Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris stands on Île de la Cité on the banks of the Seine River, built approximately between 1163 and 1250, and has witnessed Paris's historical changes. This Gothic-style cathedral gained worldwide fame due to French writer Victor Hugo's poetic depiction in his novel of the same name, "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris".

Tour Overview

Visiting Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is mainly divided into three parts: touring the interior of the cathedral, climbing the bell tower, and visiting the crypt. The entrance to the bell tower is on the north side, outside the cathedral.

Highlights

Admire exquisite decorative art

Just from the exterior of the church, you'll be captivated by the exquisite carvings. Every detail—from the doors and windows to the altars and cloisters—is adorned with reliefs and statues depicting biblical stories. The three grand entrance gates are particularly magnificent, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. Inside, don't miss the three dazzling rose windows and the massive pipe organ, equally breathtaking in their splendor.

Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Paris

Visiting the bell tower requires climbing over 400 steps. Walking from the north bell tower to the south bell tower, you'll see a large bell cast in the 17th century, which only rings on major Catholic holidays. Continuing up the stairs of the south bell tower leads to the rooftop, offering panoramic views of both banks of the Seine River and the entire city of Paris, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica all visible.

In search of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"

The novel "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris" has attracted many readers to climb the bell tower in search of the Hunchback. While the hunchback cannot be found, there is a fantastical gallery of monsters on the top floor, with railings adorned by numerous sculptures of birds, beasts, hybrid animals, and legendary creatures crafted by designers. Particularly famous among them is Stryge, who gazes thoughtfully at Paris, watching with relish the ever-changing world below.

• Explore the underground ruins
• Inside the church, an inconspicuous staircase leads to the crypt, which houses relics of the city dating back to Roman times and some art collections, enriching your understanding of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
• Witness the display of three sacred treasures