Does Notre Dame have certain hours that it is open? Also, can pictures be taken inside? Can tours be taken inside the Cathedral?

Yes to all the above. If it's a clear day do the climb to the towers, the view is wonderful although the climb is pretty tough. Be kind, use a film speed that doesn't require a flash.

Yes to all the above. If it's a clear day do the climb to the towers, the view is wonderful although the climb is pretty tough. Be kind, use a film speed that doesn't require a flash for the interior shots..

Yes to all the above. If it's a clear day do the climb to the towers, the view is wonderful although the climb is pretty tough. Be kind, use a film speed that doesn't require a flash for the interior shots..

Enjoy Paris! I attended the midnight mass last Christmas Eve at Notre Dame. It was unbelievably wonderful. The stained glass windows are beautiful.

It rained nearly every day that I was in Paris & I didn't take time to do the tour or climb the many stairs to see the gargoyles and the view. Now I wish I had.

The hotel I stayed in was about 7 minutes walk from Notre Dame so I saw it many times from different perspectives. The bells were nice to hear in the evenings and mornings as well.

I agree with Richard's suggestion to be considerate and not use a flash inside. It is very distracting and feels highly inappropriate inside the cathedral.

Ditto to your questions! Notre Dame is the most incredibe Cathedral I have ever seen. I am not Catholic but felt very "moved" just being there! Also visit Sacre Coeur (spelling). It is considerably smaller but quite beautiful and inspiring. The gargoyles on both cathedrals are quite incredible-I cannot even begin to imagine how the exterior of the cathedrals was built! Have a wonderful trip-Paris is wonderful!! Sharon

Notre Dame is one of my favorite places in Paris. If you do decide to take the jillion steps up to the mid-level balcony, go early in the morning to miss the crowds. You will be climbing steps in a spiral, get in shape before you go! The view is awesome! Take plenty of film. Photograph the gargoyles from many angles! Then do take the time and walk up to the bell tower. This is really neat. THEN, be prepared to walk DOWN in the spiral on the opposite tower. Dizzy. Now, after you enjoy the Notre Dame Cathedral, stop by the restaurant on the corner across from the entrance to the towers.Eat a croque monsieur at one of the sidewalk tables, people watch, and let your body heal from the climb! THEN walk a couple of blocks to Ste. Chapelle for a magnificent, beautiful, smaller, quiet, cathedral. One of the finest displays of stained glass windows I've ever seen. I go to it every time I'm in Paris. I'm in awe of this work. Best wishes and have a wonderful, wonderful trip. Spend freely!

Notre Dame is certainly a must see for Paris, but please don't miss Saint Chappelle. It is very small in comparison to Notre Dame, but the stained glass windows are the most breathtaking sight I have ever seen. When you enter Saint Chapelle, the downstairs is not all that astounding, but go up the winding little steps to the next floor, and you will see a sight that you won't forget. I just sat down on the floor and looked at the windows. It is one of those moments that you want to hold in your mind forever.

I am one of the minority, I guess, who does not think Notre Dame is a pretty cathedral. Ive been twice, separated by more than 40 years and my opinion hasn't changed. But if you go, be sure to go in back of it and see the monument to the Holocaust. It is inspiring in the same way as the Viet Nam monument - or even more so. But definitely do go to Saint Chapelle. It's one of the loveliest places you will ever see!

I agree with everyone on this panel except the last guy. It is an unbelievably amazing cathedral, and I think I've been to every cathedral in Western Europe (Ha! At least it seemed like it after two months of backpacking!). Anyway, go early. I've been three or four times now, and every time the stairs are closed to the balconies. I am jealous of those of you have seen the gargoyles up close!!! BE CAREFUL when you are in the church. I have seen more people robbed and pickpocketed in Notre Dame than in any other place in Europe. It is dark inside and you will be so enthralled that you won't be watching your purse, camera, video camera etc. Plus, if you have half a brain, DO NOT take a fanny pack anywhere with you. They are the easiest thing to steal. Use a body wallet wherever you are and stay away from the Gypsies. I have been `cased' several times in Paris (they are a little obvious sometimes). Don't be paranoid, be careful and have a great time. By the way, I personally have never been robbed in any country and that comes from common sense.