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Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Symbol of Paris

A historic cathedral on Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris showcases French Gothic architecture and centuries of Parisian history and religious significance.

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Located on Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris is a historic cathedral and a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1163 and was largely completed by 1345, with modifications continuing through the centuries. The cathedral reopened on December 7, 2024, after restoration work following the 2019 fire.

A brief summary to Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Local tips

  • Entry to the main floor of Notre-Dame is free, but reserving a time slot online is recommended to avoid long queues.
  • Guided tours are available, but reservations are required and tours are not allowed during Mass or on Sunday afternoons.
  • The closest Metro station is Cité (Line 4), but Saint-Michel (Line 4, RER B and C) is also nearby.
  • Consider visiting the Treasury for a fee to see a collection of precious liturgical objects.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Gare du Nord, take the RER B train to Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame station. The ride takes approximately 5 minutes, and trains depart every 10 minutes. Alternatively, take Metro Line 4 to Cité station. A single metro or RER ticket costs around €3. From the stations, it is a short walk to the cathedral.

  • Taxi

    From Gare du Nord, a taxi to Notre-Dame takes about 8 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €9 and €25. Taxi stands are available outside Gare du Nord. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also an option.

  • Walking

    From nearby attractions like Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, Notre Dame is within a short walking distance. From Sainte-Chapelle, it is a 6-minute walk. From Gare du Nord, it is approximately a 40-minute walk.

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Discover more about Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris, a renowned cathedral, stands as a symbol of Paris and a testament to French Gothic architecture. Situated on the Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River, its location has been a religious site since Gallo-Roman times. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163, initiated by Bishop Maurice de Sully, and continued for nearly two centuries, with completion in 1345. Over the centuries, Notre-Dame has undergone numerous modifications and restorations, including significant work in the 19th century led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, inspired by Victor Hugo's novel, *The Hunchback of Notre-Dame*. Throughout its history, Notre-Dame has been a site of major historical events, including the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804. During the French Revolution, the cathedral was desecrated, and its religious imagery was damaged. In more recent times, the cathedral suffered a devastating fire in April 2019, which destroyed much of the roof and spire. Following extensive restoration efforts, Notre-Dame reopened to the public on December 7, 2024. Today, visitors can once again explore the main floor and attend Mass services. The cathedral's architecture features elements of both Gothic and Romanesque styles, including the innovative flying buttresses. The interior is notable for its three pipe organs and immense church bells. Key features include the three great rose windows, which retain their 13th-century glass. Visitors can enter through the Portal of the Last Judgment and follow a symbolic path through the north and south aisles. Notre-Dame remains a major center of Christian worship and a significant cultural landmark, drawing millions of visitors each year.

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