Favorite Sites

Notre Dame: Gothic Masterpiece

Minimum time to allow

Depending on whether you are going to a service or strictly as a visitor, take just under an hour to admire the great high vaulted central nave, the stained glass windows, especially the Rose windows surrounded by saints and apostles.

Take time to walk around the outside and examine the main west portals depicting the Virgin, surrounded by saints and kings and Christ judging the living and the dead. Above the main entrance, the West Rose window shows the Virgin in reds and blues.

On the roof, you can see the famous gargoyles and enjoy a spectacular view of the city and river. Allow at least a half hour on the tower, not including the line.

Suggestions

I propose that you walk around the building. There are many important things to see. Within the walls at the eastern end is a small square dedicated to John XXIII. It is a peaceful place, except when the tour buses jockey for position just behind. It is at this end that you will discover the Treasury, where the religious and ancient manuscripts are kept.

On Place du Parvis just in front of the entrance is the popular plaque marking ‘point zero’. It is a popular place to take pictures.

Just beyond is the entrance to the archeological crypt, a wonderful place to see the remnants of the original city. There is a small entrance fee. Tel: 43 29 83 51 Open 10 am to 6 pm (summer months) or 5 pm (Nov. – March).

On the street to the north of the Cathedral, facing the North rose window, is the Museum Notre-Dame which traces the cathedral’s history. 10 rue du Cloitre-Notre-Dame, open 2:30 – 6 PM  Wed., Sat., Sun. There is an admission charge.

I also recommend the Martyr’s Memorial, dedicated to the 200,000 French people deported by the Nazis. Square de l’Ile de France, behind the Cathedral at the tip of the island. No admission charge.

Tours

There are no city tours that do not include Notre Dame.  The exterior, with its flying buttresses, can be seen from any of the boat tours. The Batobus stops nearby and you can walk around on your own.

Disability/Handicapped

There are entrance ramps for wheel chairs but touring the tower is not recommended or possible for all.

Statuary and Art

Interior highlights include:

• the Statue of Louis XIII in honor of the birth of the future Louis XIV
• Pieta (on a gilded base) behind the high altar
• the Virgin and child against the southeastern transept pillar
• Joan of Arc
• the Screen to enclose the chancel
• Le Brun’s “May” paintings to the right of the entrance against south wall

Exterior & tower (387 steps):

• Gargoyles
• Bells: ‘Emmanuel’ is in the south tower weighing about 14 tons. ‘Clapper’ is 500 kilos (about 1100 Lbs.)
• Spire: 295 feet, designed by Viollet-le-Duc.
• Flying buttresses South, East and North sides.
• East buttresses have a 50 foot span
• On the south side, near the Pont au Double, is the impressive statue of Charlemagne who united all the Christians of the west in the 8th century.

Toilets

Near entrance or in cafés immediately to the north of the cathedral

Caution

There are often long lines, especially during the morning when the tour buses (parked in the rear, if you get lost) arrive. Like every crowded place the lines may move slowly.

Often on windy days or when the weather is bad, the access to the high tower is limited.

Best Time to go

Afternoons when the crowds disappear, or in sunshine (if by boat or when standing in line).

Entry to the tower stops about 30 minutes before closing.

Note: It was in this Cathedral that Napoleon took the emperor’s crown from the pope and placed it on his own head, Dec. 2 1804.

Here too Joan of Arc was beatified in 1909. The Te Deum Mass took place here for the liberation of Paris in 1944 and the Requiem Mass of Charles de Gaulle was held here in 1970.

Address

Place de Parvis

Notre Dame, Point Zero

Hours

Cathedral 8 pm-7 pm daily (Free)

Towers 10 AM – 5 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)

Charge for towers

Getting There

Within walking distance from the geographical center of Paris, where Blvd. St Michel meets the Seine.

Métro : Cité

Buses: 21 38 85 96 to Ile de La Cite

Parking:

Place de Parvis

Offered

Mass Mon.-Sat. 8 AM, 9:00, Noon, and 6:15 pm

Sunday 8 am, 8:45, 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 6:30 pm

Concerts:  5:30 Sun. or as advertised.