Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle

Île de la Cité — Where Paris Began

The Île de la Cité is the cradle of Paris: Here the Celtic Parisii settled, here the Romans founded Lutetia, here rose the cathedral and the royal palace. The small island in the Seine is the historical and geographical center of France — the Point Zéro in front of Notre-Dame marks the point from which all distances in France are measured.

Notre-Dame de Paris

The Notre-Dame Cathedral (1163–1345) is the heart of Paris and one of the most significant Gothic structures in the world. The devastating fire of April 15, 2019, which caused the spire to collapse and the roof to be destroyed, shocked the world. The cathedral was reopened on December 7, 2024 after five years of restoration. The restored interior shines brighter than before — the centuries-old patina was removed, the rose windows restored, a new altar and liturgical furnishings created.

• Facade: The iconic west facade with the two towers, three portals, and the large rose window (13 meters in diameter) — one of the most harmonious Gothic structures ever.
• Interior: 130 meters long, 48 meters high — a forest of clustered columns and pointed arches, flooded with light from the rose windows.
• Towers: 387 steps lead to the towers (69 meters) — view over all of Paris, the bell Emmanuel (13 tons), and the chimeras (not gargoyles!) up close.

Admission: Cathedral free. Towers: Reservation required (tickets online). Opening hours: Daily 8–19 (weekdays), until 20 (weekends).

Sainte-Chapelle — The Jewel of Gothic Architecture

The Sainte-Chapelle (1248, Louis IX) is one of the most beautiful churches in the world — and most visitors are left in awe. The upper chapel is almost entirely made of stained glass windows (600 m², 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testament). When the sun shines through the windows, the room transforms into a kaleidoscope of color — red, blue, gold. It's as if standing inside a gemstone.

Admission: 11.50€ (combination with Conciergerie: 18.50€). Opening hours: Daily 9–17 (winter), until 19 (summer). The most beautiful church in Paris — highly recommended!