Gargoyles, Chimera, & Fantastic Views: Visiting Notre-Dame de Paris
“Great edifices, like great mountains, are the work of the ages.”
―Victor Hugo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Notre-Dame de Paris, or “Our Lady of Paris,” is certainly one of the world’s “great edifices,” as Victor Hugo points out in his 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and last month I was fortunate enough to see this awe-inspiring Cathedral again in person.
About Notre-Dame
One of the world’s most famous Cathedrals, Notre-Dame is also the #1 tourist attraction Paris, receiving over 13 million visitors per year. Since its completion in 1345 (after nearly 200 years of construction), this French Gothic place of worship located in the heart of Paris has become a symbol of the city itself.
The subject of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Cathedral has been declared “a history book in its own right,” as for the past 8 centuries this architectural marvel has been the setting for major political and religious happenings and events. If you are in Paris, a visit to this historic landmark is not to be missed.
Visiting Notre-Dame
Entrance to the cathedral itself is free, and visitors may enter anytime between 8:00 AM and 6:45 PM.
The cathedral is known for its flying buttresses, as it was one of the first buildings in the world to employ this technology in its construction, which allowed for higher, thinner walls, and a more airy interior in comparison to other structures of the time.
The Cathedral is also home to stunning stained glass windows, the most famous of which are the three Gothic “rose windows,” named after their circular rosette shape.
After wandering around the church, I highly recommend climbing the famous bell towers, to see one of the best views of Paris.
Climbing The Bell Towers of Notre-Dame
For 10 Euro, one gains access to the bell towers and the incredible views of Paris, you just have to climb a few steps (387 to be exact).
Today, the Cathedral houses 10 bells, each one tolls a different note. The Emmanuel bell, which dates to 1681, weighs over 13 tons and hangs in the South tower, tolling hours and various important events (such as the 1944 liberation of Paris during WWII).
It was incredible being able to climb up the narrow stairs to see this historic bell in person, surrounded by the wooden supports within the tower, I felt as if I was back in time standing there with Quasimodo (if I ignored the other tourists around me, at least!)
Victor Hugo described the experience of listening to the bells as such:
“This sea of harmony is not a chaos; great and profound as it is, it has not lost its transparency; you behold the windings of each group of notes which escapes from the belfries. ”
The bells of Notre-Dame are not only known for their sound, but also for the views which can be found on the causeway between them.
Views of Paris
Earlier in my trip I made sure to climb the Eiffel Tower, however, I was incredibly excited to see a view of Paris that actually had the Eiffel Tower in it. I was not disappointed by the views from Notre Dame, and felt that my 10 Euro entrance fee was well spent.
From the narrow pathway between the cathedral’s bell towers, I was yet again stunned by the sprawling, beautiful expanse that is Paris. The Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Seine and other famous Paris sights were all displayed perfectly before me.
Though I personally would recommend climbing the Eiffel Tower over Notre Dame, if you have time for both, the bell towers are incredible.
Additionally, this view of Paris is complete with gargoyles and chimera to keep you company as you overlook the city. In the words of Quasimodo, “Why was I not made of stone like thee?”
As I walked down the winding stairs and returned to the streets of Paris, I was reminded again of my love for this sprawling and great city. For history buffs, bibliophiles, and lovers of incredible views, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the place to go.
Which view of Paris would you prefer-A panorama of the city from the Eiffel Tower or a view accompanied by the gargoyles of Notre-Dame?
