Paris Digest
Paris city guide since 1997
Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, Notre-Dame has been the soul and the heart of Paris for eight centuries. A flagship of Catholic devotion along the river banks, Notre-Dame is the cathedral of the bishop of Paris. Paris monuments.
A tragedy occured on Monday April 15 2019 greatly affecting people all over the world. Several hundred firefighters intervened to extinguish the fire that broke out and ravaged the cathedral. According to the Notre-Dame spokesperson, the fire broke out at 6:50 pm in the attic of the cathedral.
Around 7.50 pm, the 93m high spire of the cathedral, one of the symbols of Paris, collapsed. In a few hours, a good part of the roof of the building was reduced to ashes. "Two-thirds of the roof of Notre-Dame have been destroyed," said General Jean-Claude Gallet, commander of the Brigade of firefighters in Paris. Detailed information on Notre-Dame fire.
As a result and until further notice, no visit or masses occur in the cathedral. If you want to understand the beauty and spirituality of French gothic cathedrals, visit Chartres Cathedral near Paris, a visit that will take you half a day. An option is to visit Saint-Denis Cathedral, reachable by metro and one of the first cathedrals of Europe.
A testimony of eight centuries of Christian faith in the city of lights, Notre-Dame Cathedral towers above the river in Paris. Notre-Dame was the most visited monument in the city ahead of the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur. Update of April 20, 2019: due to the fire occurred on April 15, 2019 in Notre-Dame Cathedral, the monument is closed until further notice.
See Notre-Dame from the outside on a Paris bus tour or on our 4 hour walk. See it from the river on a Seine river cruise.
This 19th century hotel is located in a quiet street, 500 m from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in the Latin Quarter. Free Wi-Fi is provided. The air-conditioned guest rooms at the Hotel Maison Colbert have private bathrooms and internet access. Some have views of Notre Dame Cathedral. Room service is available in the evenings. Gastronomic French specialties.
The twin towers culminate at 69 meters (387 steps). The top platform provides one of the best views of the city.
The towers cannot be visited anymore. Visits were - April 1st to September 30th, 10am to 6.30pm (June to August, on Saturday, Sunday, 10am to 11pm) - October 1st to March 31st, 10am to 5.30pm. Last access 45 mn before closure. Closed on January 1st, in May 1st, December 25th.
Entrance on left-hand side of the facade. Long waiting time.
Together with Chartres Cathedral, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the masterpieces of Gothic art in Western Europe.
Notre-Dame was built between 1163 and 1270 to honor the Virgin. France was then the most powerful and faithfull Kindgom of Europe. Notre-Dame's sculptures (picture), stainglass windows (picture), nave (picture) are stunning.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is 130 meters long, 48 meters wide, 35 meters high. Its pillars have a diameter of 5 meters.
Before the fire, masses were scheduled as follows:
Weekdays, Monday to Saturday noon
- 8:00 a.m. - Mass in the choir
- 9:00 a.m. - Mass in the choir, except in July, August and first half of September
- 12:00 p.m. - Mass at the main altar
- 5:45 p.m. - Vespers service
- 6:15 p.m. - Mass at the main altar
Saturdays
- 5:45 p.m. - First Sunday Vespers service
- 6:30 p.m. - Sunday mass at the main altar
Sundays (all services held at the main altar)
- 8:30 a.m. - Mass
- 9:30 a.m. - Lauds service
- 10:00 a.m. - Gregorian mass of the cathedral chapter
- 11:30 a.m. - International mass
- 12:45 p.m. - Mass
- 5:45 p.m. - Vespers service
- 6:30 p.m. - Mass usually by the archbishop, broadcast live
on KTO-Catholic Television and Radio Notre-Dame
Address: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Paris metro: Cite station on metro line 4. Saint Michel station on RER B and C lines.
Locate Notre-Dame on Paris map.
Detailed Notre-Dame facts
Practical information
Top churches in Paris | Top Paris monuments.
