Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the world’s most well known books, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, was written centered around this cathedral. Built between 1163 and 1345, the Notre Dame Cathedral has become one of the most visited religious buildings in the world: it has more that 13 million visitors per year!
WHAT TO SEE?
Let Notre Dame Cathedral conquer your heart! Located in the very center of the city, Notre Dame Cathedral has had various architects who introduced new and different innovative architecture during its building until 1345. You will be able to appreciate the evolution of the architecture when you visit.
Its famous gargoyles can be appreciated from the top of the towers, where you will be able to enjoy a privileged view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is also home to one of the world’s largest organs, and several huge church bells. The bell in the south tower is named Emmanuel and weighs 13 tons, one of the biggest of the world!
In addition, Notre Dame offers various religious activities, especially on weekends, such as the Gregorian masses, international masses and different religious services among other cultural activities. You can check them here.

The Famous Gargoyles
HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT?
Located by the Seine River, the Notre-Dame Cathedral was built on an island located in the middle of the river.
You can visit Notre-Dame cathedral for free. But if you are
considering to climb the famous towers, you will need to buy a specific ticket.
There is almost always a line at the entrance of the cathedral on the square, but since it’s only a security check and you don’t need to buy tickets there, don’t be afraid, the line goes pretty fast and you should not wait much longer than 30 minutes approximately. As for the towers, it’s another story…. Since there is a maximum number of people allowed in the towers at the same time, the line goes very slowly, and there is no possibility to bypass it! The doors open at 10am, but it’s not rare to see people beginning to line up from 8am, just to be among the first ones when the door open. Take patience, and do not be disappointed as you will only be allowed to stay a few minutes at the top of the towers…
Time to visit the cathedral is included in most of ParisByM packages. You can check them in our website.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Hours: opened every day of the year from 8:00 am to 6:45 pm. Late opening on Saturdays and Sundays until 7:45pm
- Price: Cathedral entry: free. Entrance for the towers: 8 €, free under 18 or under 26 being EU resident
- Access: Metro station: “Cité”. RER B and C “Notre Dame Saint Michel” station. Bus: lines 21, 38, 47, 85 and 96
- IMPORTANT: the staircase of the towers are narrow and count 422 stairs, without lift nor toilets. It’s therefore not recommended for pregnant women, people in overweight or with a bad leg, and for young children.
Additional sightseeings in Paris