The Origins of Paris on the Île de la Cité: Notre Dame, Conciergerie & Pont Neuf

We start at the famous Pont Neuf and walking over to our first main sites - Notre Dame Cathedral. You’ll learn what the Island looked like before it was settled by ancient Gallic tribes and how gradual waves of conquerors developed and adapted it to fit their needs. We also discuss the history of Notre Dame and get the real story behind the hunchback and the recent great fire. Your guide will bring you as close as the ongoing restoration will permit to give you the best views possible.

Then it’s over to the Conciergerie and St. Chapelle, the most feared and praised buildings in the Medieval city, respectively. There, we’ll see the immaculately-preserved buildings from the outside and learn how the kings of France showed off their power with these imposing structures. We’ll also tell you about some of the poor souls who were imprisoned in the Conciergerie, including Marie Antoinette. Finally, we’ll head over to the Place Dauphine, a Bourbon square that is still surrounded by all its original architecture. From here, we’ll step out onto the Pont Neuf to learn why Paris’ oldest bridge is called the ‘New Bridge’ and enjoy views over the Seine.