Notre Dame Cathedral

candid Paris tips

 

Why
Notre Dame Cathedral
of Paris is special

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris is the most famous cathedral in the world - and has an interesting history.

Notre Dame Cathedral
tips & insights

Construction

It took roughly 180 years to finish the Notre Dame Cathedral (1163 to 1345).

Sizeable

The tallest spire is as high as a modern 27-story building. Notre Dame can accommodate 6,000 worshippers.

Rose window

The 21-meter (70-foot) diameter northern rose window is the interior's highlight.

View

For a stimulating view of Paris, visit one or both of the two bell towers. There is no elevator - you climb up over two hundred steps in a narrow, spiraling, stone stairwell.

Best photo vantage

My favorite place for taking a photo of Notre Dame is from the Archeveche Bridge (where the above photo was shot).

Name is not unique in France

Notre Dame means "our lady", referring to the Virgin Mary. There are also well-known cathedrals in Amiens, Reims, and other major French cities bearing the Notre Dame title.

When to come

Long entry waiting lines are common in the summer. Best to arrive early.

  

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