Sep
09
2012
Oct
31
2012
Sep
09
2013
Oct
31
2013
Sep
09
2014
Oct
31
2014
Go Gothic Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris
Published by Erin Pienaar, Writer
Country: France 
The Experience
Europe’s churches and cathedrals are celebrated for various reasons: breathtaking architecture, deep-seated history, and stunning stained glass windows. Religious convictions aside, Europe’s cathedrals house beautiful works of art and offer a chance for quiet reflection. Throughout my travels I’ve toured many impressive churches, but Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a spire above the rest.
The abundance of sights available in Paris can be daunting, especially if you are tight on time. If unsure where to begin, a shuttle boat called the Batobus which travels along the Seine River is a good start as it stops at eight of Paris’ main attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, to name a few. As we approached Notre Dame Cathedral, the misty grey afternoon made the large Gothic building seem all the more sombre and imposing. It’s no wonder the Cathedral was the site of Victor Hugo’s dramatic and passionate tale, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
A stunning example of French Gothic architecture, the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. Notre Dame has suffered copious amounts of destruction over the years, beginning with discontented Huguenots who destroyed features they deemed to be “idolatrous” in 1548. During the French Revolution, Notre Dame Cathedral was re-dedicated to the cult of reason, and many of the treasures were destroyed or plundered. In 1845, a twenty-five year restoration program was instigated, returning Notre Dame Cathedral to its former glory.
Three beautiful rose windows, originally constructed in the 13th century, are one of Notre Dame Cathedral’s most arresting features. A gift from King Saint Louis, the South Rose Window is nearly 19 metres in height and has 84 panes. The famous gargoyles are another impressive feature of Notre Dame Cathedral. Some are functional, serving as drain pipes to drain rainwater off the roof; others are only decorative, keeping watch over the city from atop the Cathedral’s towers.
Because of its historical significance, architectural merit and stunning beauty, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-see sight in Paris. When I left the Cathedral, night had fallen. The façade and the towers were illuminated, creating a glowing silhouette against the darkness. I didn’t think it was possible, but Notre Dame Cathedral was even more beautiful by light of the night sky.
The abundance of sights available in Paris can be daunting, especially if you are tight on time. If unsure where to begin, a shuttle boat called the Batobus which travels along the Seine River is a good start as it stops at eight of Paris’ main attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, to name a few. As we approached Notre Dame Cathedral, the misty grey afternoon made the large Gothic building seem all the more sombre and imposing. It’s no wonder the Cathedral was the site of Victor Hugo’s dramatic and passionate tale, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
A stunning example of French Gothic architecture, the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. Notre Dame has suffered copious amounts of destruction over the years, beginning with discontented Huguenots who destroyed features they deemed to be “idolatrous” in 1548. During the French Revolution, Notre Dame Cathedral was re-dedicated to the cult of reason, and many of the treasures were destroyed or plundered. In 1845, a twenty-five year restoration program was instigated, returning Notre Dame Cathedral to its former glory.
Three beautiful rose windows, originally constructed in the 13th century, are one of Notre Dame Cathedral’s most arresting features. A gift from King Saint Louis, the South Rose Window is nearly 19 metres in height and has 84 panes. The famous gargoyles are another impressive feature of Notre Dame Cathedral. Some are functional, serving as drain pipes to drain rainwater off the roof; others are only decorative, keeping watch over the city from atop the Cathedral’s towers.
Because of its historical significance, architectural merit and stunning beauty, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-see sight in Paris. When I left the Cathedral, night had fallen. The façade and the towers were illuminated, creating a glowing silhouette against the darkness. I didn’t think it was possible, but Notre Dame Cathedral was even more beautiful by light of the night sky.
When to Go to Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is open every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (7:15 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays). Although there is something to be said for Paris in the springtime, I visited the city in autumn and found it very agreeable. Airfare and hotels were less expensive, attractions were populated but not overcrowded, and the weather was crisp but not cold.
Odds n' Ends
Entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral is free, but the Tower visit and the Treasury,
(which houses holy objects such as chalices, crosses and medallions) have entrance fees. The South Tower is 387 steps to the top, so be prepared for a climb!
The Tower is €8 for adults, €5 for 18-25 and seniors, and free for children under 18.
The Treasury is €3 for adults, €2 for 12-25 and seniors, and €1 for ages 5-11.
Weekday masses are held at the main altar at 12:00 p.m. Saturday masses are held at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday masses are held at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The Batobus shuttle boat is a convenient way to get from attraction to attraction, and a great way to travel the Seine River. A one day pass is €12 (€6 for children under 16,), a two day pass is €16 (€8 for children) and a five day pass is €19 (€9 for children).
(which houses holy objects such as chalices, crosses and medallions) have entrance fees. The South Tower is 387 steps to the top, so be prepared for a climb!
The Tower is €8 for adults, €5 for 18-25 and seniors, and free for children under 18.
The Treasury is €3 for adults, €2 for 12-25 and seniors, and €1 for ages 5-11.
Weekday masses are held at the main altar at 12:00 p.m. Saturday masses are held at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday masses are held at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The Batobus shuttle boat is a convenient way to get from attraction to attraction, and a great way to travel the Seine River. A one day pass is €12 (€6 for children under 16,), a two day pass is €16 (€8 for children) and a five day pass is €19 (€9 for children).
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
0 miles away
$127 EUR+
0 miles away
$92 EUR+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Explore the Largest Modern Art Museum in Europe at Centre Georges Pompidou
- Anyone who’s walked through the Marais in Paris—that ritzy, Right Bank neighbourhood that stretches across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements—will have seen the Centre Georges Pompidou. The Centre Pompidou, known to Parisians as the Beauborg (because of its location on rue Beaubourg) is one of modern architecture's greatest achievements, and home to some of the world's best modern art. The doors of its Kandinsky Library are open to students, researchers, and the general public, and its cinema offers regular screenings of avant-garde films. Centre Georges Pompidou looks the way it does for a reason: it's inside out! Architects Renzo Piano, ...1 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
The specially designed, airship-style Altitude 95 restaurant is on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. The "tourist style" restaurant is 95 meters (311 feet) ...0.27 miles away via Paris.
$220+
Save time as you skip the long queues, and save money with free entry to over 60 Paris sights and attractions. With your Paris Pass, ...0.27 miles away via Paris.
$112+
+ 22 others. Show all.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Get a bird's eye view of the cobbled streets of the Left Bank and the Napoleonic splendor of the Ecole Militaire. See the Eiffel Tower, ...
Starting from $27.80 per person.
Starting from $27.80 per person.
Video
Video Wall
You are now being transfered to our Video Wall
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Cathédrale de Notre-Dame - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Worshiping Paris - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- The Best Cathedrals - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Paris Walking Tour: Secrets Along the Seine - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- Free Paris! - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
French 
,
Italian
,
Lao
,
Portugese
,
Spanish
,
Turkish
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in France. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People with experience
People who wish to experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "notre dame cathedral":
