Notre-Dame has so much to offer we could not fit everything into the main article Paris: Visiting Notre Dame [2].
The cathedral is 'smack dab' in the middle of Paris with many places of interest surrounding it, all within a few minutes by foot (e.g. the Ile Saint-Louis, Latin District/Quartier Latin ...etc). This article will focus only on what's directly around it.
Many first-time tourists of Paris plan a visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame, but many only pause to take a photo of this amazingly beautiful structure without exploring its many offerings. If Notre Dame is on your list of ‘must see’ monuments, and you wish to enhance your experience of it beyond the typical photo op’, please be sure to seek the following.
Paris Point Zero
[3]
Look for the ‘Paris Point Zero’ marker situated in the cathedral
square just in front of the main entry. This small octagonal brass plate (see
image) set in the ground marks the exact spot from which all distances from Paris are measured. Although
it is not as old or mysterious as the Aragon medallions (which make up the
“Prime Meridian’, made famous by Dan Brown’s famous novel The Da Vinci Code)
it is just as delightful. In years past, Parisians and tourists alike marched past
this marker without a second glance; however, it has become more popular in
recent years. If you visit on a busy day, you will most likely see a small crowd
of people surrounding it, with each person taking a turn performing their own
private ‘ritual’ on top of it for good luck. For instance, some people spin on
it with one foot while making a wish, couples kiss while standing on it
together (my favorite), etc. Be sure to pause a moment and invent your own good luck
tradition. It’s an excellent spot for interacting with tourists from all over
the world, for everyone is in a whimsical, lighthearted mood. The concept of
‘luck’ transcends all cultures and languages.
Archaeological Crypt of Notre-Dame Square
(Crypte Archéologique du Parvis de Notre-Dame)
This archaeological crypt is interesting because you actually get to see the original Paris (1st and 2nd century). Back then, Paris was called "Lutèce" and was no more then a village (Gallo-Roman period). As a bonus, during hot summer days the crypt will keep
you cool! The main items to see at the crypt are:
- A Gallo-Roman quay/wharf
- The rampart/wall of the island built around the year 300
- Homes from the High Empire and Gaul with many objects from that period (coins, pots ..etc.)
- The foundations of the Merovingian cathedral church dedicated to Saint-Etienne
- Graves from the former Hôtel-Dieu
Location (map [5])
Look for the stairs going down on the far end of the square across Notre-Dame's front doors.
Official web site in English [6].
Visiting Hours
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.(18h) Ticket sales stop at 5:30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays and January 1, May 1, November 1, November 11 and December 25
[7]
€3,30 Discounted(60+)
€2,20 Young(14-26)
€1,60 Children
<13 FREE
Park behind Notre-Dame
(Square de l'Ile de France)
The park behind Notre-Dame is the perfect place to take a little break. It offers many benches and trees. There is a playground with little French children playing together in their sandbox. Here you can also find the memorial to the Martyrs of the Deportation.