Cathedral Guided Tour

Cathedral Guided Tour, 1.5 hours, rated 4.9 across 73 traveller reviews.

Overview

This is a 90-minute guided tour of Strasbourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral, led by a guide accredited by the French state. The group meets in front of the Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre Dame at 3 Place de la Cathédrale, looks for a guide carrying a red tote bag marked Guides of Alsace, and finishes back at the same spot. Both the exterior and the interior are covered.

Inside, the guide points out the major works: the Pillar of Angels, the Astronomical Clock, and the pulpit of the nave. Outside, the focus shifts to the sculpture work and the details of the building. Along the way the guide traces how the building went up over the centuries and how the region changed hands between nations. The cathedral holds one of the major collections of medieval stained glass in France.

The tour runs in English and French, and reviewers regularly describe the guides as knowledgeable, personable and engaging. It suits travellers who want the cathedral's history, construction and treasures explained by a live guide rather than explored alone. Note that there is no skip-the-line arrangement, simply because admission to the cathedral is free.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the museumGather in front of the Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre Dame at 3 Place de la Cathédrale. The guide carries a red tote bag marked Guides of Alsace.
2. Exterior and interiorThe tour covers the exterior sculptures and the distinctive details of the building, then moves inside to the cathedral's treasures.
3. Interior and treasuresInside, the stops include the Pillar of Angels, the Astronomical Clock and the pulpit of the nave.
4. History along the wayThroughout the visit the guide explains how construction developed over the centuries and how the region's changing nationalities shaped the monument.
5. Return to the startThe tour ends with a drop-off at the original meeting point in front of the museum.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this visit, from the dress code at the door to how the group is run.

• Dress code. The cathedral enforces a dress code. Short skirts, sleeveless shirts, see-through clothing, nudity and bare feet are not allowed, so cover shoulders and knees.
• Meeting the guide. There is no pickup or central meeting option; everyone gathers in front of the Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre Dame at 3 Place de la Cathédrale. Look for the red tote bag marked Guides of Alsace.
• Pace and format. It is a 90-minute guided visit of the exterior and interior.
• Group feel. Groups can be mixed in language. One reviewer noted the guide switched between French and English to keep everyone included, and earpieces are used so the whole group can hear the guide.
• Photos and the clock. The chimes of the Astronomical Clock are one of the listed highlights, so keep an eye on the time if you want to catch them during the visit.
• Possible closure. Ecclesiastical activities at the cathedral can lead to its closure, in which case the tour is cancelled.

Common issues. The main practical limit is that the cathedral can close for religious services, which cancels the tour outright. There is no skip-the-line system, though admission to the cathedral itself is free. Some travellers found the earpieces less flexible or harder to use than they would like, even though many appreciate the clear explanations they enable. Short skirts, sleeveless shirts, see-through clothing, bare feet and party groups, including bachelor and bachelorette groups, are not allowed.

Common Questions