Construction
of Notre Dame began in 1163 during the reign of Louis VII. Pope Alexander
III laid the foundation stone.
Today it is a must see for any first time visitor. The square outside
is a honeyport of tourists, many part of large groups.
The cathedral itself is free to enter and worthwhile.
To get a view of the famous flying buttresses (they're the supporting
arms that stick out of the side of the building, in case you're wondering),
climb the 387 stairs to the top.
Step outside and take out your camera. The views of the Seine River,
and the city beyond, are what postcards are made of.
To make the ascent to the towers is not free though and there can
be lengthy queues.
Within the cathedral is a 'treasury', a small exhibition of religious
artefacts for which there is a charge. A more formal museum, the Musee
de Notre Dame run not by the state but the friends of Notre Dame
is also available. This goes into more history of Notre Dame through
the ages.
A good proportion of people seem to arrive by coach or boat, make
a circuit of the cathedral before leaving for the next must see on
their crowded itinerary.
This is a pity, Notre Dame is on an island in the middle of the River
Seine with much to see and savour in the vicinity. Within an easy
stroll is the Louvre and the Latin Quarter.
Another smaller island, just to the east of Cite, the island Notre
Dame is on, is called Ile St Louis and is a total contrast It is connected
to Notre Dame by a bridge. Ile St Louis although very much dependent
on tourist traffic has many interesting buildings and small shops
which are not in your face tourist tat.
Getting There:
Metro
to Cite (line 4) or the RER to St Michel are the easiest places to
head for by public transport.
All the Paris
hop-on, hop-off bus services stop at Notre Dame.
The Batobus
river service stops at the pier in front of Notre Dame, as
do many other boat operators.
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