Paris in 1 Day for Couples - Small‑group (max 5) guided tour of Notre‑Dame — exterior & interior
In Collaboration with WeExplore. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A gentle, romantic day on Île de la Cité: an intimate small‑group guided tour of Notre‑Dame (exterior + interior) with time for Berthillon ice cream, a cozy bistro lunch, a relaxed afternoon garden stroll, and an optional golden‑hour Seine cruise — carefully paced for couples in spring.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with WeExplore, inspired by the tour Notre Dame Cathedral Small-Group Guided Tour with Standard Entry - Exterior & INTERIOR Tour SP. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Small‑group (max 5) guided tour of Notre‑Dame — exterior & interior
- Famous Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint‑Louis
- Relaxed lunch at a historic romantic bistro
- Golden‑hour Seine cruise for a special sunset moment
Itinerary
Day 1
A relaxed spring day around Île de la Cité and Île Saint‑Louis focused on intimate moments, slow strolling, and a licensed small‑group Notre‑Dame tour. The operator meets guests in front of Odette on Rue Galande.
Meet your guide — in front of Odette (77 Rue Galande)
Arrive 15 minutes before your tour. Look for your WeExplore guide holding a green “WeExplore” sign in front of Odette (pâtisserie) on Rue Galande — this is the meeting point for the small‑group tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to take a quick photo together with the picturesque bakery façade — it’s a lovely ‘before the tour’ memory.
- If you have luggage or a stroller, leave it at your hotel — the meeting point is a narrow street with limited space.
- Look for the green “WeExplore” sign and the guide’s name on your booking; if you’re running late call the operator rather than searching the island.
Intimate Exterior & Interior Guided Tour — Notre‑Dame (WeExplore)
Licensed small‑group (max 5) guided tour that brings Notre‑Dame’s façade to life before taking you inside to admire Gothic vaults and stained glass. Available in English or Spanish. This is the Bokun activity core: exterior tour + interior visit with local storytelling.
Tips from local experts:
- For a romantic photo, your guide will point out a quieter niche on the cathedral’s façade where light flatters faces — ask to pause for a quick couple’s photo.
- The activity notes that the site is not wheelchair/stroller accessible — if mobility is a concern, let the operator know in advance so they can adapt the exterior portion.
- Keep voices low inside to preserve the atmosphere; your guide will often stand near a bench or pew where you can sit together for a minute and soak in the light through the stained glass.
Share a cone — Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint‑Louis
A short, scenic stroll to Île Saint‑Louis for a famous Berthillon ice cream — perfect for sharing while you wander narrow streets and riverside benches.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a shared double scoop (two different flavors) — salted caramel and raspberry are classic romantic picks; ask for scoops in a cup if you’ll walk along the quay.
- Head for a bench on the quai near the river (Quai de l'Île Saint‑Louis) to watch boats pass — quieter than standing in the small shop.
- Midday queues can build; if you prefer fewer people, visit just after the tour (late morning) rather than peak mid‑afternoon.
Romantic lunch at Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole (historic bistro)
Classic French bistro atmosphere in a historic setting — cozy tables, charming façade, and a menu that suits a lingering, romantic lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table on the small terrace if possible — the exterior seating is especially charming in spring.
- Order a sharing starter or a slow‑cooked main to enjoy relaxed conversation — French lunches are unhurried, so plan to savor the meal.
- If you have dietary needs, mention them when booking; the kitchen is used to special requests and will accommodate where possible.
Afternoon stroll & rest — Jardin du Luxembourg
A gentle metro or taxi ride to the Luxembourg Gardens for a peaceful walk, seated rest, and time to read or nap on a bench — perfect for a slow afternoon together.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick one of the green metal chairs near the central pond — they’re movable so you can sit facing each other or the statue-lined paths.
- Bring a light wrap; spring evenings can be cool even after a warm day — the garden has sheltered spots if it’s breezy.
- If you’d like a romantic keepsake, there’s often a small florist near the garden gates selling seasonal blooms.
Pre-cruise apéritif — Café Panis (relax before the river)
A relaxed pre‑cruise drink or light snack at a riverside café close to the boarding point — time to freshen up and arrive at the cruise boarding fully relaxed.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a shared aperitif (a small carafe of house wine or a Kir) and sit facing the river to watch evening light build.
- If you plan to board the sunset cruise, arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to secure front-row seats on the boat.
- Ask the waiter to wrap any leftover pastry or snack — a little picnic for the cruise can be delightfully intimate.
Special moment — Golden‑hour Seine River Cruise (Vedettes du Pont‑Neuf)
Board a one‑hour Seine cruise at golden hour for sweeping, romantic views of Paris landmarks from the water — a perfect ‘special moment’ for couples (optional booking).
Tips from local experts:
- Book an upper‑deck or bow seat in advance for the best unobstructed views at sunset — it’s the most romantic spot for photos and a quiet moment together.
- Bring a light jacket — the river breeze feels cooler in the evening, even on a warm spring day.
- If you’re celebrating something special, let the crew know quietly — they often help with a memorable photo moment as you pass key landmarks.
Evening riverside walk — Pont Neuf viewpoint
A short post‑cruise stroll to Pont Neuf and the island’s quays to close the evening with lights reflecting on the Seine — an ideal quiet ending.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand on the eastern side of Pont Neuf for a classic view of the Île de la Cité with softly lit buildings — great for a final couple’s photo.
- If you brought a small dessert or coffee from the café, enjoy it while sitting on a low wall facing the river — it’s intimate and low-key.
- Keep an eye on metro times or pre-book a late taxi if you prefer to avoid walking back to your hotel after a long day.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Culture, Shopping, Restaurant, Outdoor, Meal, Experience |
