Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral (exterior)
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Notre Dame de Paris - by Bastien Nvs on Unsplash
Description
Notre-Dame de Paris is a medieval catholic cathedral that was built in the 12-13th century on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The cathedral was designed in the French Gothic style and is well known for its pioneering use of the rib vault and flying buttress, its enormous rose windows, 10 bells and large organ. *** Notre Dame was until recently the most visited monument in the city, but it is currently closed and undergoing substantial reconstruction since it was engulfed by a fire in April 2019. The flèche and most of the wooden roof were destroyed and the target date for reopening is Dec. 2024. ***
Access & Transport
There are 4 métro stations within a 5mins walk radius: Hôtel de Ville (1, 11) on the right bank, Cité (4), Saint Michel (RER B, RER C, 4) and Maubert-Mutualité (10) on the left bank of the Seine.
Instructions & Recommendations
The cathedral cannot currently be visited due to reconstruction work but can still be admired from the outside. A good place for pictures is from Pont au Double - just southwest of the cathedral. We recommend combining a visit there with a tour of the Île de la Cité, including the Conciergerie and the Sainte Chapelle. Other nearby activities include Île Saint Louis (across the Pont Saint-Louis), the Hotel de Ville and Saint Michel / Latin Quarter.
Environmental & Social
The ongoing environmental footprint is low. Part of the city's cultural, artistic and architectural heritages
Conclusion
Notre Dame has been significantly damaged, and it will take some time before it can be restored to its former glory. If you are unlikely to be back in the city, we would still recommend you see it, some of the architectural tour de force (the flying buttress and towering façade) can still be appreciated.
Key positive
Some of the most impressive aspects of the cathedral can still be enjoyed
Centrally located
Plenty of history surrounding this monument
Key negative
Not open to visits until at least end 2024
The fire and reconstruction work have a significant visual impact when seen from the sides and back
Suitability
Accessibility is n/a since it is closed to visits and people with reduced mobility should have no problem accessing the Parvis (the square in front of the entrance).
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo