Image 1 sur 5
Image 2 sur 5
Image 3 sur 5
Image 4 sur 5
Image 5 sur 5
Begin the morning with the iconic trio on Île de la Cité. Inside Sainte‑Chapelle you’ll stand beneath fifteen towering stained‑glass panels that still convey the 13th‑century ambition to turn light itself into theology. A short walk brings you to the Conciergerie, the former royal palace, followed by Notre‑Dame, where we peel back the layers of myth to reveal the genuine Gothic craftsmanship that survived the 2019 fire—far from the romanticised “dark ages” image, it’s a testament to medieval engineering and artistry. (Cf. Notre Dame Tour)
After lunch, we cross the Seine into the Latin Quarter, the neighbourhood that shaped my own upbringing and remains the living heart of medieval scholarship. Here you’ll step into a series of lesser‑known yet spectacular churches—Saint Julien le PauvreSaint Severin and Saint Germain —each preserving original stonework, sculptural programs, and liturgical spaces untouched by later restorations. These authentic Gothic interiors let you see the style as it was practiced, not as a 19th‑century fantasy.
The afternoon culminates at the Musée de Cluny, the National Museum of the Middle Ages. Housed in a former 15th‑century abbey that once anchored the most powerful religious order in Europe. Part of the building, the old Roman baths whisper of antiquity beneath the medieval fabric. Inside, you’ll encounter the original statues that once adorned Notre‑Dame, the legendary “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries, and a trove of illuminated manuscripts that illustrate how medieval artists imagined the world. The abbey’s cloister offers a quiet, shaded courtyard—perfect for reflecting on how the Gothic vision evolved from sacred space to cultural icon.
Choosing the full‑day version means you won’t be forced to sprint from one highlight to the next. You’ll have the breathing room to absorb the depth of each site, to compare the grand royal narrative of Versailles‑style pageantry with the intimate, lived‑in spirituality of the Latin Quarter. It’s a chance to confront the real medieval Paris—its genuine stone, its surviving art, its layered histories—rather than a curated snapshot. In short, this extended itinerary transforms a quick glance into a true immersion, giving you the time to feel the pulse of the city that shaped my own story and that continues to echo through every vaulted nave and ancient wall.
Options (each 1h)
Climb the towers of Notre‑Dame – Ascend the Gothic staircases (over 70 m) for arguably the best panoramic view of Paris right from the city centre. €60 plus tickets (€16 per person).
St Jacques Tower – Scale the flamboyant Gothic spire in the heart of Paris for a striking skyline perspective. €60 plus tickets (€12 per person).
Crypt of Île de la Cité – Dive into more than 2 000 years of history with a guided look at the 1960s archaeological excavations beneath the island. €100 plus tickets (€11 per person).