The Notre Dame Cathedral is possibly the other iconic structure defining Paris, next to the Eiffel Tower. Located at the small island Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine, it is literally at the center of Paris. Notre Dame means “Our Lady” in French, and it is one of the first Gothic cathedrals in the world. Its construction began in 1163, only to be finished almost a hundred years later.

Point Zero and our matching granny socks (it was cold out the day we visited). The center of France and the site where all distances are measured.

The facade and view from the side– the flying buttresses support the roof.

The cathedral interiors. It is ten stories high and can fit 6,000 worshippers.

During the Second World War, it was feared that the Germans would bomb the church and destroy the stained glass windows, hence they were taken down during the war.

The nave (L), and one of the side aisles (R).

There is no admission fee to go inside the cathedral, however it costs 8€ to go up the tower (covered by the Paris Museum Pass). It is 400 steps up, no lift. If you are fit enough to go up the stairs, you shall be rewarded with a nice view of the city from Paris’s center. Pictured, Eiffel and environs, and the Sacré Cœur on hilly Montmartre.

Quasimodo’s friends. The chimera / chimères, from the Galerie des Chimères are not to be confused with gargoyles. They actually function as rainspouts.

One of the more popular chimères, Stryga

Angel watching over Paris,and another chimère

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/
Metro: Cité / Hotel de Ville / St. Michel
Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame 75004 Paris