Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in the world, rising on the Ile de la Cite in the heart of Paris, a masterpiece of soaring vaults, flying buttresses, gargoyles and luminous rose windows begun in 1163. Devastated by fire in 2019, it has been painstakingly restored and reopened in late 2024, its spire and interior reborn.

Background

Building ran from 1163, under Bishop Maurice de Sully, to 1345, with most of the work done by 1260. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the cathedral is 128 metres long and 48 metres wide. It moved beyond the Romanesque style through early rib vaults and flying buttresses, very large coloured rose windows and richly naturalistic sculpture. It also has three pipe organs, one of them historic, very large bells and relics that include the crown of thorns. Interest stirred by Victor Hugo's 1831 novel led to a restoration from 1844 to 1864 under Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Since 1991 it has formed part of the Paris, Banks of the Seine World Heritage Site.

Source: Wikipedia, "Notre-Dame de Paris"

The main sights

• The rose windows - the great luminous medieval stained-glass windows.
• The Gothic facade - the west front with its portals and gallery of kings.
• The flying buttresses - the soaring exterior supports, best seen from behind.
• The restored interior - the reborn nave and spire after the fire and restoration.

When to go

Year-round; a fully central sight, though as a newly reopened cathedral it is very busy, so expect queues and possibly timed entry. It is a working church, so parts close for services.

Good to know

Since its reopening after the fire, it is extremely popular, so long queues and timed entry are the norm, and the tower may be limited. It is a working cathedral, so behave and dress accordingly. The restoration is remarkable but the crowds are heavy.

Nearby

Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie are on the same island; the Latin Quarter is across the river.

Key facts