The Cathedrale de Notre-Dame, a popular Paris attraction, is an impressive structure with a basic design indicating Romanesque ancestry. Construction began in 1160 under the auspices of Bishop de Sully and was completed in 1245. In the nineteenth century Voillet-le-Duc added the steeple and the menacing gargoyles, along with extensive renovations. Once inside one is struck by the dramatic contrast of light and dark, with the clustered pillars of the choir highlighted by the light from the end walls of the transepts, which are almost all glass, and include two magnificent rose windows of imperial purple. The public gardens at the east end offer a view of the flying buttresses supporting the choir.

Paris city awaits you, so pick your favourite from some of the outstanding Paris hotels and visit Paris' Notre Dame in person.