Notre-Dame de Paris

The great Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité, begun in 1163 and reopened in December 2024 after the restoration that followed the fire of 2019. The cleaned stone, the rebuilt spire and roof, and the rose windows are breathtaking. Entry to the cathedral is free; you can reserve a time slot online to shorten the queue.

Climb the towers (paid, booked online) to see the gargoyles and chimeras up close and the view over Paris. Afterwards, walk to the Île Saint-Louis for ice cream at Berthillon, and along the riverside booksellers' stalls.