Cathedrale Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Cathedral), Paris (must see)
While the Eiffel Tower is an instantly recognizable symbol of France, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is an unmistakable symbol of Paris. Notre-Dame de Paris, or "Our Lady of Paris," is a medieval Catholic church renowned for its French Gothic appearance. Among other features, this cathedral showcases period architectural innovations such as the rib vault and flying buttress, as well as large rose windows and rich sculptural decoration. Notre-Dame’s architectural and historical significance is underscored by its vast pipe organs, iconic bells, and its role in hosting significant ceremonies like Napoleon’s coronation, the celebration of the Liberation of Paris in 1944, and the funerals of presidents Charles de Gaulle and François Mitterrand.
Before Notre-Dame, a temple to Jupiter and later a cathedral dedicated to Saint Étienne occupied the site. Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 and concluded in 1260, incorporating architectural advancements in four major stages, with additions in the 13th century enhancing stability and light. At the time of its construction, it was the most ambitious cathedral project ever undertaken in France, its vaults rising over 33 meters and holding a national height record for several decades.
In 1431, Notre-Dame saw the coronation of King Henry VI, and during the French Revolution, suffered vandalism when it was repurposed as a warehouse. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, spurred its restoration, largely preserving Notre-Dame’s legacy.
Amid the Second World War, upon the Fall of France, there were fears that the German invaders might destroy the freshly renovated stained glass of the rose window. As a result, the lion's portion of it was hidden and re-installed only after the war.
In 2019, a fire severely damaged the cathedral's oak roof and spire. Firefighters saved much of the building, including the world's biggest 13th-century glass window and other artifacts and relics which were temporarily removed for safety. Though many decorations have been removed over time, the cathedral retains Gothic, Baroque, and 19th-century sculptures, altarpieces, and revered relics, including the Crown of Thorns and fragments from the True Cross.
As a symbol of Paris and France, Notre-Dame is renowned for its traditional Lent sermons since the 1830s and attracts annually around 12 million visitors.
Before Notre-Dame, a temple to Jupiter and later a cathedral dedicated to Saint Étienne occupied the site. Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 and concluded in 1260, incorporating architectural advancements in four major stages, with additions in the 13th century enhancing stability and light. At the time of its construction, it was the most ambitious cathedral project ever undertaken in France, its vaults rising over 33 meters and holding a national height record for several decades.
In 1431, Notre-Dame saw the coronation of King Henry VI, and during the French Revolution, suffered vandalism when it was repurposed as a warehouse. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, spurred its restoration, largely preserving Notre-Dame’s legacy.
Amid the Second World War, upon the Fall of France, there were fears that the German invaders might destroy the freshly renovated stained glass of the rose window. As a result, the lion's portion of it was hidden and re-installed only after the war.
In 2019, a fire severely damaged the cathedral's oak roof and spire. Firefighters saved much of the building, including the world's biggest 13th-century glass window and other artifacts and relics which were temporarily removed for safety. Though many decorations have been removed over time, the cathedral retains Gothic, Baroque, and 19th-century sculptures, altarpieces, and revered relics, including the Crown of Thorns and fragments from the True Cross.
As a symbol of Paris and France, Notre-Dame is renowned for its traditional Lent sermons since the 1830s and attracts annually around 12 million visitors.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Cathedrale Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Cathedrale Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Cathedral)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I
Paris, the capital of France, has a history spanning over 2,000 years back to the Iron Age. The name “Paris” comes from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the bank of the river Seine around the 3rd century BC. Having conquered the Galls, the Romans established on their land a garrison town known as Lutetia. By the end of the 5th century AD, it fell to the Franks and flourished under... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour
The 7th arrondissement of Paris is the most affluent and prestigious residential area in France, home to world-famous Eiffel Tower and the French upper class alongside a number of French national institutions, government offices and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood boasts typically Parisian architecture complete with vibrant cafés, restaurants and gourmet shops which draw foodies... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour
On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital – one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-Élysées – a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-Élysées – a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
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