19 - Ile de la Cite Tour | Semi-Private Group Walking Tour Paris | LivTours

Highlights 75 - 85 characters with spaces per line

• Admire the stunning stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle on this semi-private tour

• Listen to the shocking tales of Marie Antoinette’s final days in prison

• Savor the luxurious and romantic Place Dauphine; set next to the Seine River

• Discover the fascinating history of Celtic tribes who settled in Île de la Cité

• Explore the current restoration of the Notre Dame and its proceeding 1,000 years
  

Summary (175 - 225 words max)

LivTours’ Île de la Cité Tour is a semi-private experience that takes place on an island right in the center of the River Seine, the birthplace of Paris and home to its beloved Notre Dame of Paris Cathedral. The island, known as Ile de la Cite, is one of two natural islands as the Seine River flows through Paris. This tour takes you through this history-rich district that hosts gorgeous Gothic churches and historic buildings.

On this engaging tour you will discover the history of Ile de la Cite, which was originally home to Roman settlers, how it hosted a palace and the many subsequent purposes it has served, including a hideaway from enemy attack. However, from 1869 onwards, this once populated island can only officially be called home by less than 1,000 people. You will be intrigued by your guide’s engaging explanations as you explore the center of Paris.

Visit the magnificent Sainte Chapelle, with skip-the-line tickets, known as the Sistine Chapel of Paris your guide will share with you stories of Notre Dame. Your expert guide will teach you about the Parisian pride and the city’s efforts to rebuild this iconic building.

Come take a walk back in time on Paris’ most historic island!

Description

Your LivTours’ semi-private Île de la Cité Tour starts at the statue of Louis XIV located in front of the recognizable IM Pei Glass pyramid entrance to the Louvre. Once you and your semi-private group of no more than six travelers has met your guide, you will begin the tour with a stroll along the Seine River to Pont Neuf. You will find out why the bridge called the New Bridge is actually the oldest stone bridge in Paris! At just a glance you will have an idea of what makes this one of the most charming cities in the world. Crossing one section of the bridge puts you firmly in the Île de la Cité’s peaceful Place Dauphine. Movie buffs will recognize this square from Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. Though this square may be familiar for its more modern accomplishments, it holds an essential place in history. The second oldest square in Paris, dating back to 1600, its construction was initiated by King Henry IV and named after his crowned prince son Louis XIII, the Dauphin of France.

Your LivTours expert guide will explain the varied history of this natural island in the center of Paris and before you know it, you will soon find yourself at your next stop, the Sainte Chapelle. The French equivalent to Rome’s Sistine Chapel, it was built in the 13th century by Louis XIV and this chapel was originally created to house the famous holy relics including the famed Crown of Thorns. It was venerated in the 4th century, as the actual thorny crown that Jesus wore on the way to his crucification.

Sainte Chapelle, once used by French nobility for Catholic masses, hosts floor to ceiling stained glass windows making you feel as though you have entered a glass jewelry box. Many art critics consider Sainte Chapelle’s windows a “Jerusalem of the Sky.” You will find out why images were so important in telling a story in the Middle Ages as you admire these colorful windows that depict tales from the Old and New Testaments as well as stories related to how Sainte Chapelle acquired Christ’s Crown of Thorns. You will enjoy LivTours’ priority access entrance, so you do not have to worry about going through a security check or waiting in line. After admiring the beauty of Sainte Chapelle’s stained glass windows, it is now time to hear a few of the darker tales of Paris’ past as you walk by the notorious Conciergerie building. Your guide’s engaging commentary will take you back to the bloody days of the French Revolution, where you will get an idea of Marie Antoinette’s last days before meeting her fate under the guillotine.

Your semi-private tour continues to one of the most beloved spots of Paris, the Medieval masterpiece known as the Notre Dame Cathedral. Parisians are still shocked by the devastating 2019 fire, but they are working tirelessly to rebuild this masterpiece for future generations. Notre Dame is temporarily closed to the public, but you can still learn about this architectural wonder and take stunning photos. When touring around this history-rich cathedral, take extra time to appreciate its innovative use of the flying buttresses. These outdoor arches were revolutionary and helped architects accommodate the soaring interior heights associated with High French Gothic. Learn about Notre Dame’s intricate frame and the current efforts in restoring it and find out what future renovations, so you know exactly when to plan your next trip to Paris!

Your tour continues onto Île Saint-Louis, another, yet much smaller, natural island in the center of Paris with picture perfect homes and balconies looking out onto the Seine River. Your tour ends at the charming Pont Marie in the trendy Marais District where you can enjoy the rest of your day boutique shopping, gallery browsing or enjoying a French lunch!