Archeological Crypt of Île de la Cité Entry Tickets

Discover Parisian history & crypt exhibitions

Discover the very beginnings of Paris City as you tour the Archeological Crypt situated beneath Notre-Dame Cathedral. Start with an overview of the urban and architectural development of the Île de la Cité – the historical heart of Paris from the first century AD and a result of several small islands that came together as a defense from the Germanic invasion in Paris. Explore the remains of the Hôtel-Dieu hospital and the rue Neuve Notre-Dame street – both significant Middle Age constructions around the Notre Dame cathedral. Next, head to one of the several exhibitions about the crypt that take place all year round.

Unveiling Paris’s story through Seine’s artifacts

The Archeological Crypt offers more than just excavated artifacts—it hosts various exhibits throughout the year. Don’t miss the "Dans la Seine" exhibit, featuring 150 objects retrieved from the Seine, each telling a story of Parisian history. The exhibition traces human settlements along the riverbanks, from Prehistoric times and Roman antiquity to the city’s urban development. For younger visitors, there’s the storytelling event "Le Garum venu de Rome," which introduces the Gallo-Roman period through the museum’s archaeological remains.

Archeological Crypt of Île de la Cité Entry Tickets

Dive into the ancient origins of Paris on this sightseeing tour that includes entry to the Archeological Crypt beneath Notre-Dame, a must-visit landmark for history enthusiasts and architecture buffs. Discover the crypt's extensive collection showcasing the urban development of Lutetia from its founding in the 1st century AD through medieval times up until the modern era. The tour covers over 2,000 square meters of archaeological exhibits, including artifacts dating back to Roman times. Visitors can explore four distinct exhibition areas: Roman City, Medieval Paris, Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité, and the Seine River's evolution as seen in the 'Dans la Seine' exhibit featuring stunning photography and artwork. The tour is conducted in multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. With a duration of approximately 1 hour, this guided experience provides unparalleled insight into Parisian history, making it an essential part of any visit to the Île de la Cité. Accessible by elevator or stairs, the crypt is open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm during summer and until 5 pm in winter.

Explore Archeological Crypt's Roman City

Your tour stops at the Roman City section of the Archeological Crypt where you can see remnants of the ancient city of Lutetia, established around 20 AD. This area covers approximately 450 square meters and includes a well-preserved stretch of Roman road dating back to the 1st century AD. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here exploring three key features: the remains of a Gallo-Roman house with its original mosaic floor, the foundations of a Roman bath complex, and an intricate network of underground tunnels used by Romans for transportation and storage. The site was excavated in the mid-1960s during renovations of Notre-Dame Cathedral. This unique feature sets it apart from other historical sites in Paris as it offers an authentic glimpse into daily life over 2,000 years ago.

Discover Medieval Paris

At the Medieval Paris section, guests can delve deeper into the history of the Île de la Cité from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. This area spans about 650 square meters and includes a variety of artifacts such as medieval coins, pottery shards, and architectural elements like stone carvings and statues dating back to the 12th century. Visitors spend approximately 30 minutes here exploring two key features: the foundations of the old royal palace that once stood on the Île de la Cité, and a reconstructed section of a medieval house wall with original graffiti etched into it. This site was excavated in the early 1970s during extensive renovations to Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Explore Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité

Your tour continues at the Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité section where you can see a collection of items related to the construction and history of Paris' most iconic cathedral. This area covers about 500 square meters and includes artifacts such as medieval building tools, stained glass fragments from the cathedral's windows, and pieces of ancient sculptures that adorned Notre-Dame over centuries. Visitors spend approximately 20 minutes here exploring three key features: a detailed model showing the layout of the Île de la Cité during different historical periods, an interactive exhibit on the construction techniques used in building Gothic cathedrals like Notre-Dame, and original architectural elements salvaged from restoration work carried out between 1845 and 1860.

Experience 'Dans La Seine' Exhibit

The tour concludes with a visit to the 'Dans la Seine' exhibit showcasing the history of Paris' iconic river, the Seine. This area covers about 200 square meters and includes over 150 photographs and artworks depicting various aspects of the river's evolution from its natural state in prehistoric times through industrialization and urban development up to contemporary times. Visitors spend approximately 10 minutes here exploring two key features: a timeline illustrating significant events along the Seine, including floods and major construction projects; and an interactive map allowing visitors to explore different sections of the river using touch-screen technology.

Tour Highlights

• Explore ancient remains at Archeological Crypt
• 1 hour with extensive Roman artifacts
• Guided tour in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch
• Discover medieval history at Île de la Cité landmark
• View Notre-Dame cathedral construction tools and stained glass fragments
• Experience 'Dans la Seine' exhibit featuring 150 photographs and artworks
• Access to four distinct exhibition areas covering Roman City, Medieval Paris, Notre-Dame, and the Seine River's evolution

Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists seeking a deep dive into Parisian origins, this guided tour provides unparalleled insight through its extensive collection of historical artifacts. The 1-hour format allows you to explore the Roman City with its original mosaic floor, Medieval Paris with its medieval coins and pottery shards, Notre-Dame's construction tools and stained glass fragments, and the 'Dans la Seine' exhibit showcasing the river's evolution.