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 Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris Star Rating

I was able to check this off my bucket list on Nov-17. It was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. The details that make this place the wonder it is are many and very intricate. The building is amazing in itself, and then you look at the doors, and they have their own details of beauty. It's sad that buildings like these are few and far in between. You're transported from the moment you walk in to a time of beauty, piety, and respect/honor for things of the past. You feel a reverence and peace walking in. I caught myself praising the Lord for the ability to see this place, and for the blessing of having an architect with such vision of beauty.

E. T. O. - 2 days ago

Expected the hunchback but sadly didn't appear. As a church is interesting architecturally speaking. The atmosphere is dramatic enough. But besides from the interior, there is nothing else to see. The gardens are relaxing enough to make the trip enjoyable.

Eugenio D'Alessandro - 7 days ago

One of the must visit places in Paris. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most symbolic monuments in Paris. The view from the roof top is brilliant and worth much more than the ticket cost. It is also the perfect point for taking pictures of Paris city. Interesting fact: There is a point, called Point Zero, near the cathedral entrance (outside the cathedral) that was earlier considered as the centre of the world. It is said that if you stand on the point zero star and make a wish, you wish comes true. Try it if you can find it.

Sahil Bihari - 9 days ago

This is a breathtaking cathedral, inside and out. We really enjoyed visiting this, especially since we visited during the off season. It is amazing to think of the thought and expertise that went into building a structure of this sized, especially during the time period it was built. I loved the glass windows inside and there was a history exhibit inside detailing the construction of the cathedral. There is only a fee if you want to climb to the top parts of the cathedral and I believe you have to book those tickets online in advance, FYI.

Asbah Hadi - 15 days ago

"This review should be 5 but instead only gets 4" is the title. Unfortunately at the time of visit (March 2018l there was a lot of renovations, police presence and areas cordoned off so we didn't get the full experience. The building itself is incredible, a true marvel and something you'll not see anywhere else. If you are into just that, then perfect but trying to get inside has some busy busy queues. Bare in mind, we visited at Easter weekend (Christian holiday) so it understandably was going to be a bit busier than usual but with the current renovations, you don't feel like you are seeing some truly marvellous. It feels "too protected" (I used this loosely given recent circumstances) but nevertheless what you see is something quite extraordinary. You get a proper feel of the history of Paris just from the outside.

CEEDEE Pops - 20 days ago

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