Temples & religious sites
Notre-Dame de Paris
About Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame is the Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité that has long served as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. It's regarded as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, known for its facade, twin towers, and flying buttresses along the exterior. The cathedral suffered serious fire damage in 2019 and has since been restored, so it can be visited again both from outside and inside.
Getting there
The cathedral sits in the centre of Paris on the Île de la Cité, easily reached on foot from most central neighborhoods. By metro, the closest stops are Cité and Saint-Michel, generally a 15-20 minute ride from other central Paris stations. If arriving from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), plan on roughly 45-60 minutes by RER B into central Paris, followed by a short metro or walking connection.
How much time to allow
Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes viewing the exterior, square, and interior. Allow extra time if you also want to walk the surrounding riverbanks or explore the small streets of the Île de la Cité.
When to go
The area in front of the cathedral and the surrounding square tend to get busy, particularly around midday and in the warmer months. Visiting earlier in the day generally means fewer crowds and better conditions for photos.
What to combine it with
- Île de la Cité (0.3km) — the island Notre-Dame sits on, worth a walk in its own right.
- Sainte-Chapelle (0.4km) — a short walk away, known for its stained glass.
- Île Saint-Louis (0.5km) — a quieter neighboring island with cafes and shops.
- Latin Quarter (0.6km) — just across the river, good for continuing on foot afterward.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
GetYourGuide
Klook
Tiqets
KKday
WeGoTrip
Booking.com
Hotels.com
