The historic Ile de la Cité is the central island of Paris and home to an exceptional collection of monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie. Immerse yourself in this fascinating history by getting exclusive private visits inside all three accompanied by expert commentary from a local guide. Notre Dame Cathedral, now over 850 years old, still reigns as a titan of Gothic architecture. Scour its exteriors of delicately sculpted stone and imposing bell towers. Decode the secret messages of the façade and unearth long-forgotten voices from the past. Learn about the church's famous hunchbacked bell ringer, the devilish myth of its main doorways and how it was almost destroyed during the French Revolution. Inside, discover striking stained glass windows, impressive vaulted ceilings and an array of unexpected details from long ago. Skip the long lines of the Sainte-Chapelle to enjoy the most stunning Medieval windows in the world. This private chapel of the king, completed in 1248, once housed Christ's crown of thorns and was the most prestigious and powerful place in France. Continue your VIP status by skipping the lines at the Conciergerie. This former royal palace was converted into a sinister prison of dungeons and torture chambers. Relive the terrible conditions of the condemned by viewing prison cells from centuries ago, including that of the building’s most famous prisoner, Marie Antoinette.