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

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

Beautiful. One of the proud experience as a catholic to visit this historic architecture. One have to wait in the cues for hours to get into this marvel of architecture but worth visiting it as this is one of the few things that can't be missed as a tourist in Paris. The construction of this beautiful piece of French Gothic art took almost 200 years, watching the mysterious Gargoyles will take your breath away. The view from the top is stunning. Missing this place.

Cyril Francis - 1 day ago

So happened that as soon as we got out of our cab and walked across the bridge, the doors opened unto us. Noted that there was very little people early morning despite being summer. Also there's now armed police and security check in with metal detectors. The place is something else, I must say I initially didn't understand why people were intrigued by this cathedral. After having my breath taken away by this gorgeous gothic structure, I understand why people flock to Notre Dame. Each section has a story to tell and it's a wonderland for any Christian. The best is being able to listen to the angelic voices during mass, even if its from a distant. The stained glass 😍

Shanjivan Padarath - 6 days ago

One of the must-see things in Paris - and for a reason. So much history! Beautiful art and its progression from Gothic to Renaissance. Don't be one of those mindlessly passing through the building to take a selfie, but read up on it! You'll appreciate it so much more!

Alina Wood - 7 days ago

Beautiful, as ever. Crowds, as expected. Get there early to avoid the large crowd. You can go up to the top (387 stairs up, and 387 back down - no elevator). You'll need a time ticket from the kiosk around the left corner from the main entrance. Times to go up usually range from 1-3 hours AFTER you get your ticket. So, get your time to go up, then go inside. Going inside is free, up to the top is 10€.

Daniel & Melinda Hanson - 16 days ago

It's a cool cathedral. Beware that it's very busy and you have to stand in a huge line before you can get in (the wait is somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes). It has some nice artwork on the inside even though I've seen better to be honest. They also offer a free guided tour if you're interested.

Ilias Azagagh - 1 month ago