Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame – The heart of Paris

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Paris is known for its many iconic sights, but one of its most stunning and well-known places is the Île de la Cité and its centerpiece, Notre-Dame de Paris. This historic cathedral and its surroundings offer a journey back in time to medieval splendor, beautiful architecture, and a sense of living history. For us, Notre-Dame was a must-see during our short trip, as the place is a big part of Paris’ history.

WHAT IS NOTRE-DAME?

Notre-Dame is one of the most famous and influential Gothic cathedrals in the world. Its construction began in 1163, when the Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, decided to create a new great church in the heart of the city. According to tradition, the foundation stone was laid by King Louis VII himself. The construction of the cathedral took over 180 years and was not completed until the mid-14th century.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary (“Notre-Dame” means “Our Lady”), Notre-Dame has been a central part of French religious, cultural and political life for centuries. The cathedral is particularly known for its magnificent rose windows and stained glass windows, its massive towers and gargoyles, and its protruding and imposing buttresses.

Why visit Notre-Dame and what is it famous for?

Notre-Dame is not only a religious monument, but also a central part of Western cultural history. The cathedral became known worldwide thanks to Victor Hugo‘s novel Notre-Dame de Paris (1831). Hugo’s work brought the cathedral to public attention at a time when the building was in danger of decay and loss.

Visiting the cathedral is free, but it is recommended to book your entrance in advance to avoid long queues. During your visit, you will be able to admire the beautiful cathedral and medieval art inside, and experience a unique atmosphere of history.

Notre-Dame has also been the scene of major historical events, as in 1431, King Henry VI of England was crowned King of France there. Later, in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor in the cathedral, largely demonstrating his desire for power.

Notre-Dame’s history, fire and present day

The cathedral’s history is full of twists and turns. In the Middle Ages, it was the religious and social center of the city. It suffered greatly during the French Revolution, when ecclesiastical symbols were destroyed and the cathedral even served as a warehouse. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo’s novel sparked a huge conservation movement that led to an extensive restoration led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Many of the cathedral’s famous details, such as the famous gargoyles, date back to this restoration.

In 2019, the whole world watched in shock as a devastating fire broke out at Notre-Dame. The fire destroyed much of the roof and the famous central tower. Fortunately, many important structures, such as the iconic rose windows and important religious objects, were saved. This fire was truly horrible, and I will never forget the sight of it on the news, filled with thick smoke and high flames. Shortly after the fire, a large-scale and meticulous restoration project began, and although work is still ongoing (January 2025), the doors have already been opened to the public.

WHAT IS Île de la Cité?

Île de la Cité is an island on the Seine River and is considered the birthplace of Paris. It is still full of history and attractions, and offers a unique atmosphere right in the heart of the city. The shores of the Île de la Cité are wonderful places to walk, stop for a little picnic and admire the boats moving along the Seine, and enjoy the views of old Paris.

The main attractions on the island are, in addition to Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle chapel, whose stunning colorful stained glass windows are some of the most beautiful in the world. It is also worth visiting the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and later a prison during the Revolution, where Marie Antoinette spent her last days. The Marché aux Fleurs is a charming flower market that offers flowers and plants as well as wonderful small gift items, if you haven’t bought any souvenirs yet. Finally, you should head to the Pont Neuf bridge, the oldest bridge still standing in Paris.

Île de la Cité would have deserved a little more time from us, but we mostly focused on Notre-Dame. I can definitely recommend a visit to the island and the cathedral itself, as it is really beautiful and interesting. After the visit, it is wonderful to relax in the Seine River scenery and have lunch, or as we like, a crepe, heh. We also bought the famous macarons, as I had never tasted one before. What could be better than enjoying your first macaron in Paris on the Pont Neuf bridge, with the Eiffel Tower in the background?

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HAVE YOU BEEN TO NOTRE-DAME AND Île de la Cité? SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMENTS! 🙂

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*Photos: Tiina Johanna, blogger