History Tours
Medieval Paris and Notre Dame
We explore Medieval Paris and Notre Dame through the churches, streets and royal sites that shaped the city’s early power. Visits include Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, medieval art at the Louvre and, for the 2027 tour, a private visit to Tour Jean-sans-Peur.
Beyond its modern boulevards, Paris still holds the traces of its medieval past, from religious devotion and royal authority to the streets and buildings that shaped daily life.
The tour looks at how power, worship and urban growth developed side by side, using surviving buildings, museum collections and expert guidance to reveal a city whose medieval foundations still influence the Paris we recognise today.
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written widely on castles, battles and military history.
With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen Travel Editions tours across the UK and Europe. His extraordinary historical insight brings fortresses, battlefields and medieval landscapes to life, creating tours that are educational, entertaining and consistently popular with travellers.
itinerary & excursions
2026 Itinerary
Please note this is the itinerary for the 2026 departure of this holiday. Please scroll down for the updated 2027 itinerary.
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Eurostar to Paris and the Capetian Kings
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris. Welcome drink, talk from Julian: ‘The Capetian Kings’, and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame
Morning visit to Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. We visit La Sainte-Chapelle, built in the middle of the 13th century to house the ‘Crown of Thorns’ relic. It is truly stunning and features 1113 stained glass panels, depicting scenes of the Old and New Testament.
The afternoon is spent at Notre Dame, a masterpiece of medieval gothic architecture. First constructed in 1163, this is one of France’s most iconic sights. You will explore the external architecture and internal grandeur.
Evening talk from Julian at the hotel: ‘The History of Paris’.
Please note: At the Sainte Chapelle there is a spiral staircase of approx. 30-40 steps leading to the upper part of the building included in the visit.
Day 3: Château de Vincennes and the Musée de Cluny
Morning visit to Chateau de Vincennes, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in France. Afternoon to Musée de Cluny, the National Museum of the Middle Ages. Evening at leisure.
Please note: There are many steps at the Chateau de Vincennes in order to fulfil the visit.
Day 4: Medieval Treasures of the Louvre and Paris at Leisure
Morning visit to the Louvre with its extensive collection of medieval art, including manuscripts, carvings, altarpieces, and stained glass. Originally built as a fortress to defend Paris from invasions via the Seine, the medieval foundations can be found in the Louvre’s basement.
Afternoon is free for you to explore Paris independently and travel back to the hotel independently. Evening at leisure.
Day 5: Return by Eurostar to London
Transfer from the hotel to the Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar to London.
itinerary & excursions
2027 Itinerary
Please note this is the itinerary for the 2027 departure. Please scroll up for the itinerary for 2026.
Day 1: Eurostar to Paris and the Capetian Kings
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris. Welcome drink, talk from Julian: ‘The Capetian Kings’, and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame
Morning visit to Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. We visit La Sainte-Chapelle, built in the middle of the 13th century to house the ‘Crown of Thorns’ relic. It is truly stunning and features 1113 stained glass panels, depicting scenes of the Old and New Testament.
The afternoon is spent at Notre Dame, a masterpiece of medieval gothic architecture. First constructed in 1163, this is one of France’s most iconic sights. You will explore the external architecture and internal grandeur.
Evening talk from Julian at the hotel: ‘The History of Paris’.
Please note: At the Sainte Chapelle there is a spiral staircase of approx. 30-40 steps leading to the upper part of the building included in the visit.
Day 3: Château de Vincennes and the Musée de Cluny
Morning visit to Chateau de Vincennes, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in France.
Afternoon to Musée de Cluny, the National Museum of the Middle Ages. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: The Louvre and Private Tour Jean-sans-Peur Visit
Morning visit to the Louvre with its extensive collection of medieval art including manuscripts, carvings, altarpieces, and stained glass. Originally built as a fortress to defend Paris from invasions via the Seine, the medieval foundations can be found in the Louvre’s basement.
After time for lunch (own expense), we enjoy a private guided tour of Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a 15th-century fortified tower that served as a secure residence for the Duke of Burgundy during the Hundred Years’ War. As the last remaining vestige of the Hotel de Bourgogne, it is a rare example of medieval architecture, known for its intricate, plant-sculpted vault and spiral staircase.
This evening we meet for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Return by Eurostar to London
Transfer from the hotel to the Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar to London.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Novotel Bercy
Novotel Paris Centre Bercy offers a refined and comfortable stay in the tranquil 12th arrondissement, opposite the Accor Arena and beside the charming Parc de Bercy. With Bercy Metro Station just steps away, guests enjoy direct access to major Parisian landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The hotel’s modern rooms feature plush bedding, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Le Paris Bercy restaurant serves classic French bistro cuisine, while the terrace bar provides a relaxing spot with views over the park. With attentive service and a peaceful ambiance, it’s an ideal base.
Novotel Bercy Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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