Notre-Dame de Paris is located on Île de la Cité, one of the islands in the Seine River right in the heart of Paris. It’s easy to reach from anywhere in the city, whether by metro, bus, or simply by walking. Here’s a clear guide to the best ways to get there:
By Metro
The Paris Metro is fast and efficient, and Notre-Dame is well connected through various lines. The closest metro stops will get you right near the cathedral.
- Cité (Line 4): This is the nearest metro station to Notre-Dame, located right on Île de la Cité. From here, it’s just a 2-minute walk to the cathedral. As soon as you step out of the station, you’re surrounded by historic sights.
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame (RER B and RER C): This station is just across the river, about a 5-minute walk over Pont Saint-Michel or Pont au Double—both bridges offer beautiful views of the cathedral. The RER B is especially convenient if you’re coming from Charles de Gaulle Airport or Gare du Nord. The RER C connects with other major attractions like the Eiffel Tower.
- Hôtel de Ville (Line 1 and Line 11): Located on the Right Bank, it’s about a 10-minute walk from this station to Notre-Dame. Walking from here takes you through lively Paris streets, perfect for soaking up the city’s charm.
By Bus
Several bus routes drop you close to Notre-Dame, which is a more scenic option than the metro.
- Bus Lines: Lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, and 96 all have stops near Notre-Dame. These lines connect different parts of the city, such as Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse, and the Latin Quarter.
- Best Bus Routes: Line 96 takes you through the charming Marais district, offering views of the Right Bank as you approach the island. Line 24 runs along the Seine, passing major landmarks like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, before arriving near Notre-Dame.
- Closest Stops: Buses stop near Quai de la Tournelle on the Left Bank or on Boulevard Saint-Michel, just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral.
By Foot
Walking to Notre-Dame is one of the best ways to soak in the beauty of Paris and the Seine. It also allows you to explore nearby neighborhoods and landmarks.
- From the Latin Quarter: A popular route is through the Latin Quarter, a vibrant area known for its historic streets and cozy cafés. You can cross the Pont Saint-Michel or Pont au Double, both of which offer stunning views of Notre-Dame as you approach.
- From Pont Neuf: Another scenic option is walking over Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris. As you cross into Île de la Cité, you’ll get amazing views of the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle before heading to Notre-Dame.
- Along the Seine: Strolling along the banks of the Seine River is a classic Parisian experience. The walk along Quai de Montebello (on the Left Bank) provides incredible views of Notre-Dame, especially at sunset, when the light hits the cathedral’s facade just right.
By Bicycle
Cycling is a great way to explore Paris, and it’s easy to get to Notre-Dame by bike. The city’s Vélib’ bike-sharing system offers plenty of stations near the cathedral.
- Vélib’ Stations: There are stations on both the Left and Right Banks, making it easy to rent or return a bike. The closest stations are near Pont Saint-Michel and Boulevard Saint-Germain.
- Best Cycling Routes: Paris has bike lanes along the Seine, allowing for a scenic and safe ride to Notre-Dame. As you cross over Pont au Double or Pont de l’Archevêché, you’ll get fantastic views of the cathedral and the river.
By Boat
For a unique way to arrive, consider taking a Seine River cruise or the Batobus, a hop-on, hop-off riverboat service.
- Batobus: This riverboat stops directly at Notre-Dame, located on the Left Bank. It’s a relaxing way to travel and offers lovely views of Paris landmarks along the way.
- River Cruises: Many companies offer Seine cruises with guided tours. You’ll pass major sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and finally arrive at Notre-Dame, giving you a fresh perspective of the city from the water.
No matter which option you choose, getting to Notre-Dame is easy and scenic, offering glimpses of Paris’s beauty even before you reach the cathedral. Whether by metro, bus, foot, bike, or boat, your journey to Notre-Dame will be a memorable part of your visit to this iconic site.