Located on the natural island of Île de la Cité, right in the heart of Paris, this is the point from which the distance from the capital to every other part of the country is measured. Work on the cathedral originally began back in 1163, and wasn't completed until the middle of the 14th century. When restoration works began in 1845, even that project lasted two decades – and when you see the result today you'll be able to see that it was well worth the effort!
Make your way to the cathedral from the Place du Parvis, from where you'll be rewarded with a scintillating view of the west façade and its three doorways, framed with beautiful religious scenes. If you approach from Square Jean XXIII to the south and east of the cathedral, you will see the stunning flying buttresses. Visitors may want to take a boat tour along the Seine to take in the views from another perspective.
There is no admission fee to enter the cathedral, and guided hour-long tours are available in a variety of languages. Or if you prefer, you can wander alone and take an audio guide and brochure with you.
If you want to see the famous Notre Dame towers you will have to pay. But these historic treasures immortalised in Victor Hugo's 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' are worth the fee. Take a 50-minute tour through the upper parts of the west façade to admire the gargoyles and see the 13-ton Emmanuel bell up close. Feast your eyes on the ancient stained glassed windows, and marvel at the magnificent Grand Organ.
Underneath the cathedral is the Archaeological Crypt, open every day except Mondays and public holidays. At almost 80 metres below ground, this is where you’ll find an array of Gallo-Roman artifacts including the remains of a house from Roman-era Paris.
Notre Dame Cathedral is well served by public transport, but if you’re driving, street parking is available. Or alternatively, you can get around on a tour bus that stops off here check with your hotel or tour operator to find out the services on offer.
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