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Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral
It was here that Henry VI of England was crowned King of France; where the Wolves of Paris were trapped and killed; where Mary Queen of Scotland married the French Dauphin; where the coronation ceremony of Napoléon and Joséphine took place; where Joan of Arc was beatified and canonized; where Victor Hugo was inspired to write about his famous hunchback; and where thousands upon thousands of visitors come each year to marvel at the architecture, take in a service and stand outside at "Point zéro", the reference point for distances along all the French highways -- because everything begins and ends in Paris. Notre Dame -- perhaps the most glorious example of French Gothic architecture -- is home to the famous stained glass Rose Windows, the flying buttress and gargoyles. Need to contemplate those gargoyles? Head up to the upper towers of the cathedral -- but get ready for steps because, as with most churches, elevators don't exist here (during the summer on Saturday and Sunday, the tower visits run until 11 p.m. -- a fantastic time to catch a glimpse of Paris at night). The 63 foot magnificence of the famous South Rose Window -- with symbol upon symbol of circles, numerical orders and images that seemingly dance through the streaming sunlight -- will leave you in awe (directly across is its counterpart, the gorgeous North Rose Window). To see some of the ancient history of Notre-Dame's refurbishings, visit the Crypt of Parvis.
Open hours
Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays, open until 7:15 p.m.)
Admission
Cathedral is free of charge (please remember to turn off your cell phones!)
Amenities
35-minute Audioguides in the language of your choice are available. As well, tours are available.
To attend a service
Visit with a priest (in the language of your choice), or find the special places to pray, please visit the official Notre Dame website: www.notredamedeparis.fr
Métro
Station Cité or Saint-Michel or Hôtel de Ville
Bus RATP
Lines n°21, 38, 47, 85, 96 (Cité - Palais de Justice); Line n°47 (Cité - Parvis de Notre-Dame); Lines n°24, 47 (Notre-Dame - Quai de Montebello)
Stories about Notre-Dame Cathedral
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Paris Reflections: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
By Christiann AndersonThe area called Pigalle was teeming with African American life in the era between the two World Wars. Many of the ‘’after hours’’ clubs established by African Americans became a refuge for the black American ''expat'' community. Although the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette / Opéra walk features many nightclubs, including those owned by the first African-American combat pilot, Eugene Bullard (Bullard was instrumental in the success of ‘’Black Montmartre’’), there other locations of interest on this fascinating walk. Last Updated ( Monday, 07 April 2008 ) -
Around and About Paris: Notre-Dame
By Thirza ValloisThis is part of the walk through the two islands: Bordering the esplanade to the north is the Hôtel-Dieu, the oldest hospital in Paris and for centuries its only one. When it was built in the 12th century, it was situated on the southern side of the esplanade, from where it expanded gradually to occupy the whole area between the Petit Pont and the Pont au Double. The Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, undertook its construction, at the same time as that of the cathedral of Notre Dame. This enterprising man was born into a very poor family in Sully-sur-Loire in 1120; in 1165 he baptised the Dauphin, the future Philippe-Auguste. Last Updated ( Friday, 18 November 2005 )
