Notre Dame Cathedral

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The Notre Dame is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a name that many people will know. Notre Dame de Paris is its full name, meaning Our Lady of Paris. The cathedral is built in the Gothic style and is a Roman Catholic church that is still in use today. It is considered by many to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world.

The Notre Dame received much notoriety from the famous novel 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' by renowned author Victor Hugo which was published in 1831. Today it attracts over 13 million visitors and pilgrims each year. In holding with the view that worshiping the Lord should be open to all, there is no entrance fee to the cathedral. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and to be as quiet as possible so as not to disturb those who come to worship in its hallowed halls.

A number of significant events have taken place in the Notre Dame Cathedral. Some of those events include the coronation of Henry VI as king of France, the marriage of James V of Scotland to Madeleine of France, the coronation of Napoleon I, as well as the beautification and canonization of Joan of Arc.

The Notre Dame Cathedral was built on the exact site of the first Parisian Christian church, Saint Etienne basilica. The basilica was built on the site of a Roman temple to Jupiter. Thus the Notre Dame Cathedral symbolizes the victory of Christianity over the pagan Roman gods to some pilgrims.

Though the Cathedral was ravaged during the French Revolution, it has been beautifully restored. It is a shame that the statues and stained glass windows destroyed during that time are lost forever. In spite of this desecration the Cathedral still has many architectural features that must be seen. There are the portals, the west front with its two enormous towers and the stained glass windows that remain, including the various rose windows.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is visited by many people each day and hundreds come to attend the various mass services. If you truly want to experience the Roman Catholic church then this is the place to do it.

Nearby attractions: Sainte Chapelle and The Latin Quarter

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Access to the cathedral is open and free of charge every day of the year, during the opening hours. Donations are welcome if you feel it is appropriate. Access to the cathedral Towers is free with the Paris Pass otherwise admission charges apply.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

Phone: 01 42 34 56 10

Official Website: Notre Dame Cathedral

Map of nearby accommodations: Booking.com

Directions

Metro / RER Line	Nearest Station	Walking Time
M4	Saint-Michel	7 minutes
M10	Cluny - La Sorbonne	6 minutes
M1, 7, 11, or 14	Châtelet	12 minutes
RER B or C	Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame	6 minutes

How to get to Notre Dame Cathedral by Metro / RER

By Metro: From Metro Line 4 exit at Saint-Michel Station and cross the road to your right and walk north straight across the Saint-Michel Bridge. You will already see the Notre Dame to your right as you are crossing the bridge. From Metro Line 1,7,11, or 14 exit at Châtelet Station and follow Rue Saint-Denis south and cross the bridge over the Seine. Keep walking south on Blvd du Palais and go left just before the next bridge. The Notre Dame is straight ahead. From Cluny - La Sorbonne Station exit and go east to Rue Saint-Jacques; then left (north)continuing across the bridge.

By RER: Take RER B or C to Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame Station and cross the Saint-Michel Bridge. Notre Dame is visible on your right.

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Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris Star Rating

One of my favorite places to visit while in Paris. The architecture reveals something new each time. The rose windows take your breath away. I often wonder of the events this cathedral has witnessed and survived. If it's your first time visiting, a guided tour is best as you will have a express ticket and avoid the queue. Internal beauty, Notre Dame!

Evelyn Thomas - 3 days ago

Beautiful Gothic cathedral well worth the time to visit. The rose windows are amazing. We went back and visited at night when it's illuminated. It's looks magical in the dark. Great photo opportunity!

darren costello - 4 days ago

It is a must place to visit in Paris. We were told that it is among top 10 visited places in France. In my opinion you have to go there twice: during the morning and the evening. Due to the changes in the scenery. It is located near the Seine river, hence you can also see the Cathédrale if you take the water cruise (among other monuments). There are also a huge variety of restaurants in the vicinity. Be aware there are s lot gypsies in the court and around the Cathédrale. If you want a true and fascinating experience visit the Cathédrale during the christmas.

ganesan ganesan - 27 days ago

It is a must place to visit in Paris. We were told that it is among top 10 visited places in France. In my opinion you have to go there twice: during the morning and the evening. Due to the changes in the scenery. It is located near the Seine river, hence you can also see the Cathédrale if you take the water cruise (among other monuments). There are also a huge variety of restaurants in the vicinity. Be aware there are s lot gypsies in the court and around the Cathédrale. If you want a true and fascinating experience visit the Cathédrale during the christmas.

Artem Aleksandrovich Kost - 1 month ago

Absolutely amazing! Full of history, beautiful, awe-inspiring. So much to look at so take enough time. The additional museum of treasures is also well worth the small extra cost. The paintings, statues, carvings, tile work, and architecture are fascinating. There's a great exhibit showing the church though the centuries, thankfully in several languages. I didn't do the audio tour, but it would have probably been a good idea. There's just so much to take in without enough context to fully appreciate it otherwise. It's not a requirement though. I still enjoyed every minute.

Arian Kulp - 2 months ago

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