Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris stands on the eastern part of the Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine in the 4th arrondissement. Bishop Maurice de Sully began the cathedral in 1163, and the main structure was largely complete by about 1260, with further work continuing until around 1345. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris and part of the UNESCO site Paris, Banks of the Seine, listed in 1991.

The cathedral has witnessed many key events in French history, including the coronation of Napoleon as emperor in 1804. Victor Hugo's novel of 1831, known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, helped spark a major restoration led by the architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc in the mid 19th century, which added the spire and many of the gargoyles and chimeras.

The west facade, with its three carved portals and twin towers about 69 metres high, is one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Inside, the nave is lit by three great rose windows, and flying buttresses support the walls from outside. The largest bell, Emmanuel, hangs in the south tower.

On 15 April 2019 a fire destroyed the spire and much of the medieval timber roof. A large restoration, rebuilding the roof and spire in their earlier form, allowed the cathedral to reopen on 7 December 2024. The towers reopened to visitors on 20 September 2025, and work on the surroundings and parts of the exterior continues.

Entry to the cathedral is free, and visitors can book an optional free time slot online to reduce waiting. Climbing the towers requires a paid ticket, booked in advance. Masses are held daily, and visitors should keep quiet and dress respectfully. Cite and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame stations are a short walk away.