If visiting Paris, we strongly recommend touring the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Paris.
Notre Dame Location:
Place du parvis de Notre Dame, 75004 Paris (the larger island in the middle of Paris)
Map
Metro: Cité
Visiting Hours:
Open every day from 7:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (18h45)
English speaking tours: FREE
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. (14h)
Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. (14h30)
Brief History:
The construction of Notre-Dame-de-Paris began in the 12th century (1163) during the
episcopacy of Bishop Maurice de Sully, and continued for almost two hundred years until 1345. This gothic cathedral was badly damaged during the French Revolution but extensive renovation work
was begun in 1844 by architect Viollet-le-Duc.
Tip: Do not be shy about entering the cathedral. Despite its grand façade, Notre-Dame is a church after-all, open to all who wish to enter. There is no fee for entrance. Mass is offered daily. Please check the official web site for exact hours. If you happen to arrive during mass, you are welcome to participate if you wish. Simply step inside and take a seat. You are also welcome to quietly wander the interior if you prefer, even if prayers are in session. Inside, you will find many alcoves. Each one is dedicated to a particular Saint, with paintings and ornamental objects pertaining to that Saint in full view. Each alcove has a small iron gate in front of it. If you wish to pray before a particular Saint, open the gate and enter the alcove. This is what it is for, so please do not feel intimidated about going in. Near each niche, you will find candles burning either on tables, or in massive candelabras. Next to them you will find boxes of unlit candles, and a small coin box. You may take a candle or votive and light it from one of the others, but be sure to leave a couple of Euros in the collection box if you do (Notre-Dame functions strictly on donations).
The Towers of Notre-Dame
We strongly recommend visiting this attraction.If you look carefully at pictures of Notre-Dame's frontal view, you may see people standing on its roof. They are visiting the "Towers of Notre-Dame".
The view from the top of Notre Dame is absolutely breathtaking. The ‘trip’ to the top (402 steps - the equivalent of 20 stories) is equally as exhilarating, for there are no elevators. You must climb a tiny, winding, spiral of stairs up, up, and up! Just when you think you shall collapse from either exhaustion or claustrophobia, you exit onto the glorious view. Victor Hugo tried to describe this incredible panorama in his novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame but his words pale next to the real thing.
Towers of Notre-Dame Entry:
The "North Tour" (e.g. left tower when facing the Cathedral).
Visiting Hours:
- From April to June and September: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- From July to August (tourist season): 9:30 a.m.to 7:30 p.m. weekdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
- From October to March: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Closed on: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Note: Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time. Also, tours may be halted at any time due to poor weather.
Admission Prices:
Adults: €7.5
Juniors (18 to 25): €4.8
Children(<18): Free
All visits are FREE the first Sunday of each Month from November to the end
of March.
Notre-Dame Sacristy
Notre-Dame's Relics
The remains of a Saint and any objects that belonged to him or her are called
"relics". The most precious relics are those that belonged to Jesus. Notre-Dame
has three:
- The Crown of Thorns (i.e. La couronne d’épines) that was - in derision - put on the head of Jesus once he proclaimed himself King of the Jews
- A piece of the original Crucifix (e.g. Croix du Calvaire), and
- One of the nails that attached Jesus to the cross
These relics are only on display:
- Every first Friday of the month at 3:00 p.m. (15h)
- Each Friday of Lent at 3:00 p.m. (15h)
- Each Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (17h)
In addition to these "major" relics, Notre-Dame has many other rare and historical items including relics from Saint Louis. These are viewable at the Sacristy (e.g. south site of the church):
- Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 6PM (18h)
- Sunday from 1:30PM to 5:30PM
Sacristy Admission Prices:
Adults: €2.5
Students: € 2
Children €1
For even more tips on visiting the Cathedral of Notre Dame, read Notre-Dame Tour Part 2!
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