This immaculate building along the Seine is on the same island as Notre Dame, making it a perfect site to pair with a tour of the cathedral. And here, you go from a Gothic masterpiece to a storybook castle with a rich history.

It was originally built as a fortress when Roman governors ruled the city. It eventually became the palace for the King of France. Over the centuries, it later played host to courts and a prison. That makes it the backdrop for so much of Parisian history—though admittedly it has changed a lot since it was first settled by Romans.

Being so close by and offering such a deep look in the history of Paris makes the Conciergerie a perfect pairing with your Notre Dame tour.

Built by Saint Louis—perhaps the most pious king in French history—Sainte Chapelle was first and foremost a reliquary. It was here that the most treasured religious relics of the country were held, surrounded by heartrending stained glass that remains one of the most awe inspiring architectural marvels in all the world.

Though the relics have since been moved out of the building, the stained glass remains. Today, visitors are still stunned by the sophistication of the engineering—allowing for the very high ribbed-vault ceilings to seemingly rest their weight on cliff-faces of glass.

A fellow Gothic masterpiece on the Île de la Cité, Sainte Chapelle is a wonderful experience to go along with your private tour of Notre Dame cathedral.

Since the Middle Ages, the Latin Quarter has been an intellectual hotbed. Here, you can find illustrious institutions of higher learning—including Sorbonne University and Paris Cité University, among others.

That reputation for the area is no doubt why you can find landmarks like the Shakespeare & Co. bookshop and the enormous Abbey bookshop (both famous and English-language). You can also see the wondrous Church of Saint Severin, a delightfully articulated Gothic alternative to Notre Dame.

By crossing the Seine and exploring the Latin Quarter after your cathedral tour, you’ll expand the horizons of your trip—and you might find a book to take home as a souvenir!

Right across the Seine from Notre Dame is Le Marais, the traditional Jewish quarter of the city and the Medieval heart of Paris. Must-see attractions include the Hôtel de Ville, the informative (and well appointed) Musée Carnavalet that focuses on the city’s history, and the modern art mecca of Centre Pompidou.

It is also the best place in Paris to absorb Jewish culture. The food, music, and religious observance found here is like a home-away-from-home for many visiting the city.

Because of the wonderful restaurants here, Le Marais is a smart destination to go after your private tour of Notre Dame cathedral. You’ll be able to find a delicious bite to eat before heading out and taking in more wonders of the city.