Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, Notre-Dame Cathedral is 30 minutes by metro from the hotel.
The vast Gothic structure sits on the Ile de la Cité in the middle of the Seine. You can wander round on your own to gaze at the cathedral’s architectural details, colourful stained glass and huge collection of paintings and sculptures. Or take a free guided tour. If you have a head for heights, climb the towers for panoramic views across Paris and a close-up look at the roof, spire and Emmanuel bell, the cathedral’s largest. An archaeological crypt reveals ancient city ruins. The cathedral treasury is packed with mostly gold liturgical artefacts spanning centuries.
Free organ recitals take place on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Did you know that road distances from Paris to the rest of France are calculated from the cathedral?
