mansions, and the elegance of the Parisian bourgeoisie. You’ll spend around 30 minutes wandering this picturesque island, soaking in its charm and learning about its history. It’s a quieter spot that offers great photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back in time.

Finally, the tour culminates at Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the world’s most recognizable Gothic masterpieces. The guide will point out details of the façade, sculptures, and stained glass, giving you a layered understanding of this architectural marvel. While inside visits are not included, you’ll get a strong appreciation of its significance and energy.

Each stage of the tour is guided, allowing for questions and personalized insights. The exclusive Notre Dame medal that you receive will serve as a lovely souvenir, a tangible reminder of your experience and the sacred energy that emanates from this storied cathedral.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

1. Starting Point: Place du Hôtel de Ville

Your journey begins at the Hôtel de Ville, the city hall of Paris. This building is not only a beautiful example of classical French architecture but also a symbol of Parisian civic life. The 15-minute guided tour here gives a glimpse into the history of the building, with its impressive façade and the stories embedded in its stones.

According to reviews, the guide’s explanations bring the building to life. One traveler noted, “The guide’s insights made the city hall more than just a beautiful building; it felt like understanding the soul of Paris.” Expect to hear about the evolution of the city and how this landmark has witnessed many pivotal moments.

More Great Tours Nearby

2. Crossing to Île de la Cité

From Hôtel de Ville, crossing the Seine on a scenic route along the quays, you’ll head toward Île de la Cité. This part of the tour lasts around 15 minutes, during which your guide will point out key details of the surrounding architecture and share stories about the island’s importance as the heart of medieval Paris.

This is a good opportunity to take photos of the river and the city’s skyline. The quiet beauty of the island often surprises visitors, giving a sense of the city’s layered history. Reviews mention the guide’s storytelling as a highlight, with one noting, “The walk along the river gave a special perspective on how Paris grew around this island.”

3. Île Saint-Louis: A Gem of Elegance

The bulk of the walking—about 30 minutes—is spent exploring Île Saint-Louis. This smaller island feels worlds apart from the busy streets of central Paris. Its narrow streets, elegant townhouses, and historic shops reveal the refined tastes of the old bourgeoisie.

Travelers often comment on how peaceful and picturesque the island is. One review said, “I loved how this part of the tour slowed down and let us soak in the atmosphere.” Your guide will tell stories about the classical architecture, the private mansions, and the island’s reputation as one of the most expensive residential areas.

This section also offers some of the best photo moments—think cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts, and river views. The guide’s commentary adds context, making it feel like an exclusive peek into Parisian life.

4. Notre-Dame Cathedral: The Grand Finale

The last segment leads you to Notre-Dame, where the guide will explain its Gothic features, sculptures, and stained glass windows. Though inside visits are not part of this tour, the exterior and surrounding energy are enough to leave a lasting impression.

The legend and history of Notre-Dame are immense, and your guide’s insights help make sense of its significance. Visitors often remark on the palpable energy, especially when standing beneath its towering façade. The eventful history, from its construction in the 12th century to the recent fire, adds depth to the experience.

5. The Notre Dame Medal: A Lasting Memory

As a part of this tour, you receive an exclusive Notre Dame de Paris medal. This keepsake is a meaningful token that you’ll carry home, symbolizing your connection to this sacred site and the stories shared during your walk. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this thoughtful gift, seeing it as a tangible reminder of Paris’s spiritual and architectural beauty.

Practical Details and Considerations

Group Size and Guides

Limited to 8 participants, the tour promises a more personalized and engaging experience. The guide is a Cultural Coach, who speaks in the chosen language (French, Portuguese, or Spanish), and brings a friendly, insightful approach. This small size makes it easier to ask questions and get detailed answers, which we find enhances the appreciation of the city’s stories.

Duration and Price

At 1.5 hours, this tour hits a sweet spot—long enough to feel substantial but not overwhelming. For $293 per group, which covers up to 4 people, it’s a reasonably priced way to see key sights with a dedicated guide and a special medal. Considering the personalized touch, it’s a good deal for those seeking quality over quantity.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes the guided visits, the Cultural Coach, and the exclusive Notre Dame medal. However, tickets to Notre Dame are not included, so if you want to go inside the cathedral, you’ll need to purchase those separately. This flexibility can be good if you prefer to explore on your own or wait for specific times, but it does require some planning.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

This experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, mainly because of the walking and cobblestone streets. Comfortable shoes, season-appropriate clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended, especially in summer. Don’t forget to charge your phone or carry a portable battery to capture memories.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy small-group experiences and want to explore historic Paris with a knowledgeable guide. If you love architecture, stories, and authentic city vibes, you’ll find this walk both enriching and relaxing.

It’s also suited for those who appreciate a souvenir—like the Notre Dame medal—and prefer a flexible schedule, since tickets are not bundled.

While not ideal for those with mobility challenges, it’s an excellent choice for couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to learn and connect more deeply with Paris’s core neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

This private walking tour offers a thoughtful and engaging way to experience some of Paris’s most beloved sights, with the intimacy of a small group and a knowledgeable guide. The inclusion of the Notre Dame medal adds a personal touch that makes the experience memorable—something you’ll cherish long after your trip.

You’ll love the relaxed pace, the detailed storytelling, and the chance to see Hôtel de Ville, Île Saint-Louis, and Notre Dame in a way that feels personal—not rushed or overcrowded. The fact that it’s a private experience also means you can tailor questions and enjoy the journey without the crowds of larger tours.

However, keep in mind that inside Notre Dame is not included, and the tour focuses more on the exterior and surrounding areas. If exploring inside is a priority, you’ll need to plan for separate tickets.

Overall, if you’re after a cultural, insightful stroll in Paris with a touch of exclusivity, this tour could be just right. It’s a neatly packaged, authentic way to deepen your appreciation of the city’s architectural and historical marvels.

FAQ

Are tickets to Notre Dame included in this tour?
No, tickets to Notre Dame are not included, so if you want to go inside, you’ll need to purchase those separately.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is private for up to 8 people, which allows for a more personalized experience.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak French, Portuguese, and Spanish, so you can choose the language that suits you best.

How long does the total tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a convenient walk that doesn’t take up your whole day.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as it involves walking on cobblestone streets and through historic neighborhoods.

What do I receive at the end of the tour?
You’ll get an exclusive Notre Dame de Paris medal, which serves as a lovely keepsake.

How do I meet the guide?
Meet at Place du Hôtel de Ville, where the Cultural Coach will carry an orange umbrella with the CITY TOURS INFO.com or Maikiki Tours logo.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the personalized guide, small group size, and the exclusive medal, many find it to be good value—especially if you value a less crowded, more meaningful experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another glimpse of Paris’s timeless charm, this tour offers a charming way to explore the city’s heart with a knowledgeable guide and a thoughtful gift to remember it by.

You can check availability for your dates here: