NOTRE DAME DE PARIS CATHEDRAL
Throughout the year, Air Corsica takes you on direct flights to Paris-Orly, from Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari. In summer, the company also operates flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. Enough to allow you to go to the capital at will to discover each of its wonders one by one, such as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris.
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and made mythical by Victor Hugo's novel of the same name published in 1831.
Its construction began in 1163 and lasted more than 170 years. It will thus be the largest religious building in the West until the construction of the cathedral of Amiens in the 13th century. From 1847 to 1864, the architects Lassus and Viollet-le-Duc restored it and recomposed part of the sculpted decoration, incorporating the 56 chimeras that now adorn the gallery of towers.
The belfry of the cathedral houses the largest bell of Notre-Dame: the "Emmanuel" bourdon weighing 500 kilos alone and which can be visited before the access to the panoramic terrace offering a 360° view of Paris.
Located in the historic centre of Paris, at the end of the Ile de la Cité, its visitors can admire its square, stained glass windows and rosettes, towers, spire and gargoyles. In 2013, the cathedral celebrated its 850th anniversary with the arrival of eight new bells and a new bumblebee.
The road distances in France are calculated from point 0, located in front of the cathedral. Since its construction, it has therefore been one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris. Long the city's tallest building, it now occupies a first-rate symbolic place in its image. Both a religious and a cultural building, it has often been at the heart of French history as an immovable witness to its political and religious adventures. Nowadays, it welcomes more than twenty million visitors per year, making it the most visited monument in Paris and all over Europe.
THE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME DE PARIS, AN EXCEPTIONAL MONUMENT
The construction of Notre Dame de Paris was ordered by the Bishop of Sully. The capital had only 25,000 inhabitants! However, Paris is already establishing itself as the economic centre of the Capetian kingdom and needs a cathedral worthy of its grandeur and role. A successful challenge, as Notre-Dame continues to amaze visitors from all over the world.
DO NOT MISS THE VISIT OF NOTRE DAME DE PARIS!
The impressive cathedral is one of the capital's most popular monuments. No need to buy a ticket to enter the building. However, a paying entrance gives access to the towers, from which you will enjoy a panoramic view of all of Paris. Be careful, the reservation is mandatory.
WHEN THE BELLS OF NOTRE DAME DE PARIS RING?
To vibrate to the rhythm of the beautiful Parisian cathedral, be aware that the bells ring every fifteen minutes, and of course to mark the hours. In the past, they were mainly used to give time to passers-by. But if you want to hear the bumblebee of Our Lady named Emmanuel, you will have to wait for a special occasion like Christmas, Easter or another religious holiday or the death of the Pope.
Feel free, if you wish, to take one of our many direct flights between Corsica and Orly or Roissy airports for a cultural or festive trip to the capital.
