Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral
Located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the French capital. Before its closure following a fire, it drew approximately 30,000 visitors daily.
History and heritage
Constructed between 1163 and 1345 and later restored by the famous Viollet-Le-Duc in the 19th century, this Gothic masterpiece served as the stage for major events in French history, such as the coronation of Napoléon Bonaparte. It has also inspired countless artists, most notably Victor Hugo, who used it as the primary setting for the turbulent emotions of Quasimodo toward Esmeralda, the central figures in his novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame". Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedral served as a primary model for the spread of the Flamboyant Gothic style.
After a fire in the spring of 2019, the spire and two-thirds of the oak roof structure have been undergoing reconstruction. Timelines for completion have fluctuated, with estimates ranging from 5 to 20 years.
What to see
Take rue de la Cité and turn left before the flower market, heading toward rue de Lutèce. Pass through square Jean XXIII (Jean XXIII Square) along the riverbanks to reach the plaza at place Jean-Paul II (Jean-Paul II Square). This is where you get the best view of the facade. Take in the three sculpted portals and the massive, intricate rose window framed by the two towers. Keep an eye out for the phantasmagorical gargoyles as well.
Notre-Dame houses a museum, an archaeological crypt, and a treasury. Two chapels exhibit the Mays des Orfèvres (Goldsmiths' Mays) collection, which includes paintings, watercolors, and engravings documenting the splendor of the Empire and the Republic.
Beneath the plaza, the archaeological crypt contains medieval ruins from what was once the cradle of the city. Finally, the treasury contains a series of relics, including the Crown of Thorns, a piece of the True Cross, and the Holy Nails.
For those up for the climb, the south tower offers a sweeping panorama of the city after a trek up 387 steps.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
I visited Notre-Dame Cathedral a few months after its reopening, accompanied by a friend who came from Hong Kong.
We enjoyed the visit, but we didn't come away particularly impressed. The stained glass windows remain very beautiful both from the inside and the outside, especially the large rose window with its shades of blue and purple.
I highly recommend booking a time slot online in advance (the visit is free) if you want to avoid waiting in line for a few hours!