A trip to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris gives you the opportunity to see one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in the world. The novelist Victor Hugo immortalized the place in his novel “the Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
How to Get There
The cathedral is at Place du parvis de Notre Dame, 4th arrondissement in Paris. It is in the center of the Ile de la Cite. This is the part that segregates Paris’ left and right banks. The Seine river encompasses it.
The bus lines to take are 21, 38, 47, or 85. For metro, it is Saint-Michel or Cite (line 4). It is not far from the World War II Deportation Memorial and the Latin Quarter.
What to See on a Trip to Notre Dame Cathedral
The cathedral’s stained glass, statuary, spire and towers will be among those that will capture the visitor’s imagination. The archaeological crypt is another area worth visiting. To attain the “gargoyle’s perspective”, you will want to get on the north tower.
Some of the most notable features are the colonnettes and tracery screens. The large rose windows, the facades and the flying buttresses also catch the eye.
History
Construction of the cathedral began in 1163. The cathedral was built on the behest of Maurice de Sully, the Paris bishop. It took over 180 years to build. The edifice was finished in 1345.
The stained glass and paintings illustrate the stories in the Bible. In the middle of the 13th century, the clerestory windows were enlarged. Today, the structural style is High Gothic.
Cost
Admission to the cathedral’s main hall is free. Admission to the towers is $9.70 or 7.50 Euros. Discounts are possible when travelling with children or in groups.
Admission to the archaeological crypt is $4.30 or 3.30 Euros. It is however, free for individuals under 14 years of age. A Paris Museum pass gives you access to the crypt.
The best time to go on a trip to Notre Dame Cathedral is between October and March. It is the low season, so there’ll be fewer people standing in line. Evening and early morning visits are preferable over the weekend afternoons.
You should also try visiting in the evening or sunset. It provides spectacular vistas of the stained glass. There are free English guided tours available.
