With 20 million visitors a year, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the most visited monument in Paris and in all of Europe. Completed in the 14th century after two centuries of construction, it was once one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit to Notre-Dame de Paris and its famous gargoyles.
Highlights
Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside
Notre-Dame Cathedral is best discovered from its forecourt. From there you get a view of its main west facade, its three portals, its two towers, and its famous 9.60-meter-diameter rose window. Above the doors sits the Gallery of Kings of Judah and Israel. On the south facade, you'll find the Saint-Etienne portal and its 13-meter-diameter rose window, as well as the presbytery garden. To the east lies the chevet with its flying buttresses. Finally, the dark north facade is best seen from the always-lively rue du Cloître Notre-Dame.
Inside Notre-Dame Cathedral
Inside the cathedral, start your visit with the nave and its massive pillars, then the side chapels. Take note of the superb paintings donated by the Goldsmiths' Guild in the 17th century. Continue on to reach the cathedral's choir. Finally, don't miss Notre-Dame's great organ with its 8,000 pipes!
The Cathedral Treasury
Accessible from a chapel on the right side, the cathedral's treasury holds numerous relics such as Christ's Crown of Thorns, manuscripts, cameos bearing the likenesses of popes, and precious goldsmithing pieces, all displayed in a neo-Gothic setting.
The Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Access to the towers is via the North Tower, on rue du Cloître. The only way up Notre-Dame's towers is the 422-step staircase. It leads you past the gallery of chimeras and the Emmanuel bell — a 13-ton bell — before rewarding you with a stunning view over the rooftops of Paris.
The Archaeological Crypt
Archaeological digs beneath the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral uncovered numerous Gallo-Roman remains. These traces of ancient Paris can be explored in the archaeological crypt, whose entrance is located near the police headquarters.
Infos pratiques
Tips
The CASA association and Notre-Dame Cathedral offer free guided tours Monday through Friday at 2pm and 3pm. Access to the towers is free on the first Sunday of the month between November and March.
How to get there
It's easy to reach Notre-Dame by metro, at the Cité or Saint-Michel stations. Buses 21, 38, 47, 58, 70, 72, 74, 81, 82, 82 also stop near the cathedral.
Opening hours
Nearby
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