Notre-Dame Cathedral rises above the Seine on the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. Begun in 1163 and largely completed in the 14th century, it is a landmark of French Gothic architecture, with flying buttresses, sculpted portals and twin towers that have shaped the city’s skyline for centuries.
The cathedral has witnessed some of France’s defining moments, including Napoleon’s coronation as emperor in 1804. After the devastating fire of April 2019 brought down its spire, a vast restoration brought Notre-Dame de Paris back to life. It reopened in December 2024, with cleaned stonework revealing an interior far brighter than many longtime visitors remembered.
Take time over the three west-front portals, crowded with figures carved in stone, before stepping into the soaring nave. Inside, the great rose windows are a highlight, particularly the north rose, which retains much of its 13th-century glass. The restored spire and intricate roofline reward a walk around the cathedral’s exterior, too.
Entry to the cathedral is free; a free reservation can help reduce waiting, but check the official website for current arrangements and opening hours. Arrive early on a weekday if you can, and check separately whether the towers are open before planning a climb. On the square in front, look for the bronze marker known as Point Zéro, the reference point for distances measured from Paris along France’s national roads.