Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral

No matter what trials and tribulations it faces, the ‘old lady’ still watches over the Île de la Cité. After five years surrounded by scaffolding, Notre-Dame has reopened its doors, restored thanks to the excellence of French craftsmanship and expertise: stonemasons, carpenters, master glassmakers, ironworkers, gilders… All worked passionately to bring this Gothic masterpiece back to life. Standing 69 metres tall, the cathedral impresses with its sculpted façade, rose windows and legendary gargoyles. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains a universal symbol.

An enriched visit and treasures to come

The towers of Notre Dame have reopened their doors: climb the 424 steps of the double spiral staircase to reach the south terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of Paris, its surroundings and the cathedral's spire. The tour has been enhanced and promises some wonderful surprises.

And next year, the cathedral will welcome new contemporary stained glass windows by Claire Tabouret, which will interact with the history and light of the monument, offering a unique artistic experience. They will echo the magnificent stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle, located just a few steps away.

Standing the test of time and looking to the future

Since its foundation stone was laid in 1163, Notre-Dame has survived centuries, revolutions and restorations.
In 1789, the French Revolution ravaged the cathedral. The spire was dismantled, statues decapitated, treasures looted… Deprived of its religious function, Notre-Dame temporarily became a wine warehouse, and there were even plans to demolish it… which was fiercely opposed by Victor Hugo, who decided to restore it to its former glory. His literary tribute helped to save Notre-Dame from destruction. Led by the architect Viollet-le-Duc, who was responsible for the restoration of the "Collégiale Notre-Dame de Poissy" and the Saint-Denis Basilica, the renovation work took 20 years to complete.

After the fire in 2019, it has been reborn more beautiful than ever. And the transformation continues: by the end of 2028, its surroundings will be transformed into a green oasis with 1,800 m² of green space, a water feature to cool the air and a basement reinvented as a visitor centre with a bookshop and access to the crypt. The banks of the Seine will be connected to the cathedral for a peaceful stroll in the heart of Paris.

Continue your tour of the most beautiful monuments in Paris and its region.