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Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris: A Symbol of Resilience

Experience the grandeur of French Gothic architecture at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a symbol of Parisian history and resilience, now open to the public.

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The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, stands as a testament to French Gothic architecture and Parisian history. Construction began in 1163 and continued for nearly two centuries, with modifications and restorations occurring throughout its existence. Despite a devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 and continues to welcome visitors.

A brief summary to Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Local tips

  • Entry to the main floor of Notre-Dame is free, but reservations are recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak hours.
  • Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
  • Remember that Notre-Dame is an active place of worship, and silence is expected inside the cathedral.
  • The visitor route has been redesigned, with entry through the Portal of the Last Judgement and exit through the Portal of Saint Anne.
  • Consider visiting the Treasury of Notre-Dame, which preserves precious objects used in Catholic liturgy (requires a ticket).
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Notre-Dame is easily accessible via the Paris Metro and RER. The closest Metro station is Cité (Line 4), a short walk from the cathedral. Alternatively, take the RER B or C to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station, which is even closer. A single Metro or RER ticket costs €1.90. Consider purchasing a Navigo Easy card for €2 to load multiple tickets.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines stop near Notre-Dame. You can take Line 47 to Cité or Saint-Michel, Line 87 to Hôtel de Ville, or Line 75 to Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny – La Sorbonne. A single bus ticket costs €1.90. The 'ticket T+' allows transfers between buses and trams within 90 minutes.

  • Walking

    Notre-Dame's central location on Île de la Cité makes it easily walkable from many parts of Paris. From the Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, it's only a 5-6 minute walk. From the Louvre Museum, cross the Pont Neuf and follow the Seine River. Walking allows you to enjoy the scenic views of the city.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Paris. A short taxi ride from the Latin Quarter to Notre-Dame would likely cost between €10 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours.

  • Parking

    Parking near Notre-Dame can be challenging and expensive. Several parking garages are located within a short walk, including Parking Indigo Lutèce-Cité and Parking SAEMES Maubert Collège des Bernardins. Expect to pay around €4-€6 per hour, or €30-€40 for a full day. Consider parking further away and taking public transport to avoid congestion.

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Discover more about Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, or simply Notre-Dame, is an iconic symbol of Paris and a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Located on the Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River, the cathedral has stood for centuries as a testament to Parisian history and resilience. Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully, with the foundation stone laid by Pope Alexander III. The cathedral was largely completed by 1260, though modifications and additions continued for many years. The innovative use of rib vaults, flying buttresses, and the pointed Gothic arch allowed for taller, more slender buildings with expansive walls adorned with tracery and stained-glass windows. The cathedral boasts three impressive pipe organs and immense church bells. Throughout its history, Notre-Dame has been the site of numerous significant events. In the 1790s, during the French Revolution, the cathedral suffered desecration, with much of its religious imagery damaged or destroyed. However, it was later restored to the Catholic Church by Napoleon Bonaparte, who crowned himself Emperor within its walls in 1804. Victor Hugo's novel *Notre-Dame de Paris* (1831) further cemented the cathedral's place in popular culture, inspiring major restorations in the mid-19th century. In April 2019, a fire broke out in the cathedral's attic, causing significant damage to the roof, spire, and some of the rib vaulting. After five years of restoration efforts, Notre-Dame reopened to the public on December 8, 2024. Today, visitors can once again explore the main floor and attend Mass services, experiencing the grandeur and beauty of this historic landmark.

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