monument
Notre-Dame de Paris
A Gothic masterpiece on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 after a historic restoration.
History & context
Construction began in 1163 under Maurice de Sully and finished nearly two centuries later. Notre-Dame hosted Napoleon's coronation (1804) and Joan of Arc's beatification.
On 15 April 2019 a devastating fire destroyed the spire and roof. A historic restoration allowed it to reopen on 7 December 2024.
With 13 million visitors a year before the fire, it was Europe's most visited monument.
Key facts
- Built
- 1163–1345 · restored 2019–2024
- Architect
- Maurice de Sully · Viollet-le-Duc
- Style
- French Gothic
- District
- 4th — Île de la Cité
Why visit
- ·A masterpiece of Gothic art
- ·Medieval stained glass and rose windows
- ·Carved west façade and flying buttresses
- ·Magical views from nearby bridges
- ·A living symbol of Parisian resilience
What to see
- ·The north rose window
- ·The gargoyles
- ·The great organ
- ·The parvis and Point Zero
Practical tips
- ·Cathedral entry is free
- ·Book your time slot online
- ·Avoid mass times for sightseeing
Best photo spots
- ·Square Jean-XXIII behind for the flying buttresses.
- ·Pont de la Tournelle at sunset.
- ·Pont au Double facing the west façade.
- ·Quai de Montebello (Left Bank) for the postcard view.
Good to know
- ·Cathedral entry is free.
- ·Book your slot on notredamedeparis.fr — walk-in queues are limited.
- ·Avoid mass times for sightseeing.
- ·Hours may change: always check the official website.
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Loop around to Square Jean-XXIII behind the cathedral: the flying-buttress view is superb and rarely crowded.
What to avoid
The interior is gradually reopening: check notredamedeparis.fr first, the queue can be very long at peaks.
Frequently asked
＋Can I go inside?
＋Can I climb the towers?
Itineraries with this place
Nearby
Sainte-Chapelle
13th-century royal chapel built by Saint Louis to house the Crown of Thorns.
Île de la Cité
Historical cradle of Paris in the middle of the Seine, the founding site of Lutetia.
Latin Quarter
The student quarter around the Sorbonne, medieval lanes, bookshops and lively bistros.
Le Marais
A historic aristocratic quarter turned trendy heart of Paris, mixing mansions and boutiques.