Paris and the Heartbof France alums

Gretchen,
I took this tour in 2014 and our guide took us to Norte Dame, explained the history and significance of the architecture and religious aspects of the Cathedral but did not take us inside. I don’t know if this has changed or not but I would call the RS office. This was my first tour and I loved it! Enjoy!
I arrived 3 days early and I’m so glad I did because Paris is simply a magical city and there’s so much to do.

We had exactly the same Notre Dame experience as Judy B. on our 2016 tour. Good overview outside the cathedral with our guide. The walking tour ended at Notre Dame around noon or so. So everyone was on their own. Some people went in right away, some came back later. Unless the tour has changed, If you want a guided tour of inside, you’ll need to arrange that on your own. We went in on our own and also did the treasury which was also interesting.

We also enjoyed this tour a lot. We arrived a few days before, but also stayed 4 days after. It was our first trip to Paris. We went back this year, and found things to do this time that we didn’t get to 2 years ago. Enjoy!

At both Notre Dame and St Chapelle you will have your guide give you a tour up to the doors of the church. Inside, you will be on your own.

I am sure you will enjoy this tour!

Some people want to spend all day inside, some people don't want to spend anytime at all there. So the tour leader leaving us on our own was perfect.

Gretchen, what date is your tour? My DH and I and at least two (probably three) other people I know will be on a May HOF tour. PM me if you don't want it public.

My experience was like the others! I will emphasize that even if the line for entry stretches across the plaza it moves quickly. It is just the security that slows things down. You may wait 10 minutes at most.

I will also give you a warning that the "petition girls" work the line so heads up for chicanery. They carry the clipboards asking if people speak English and wanting them to sign some kind of silly petition. They'll then try to collect money or I've seen them start poking the clipboard into someone's stomach as a distraction technique, then trying to slip a hand in to a day pack or purse. Just make yourself pickpocket proof and don't respond to them.

This is such a neat tour! It has a wide variety of sights!

Jane,

We’ll be on the tour that starts Tuesday May 7th. We are arriving Saturday morning so have a couple of days on our own. We did a tour of Westminster Abbey last year and learned so much more than we would have had we walked around on our own. Let me know if you and your group will be on the same tour!

Gretchen - we are going may 21 thru 31 (janes friends).

Right now I am recovering from knee replacement. My awesome pt came today . Said I was doing terrific. She was stretching/massaging my thigh and knee cap today. Told me to relax and breathe. I was picturing in my mind walking up to st mont Michel with no issues! Now I am in my knee machine aka torture chamber! If I can get thru this pain and first week or so, hopefully I will be on the down size slope. Unfortunately, I am busy 8-10 hours a day rehab so no time plan yet but a least I can have nice dreams of Paris & HOF

Kim

Gretchen, no, ours is later in the month. I think we start May 21. We had too many conflicts earlier, and we were coordinating with our friends who are doing Best of London before the France tour.

We're doing Best of Eastern France (just DH and I, not our friends) a few days after the Heart of France ends, so we won't have much extra time in Paris. We will arrive two or three days early, though.

We love Paris, and are eager to learn more about the country.

Gretchen, I’ve also taken this tour with the same experience as those posting above. If you’re interested in seeing the inside of Notre Dame and learning more about it, I’d advise you to take a tour prior to your RS experience.

Kim good luck with your rehab!

I hope you guys have a great time. I promise to leave Paris just the way I found it!

Now: suggestions for a tour of Notre Dame?