Notre-Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral featuring religious elements, a city and a church or cathedral
This imposing masterpiece of French gothic architecture, sits in the heart of Paris, providing a serene place of worship for devotees of religion and art.

Situated at the very heart of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral remains one of the most stunning icons of this beautiful city. The cathedral sits on island in the River Seine, called Île de la Cité – the central point from which distances from Paris to all parts of France are measured. Immortalised in countless novels and films, this centre of worship has been built and rebuilt over the centuries into the monument it is today – with construction beginning in 1163, and ending two hundred years later, and a massive restoration project taking place over two decades in the mid-19th century – a testament to the people of France and to their faith.

The drama of the gothic outside to the cathedral can be appreciated from many vantage points along the banks of the Seine, or even from the river itself, on one of the many boat tours that pass by here. The imposing west façade, seen from the Place du Parvis, is the main entrance to the cathedral with its three doorways framed by intricately carved religious scenes. For an alternative view, head to Square Jean XXIII on the south and east sides of the cathedral where you can see the massive flying buttresses at their best.

Inside the cathedral, take a moment to admire the intricate decoration on show, including the ancient stained-glass windows, which fill the cathedral with colour on sunny days, and the majestic Grand Organ. For a closer look and to learn more about the history of the building, join one of the hour-long guided yours, or pick up an audio guide or brochure if you prefer to find your own way round.

Climb up to see the world-famous towers, which are a historic treasure and will always be associated with Victor Hugo’s classic novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. A 50-minute tour is available to take you through the upper sections of the west façade and have a closer look at the gargoyles and the colossal Emmanuel bell. A charge applies for this visit.

There is even more to discover beneath the cathedral in the Archaeological Crypt, which lies 80 metres below ground. This contains fascinating artefacts from when Paris was a Roman city, known as Lutece. The crypt is open daily, except for Mondays and public holidays.

Admission to the cathedral is free. Notre Dame Cathedral is located on Île de la Cité and is accessible by public transport or car, with some on-street parking available.

Villa Beaumarchais
La Dépendance
1K Paris
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Notre-Dame

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
461
" "5 - Excellent 39.60481099656357%
4 - Good
467
" "4 - Good 40.12027491408935%
3 - Okay
194
" "3 - Okay 16.666666666666668%
2 - Disappointing
31
" "2 - Disappointing 2.663230240549828%
1 - Terrible
11
" "1 - Terrible 0.9450171821305842%

5/5 - Excellent

Debbie
16 Jan 2020

If you wish to add a padlock, buy one from one of the souvenir shops beforehand for about half the price of the sellers outside. The carousel was a bargain at EUR2 per ride.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
23 Nov 2019

Closed (for obvious reasons) but you cannot get close to it

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
19 Nov 2019

2019-2024? will be surrounded by scaffolding and cordoned off.

3/5 - Okay

Greg
5 Nov 2019

Interesting to see the work ongoing on the roof, but also quite a sad sight. Bear in mind there is absolutely no access to the building itself and much of the surrounding area is closed off for works access.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
31 Oct 2019

Not really disappointing - more just sad to see the effects of the fire.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
9 Oct 2019

Currently has building work which means cannot go into it or really near it

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