Cathédrale Notre Dame De Paris

My favourite tourist sight in Paris. I’ve been to bigger and grander cathedrals (e.g. in Italy), but there’s something special about Notre Dame – a mixture of its beautiful Gothic architecture and location on the Île de la Cité.

...would not be my first port of call if I were on holiday in Paris, to be honest. It’s very crowded and for me, there are more impressive churches (Sainte Chapelle) and better things to do. Although to be fair, I had the time to visit other cathedrals in France – if Notre Dame had been the only one I visited, maybe I’d be more impressed.

I definitely would not advise going to mass here, as they still let people in during the mass and it’s very disconcerting trying to remember the prayers when there are tourists talking loudly and taking pictures around you. I would like to visit during Holy Week though, as it’s the only time of the year when the collection of relics is displayed.

recommended for Cristian

It was the first time I was in a city so big, and the cathedral was one of the first stops on our trip (three weeks in Europe with a high school tour group, when I was 16). I just remember being absolutely blown away by the size of the place, and all of the minute details that were EVERYWHERE…especially the stone carvings around the doors. It was just the tip of the iceberg on a trip that opened my eyes to the amazing diversity of places there are on this planet.

I didn’t know that the famous gargoyles are chimeras!!

Climb to the top. You will NOT be disappointed.

This cathedral was a massive giant – it’s rectangular form gave it integrity. It was imposing, with an empty square in front of it. The space around it said to me – It’s important!

Many tourists take photos in the open area, and it is also a place for advertising tents.

Missed: Hearing music in this place would be quite an experience. Missed: Sitting down in a seat.

Recommendation: To study the gargoyles and stained glass – bring binoculars.

this is one of my favorite places of all time. ever. even if you’re not religious. even if you’re not spiritual! there is something so humbling, and so gorgeous about notre dame. anyone can feel at home there.

be prepared to fight the tourists if you come any other time that very early morning. but definitely worth the stop. To appreciate the features of Notre Dame Cathedral, approach from the park behind the cathedral, Square Jean XXIII, for an impressive view. i found the park by accident while shopping on ile de st louis, but i am glad i stopped!!!

Go very early when no one is there – it is really peaceful and nice to experience the quiet streets before the tourists come.

Don’t make the mistake my husband and I did… we waited inside at the gift shop (before it opened for over an hour) thinking they sold tickets to the top – only to find we should have been outside where the line was huge. Needless to say, we went back another day.

The ironic thing was when we went back we were the 2nd group in line. Then an Italian couple came up and sat on the opposite side of the gate to skip the line… I love it – people who lie to get into a church.