Your LivTours Ile de la Cite Paris Walking 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 have 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 crucifixion.
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!
