Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle Private Tour

Experience Ile de la Cité with your personal expert through our exclusive fully private tour for an intimate and in-depth exploration. Enjoy the convenience of transport from your hotel in a luxurious Mercedes, or meet directly with your guide at Sainte Chapelle if it is more convenient for you. This flexibility ensures a tailored start to your exclusive experience. Upon arrival, your guide, an expert in her/his field, will welcome you with a brief introduction to the island’s rich history, before entering into Sainte Chapelle, setting the tone for the immersive journey ahead.

With your entrance tickets for Sainte Chapelle taken care of, take every moment reflect on the history and spirit found within this sacred site. Your guide will share the dramatic history of why the church was built by Saint Louis (Louis IX) to house the Crown of Thorns and other Passion relics. A visit here offers an intimate glimpse of medieval craftsmanship at its peak and a rare sense of the spiritual grandeur that once defined the French monarchy.

Step into this radiant sanctuary and marvel at the most complete ensemble of 13th-century stained glass in existence—two-thirds of the original windows remain intact. The soaring rose window, added in the 15th century, is a striking example of the flamboyant Gothic style and a masterpiece in its own right.

There are 15 towering stained glass windows—15 meters high in the nave and 13 in the apse—depicting over 1,100 scenes from the Old and New Testaments. From the Creation to the arrival of the relics in Paris, and culminating in the Apocalypse portrayed in the rose window, these vibrant panels bring biblical history to life in breathtaking color.

A walk from Sainte-Chapelle to Notre-Dame takes you through the very heart of medieval Paris on Île de la Cité. You’ll pass the imposing Conciergerie, once a royal palace and later a Revolutionary prison, before strolling along the elegant Boulevard du Palais. As you cross Place Louis Lépine, home to the historic Marché aux fleurs (flower market), the spire and towers of Notre-Dame gradually come into view.

Your guide can tailor this short walk to your interests, using their own local knowledge to point out the hidden gems and unmissable spots!

Discover the rich history of Notre Dame, a 900-year-old symbol of French faith and royal heritage. Marvel at its iconic Gothic architecture—from soaring flying buttresses to watchful gargoyles—and learn about the remarkable restorations, from Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century work to the ongoing reconstruction following the 2019 fire, where modern innovation meets timeless craftsmanship.

Once inside, admire Notre Dame’s stunning stained glass windows, including the iconic rose window, which bring biblical and allegorical stories to life through vibrant color. Explore intricate medieval sculptures, from the Last Judgment portal to serene statues of saints, and take in the “Mays” of Notre Dame—sacred paintings gifted by Paris goldsmiths in the 17th and 18th centuries that beautifully depict scenes from the Bible.

This extensive private tour of Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame is designed to offer a seamless experience to visit both of these impressive landmarks in the heart of Paris. From the moment you leave your hotel to the final steps back, every detail is considered to help you feel like this is a unique tour just for you! Whether you have visited before or it is your first time, this exclusive journey through the heart of Paris promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your visit to the City of Light.