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Notre-Dame Cathedral: The Top Pick Must-Visit Spot for a Trip to Paris, or rather, France I visited Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris), the final puzzle piece of my Paris trip. I had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the grandeur of this cathedral, which has returned to us after a long restoration following the heartbreaking fire in 2019. To be honest, having seen so many cathedrals and churches scattered throughout Switzerland, including Lausanne Cathedral, during my trip last year, I didn't have particularly high expectations for Notre-Dame this time. However, upon actually visiting, I found it incredibly magnificent. In particular, seeing the grand and opulent stained glass windows—which are second to none compared to any other cathedral—was a tsunami of emotion once again. This visit allowed me to encounter the deep history of Paris beyond a simple tourist attraction. I will summarize how to make the most of this trip and recommend it as a must-visit destination for any trip to France. Hahaha 1. Getting There & The Charm of an Open Run It is visible immediately upon exiting Cité Station on Line 4. I chose to do an 'open run' right at the 7:50 AM opening time to minimize waiting time. It was particularly convenient because I planned my route to visit the nearby Sainte-Chapelle right after touring Notre Dame Cathedral. Reservation vs. Walk-in: Since many people come with reservations, there is a separate dedicated line. If you are going without a reservation, I highly recommend arriving early! Point Zero: You all know the legend that stepping on this spot in the square in front of the cathedral will ensure your return to Paris, right? Don't forget to step on it! 2. On the Overwhelming Interior and Its Reverence The moment I opened the door and stepped inside, I was overwhelmed by the sense of space created by the towering columns. Since its reopening in December 2024, Masses are now consistently held inside. Visiting During Mass: I visited right at opening time and was able to watch the priest celebrate Mass. Regardless of religion, I naturally felt a sense of solemnity due to the solemnity of the space. Viewing Etiquette: Photography is permitted, but you must remain silent so as not to disturb the prayers of those in the midst of Mass. Flash photography is, of course, prohibited! I asked for permission from the staff in advance and quietly took a picture. Caution: If you enter wearing a hat, the staff will ask you to take it off. Please make sure to remove it before entering. 3. Stained Glass: The Miracle That Endured the Fire The highlight of Notre Dame's interior is undoubtedly the Rose Window. Watching the dazzling, colorful light entering from these fragments of light that miraculously survived the fire, you immediately realize why this place is called the essence of Gothic architecture. 4. Recommended Spots for Your Perfect Photo While the front facade is stunning, the true photo hotspots are elsewhere! Toward Place John XXIII: Walk along the Seine and be sure to capture the rear view where the 'Flying Buttresses' structure is visible. It is the most romantic view, allowing you to feel both the romance of Paris and the grandeur of the Middle Ages simultaneously. Pre-Visit Checklist Check Website in Advance: Check the latest reservation status on the official website. Dress Code: As it is a religious site, please remove your hat and be mindful of avoiding overly short bottoms! Nearby Tour: After your visit, I recommend a stroll through the nearby 'Shakespeare and Company' bookstore or the secondhand book street along the Seine. "Although there are still parts being fully restored, I felt that even that process was a new history being written by Notre Dame." If you visit Paris, I hope you will experience not only its outward beauty but also the depth of the soul this cathedral holds. Please leave any questions in the comments! [Things to Know in Advance Make Your Visit More Fun: "Notre Dame Cathedral"] Based on my personal experience and internet references 1. The Place Where Napoleon Held His "Self-Courtship" While it was customary for the Pope to place the crown on an emperor's head during the coronation, Napoleon Bonaparte snatched the crown from the Pope's hand and placed it on his own head during his coronation at Notre Dame in 1804. This is a famous scene that demonstrated his arrogant ambition, declaring, "My power comes not from God, but from myself and the people." Notre Dame is the site of this historic "self-coronation" by Napoleon, as well as the place where his ambition was most clearly revealed. 2. The 'Crisis' When It Nearly Was Destroyed During the French Revolution Although it is now a symbol of Paris, during the French Revolution (1789), Notre Dame was branded as a "remnant of the Old Regime" and suffered severe humiliation. The revolutionaries mistakenly believed the statues inside the cathedral were "sculptures of French kings" rather...