Paris Attractions

Venue: Cath&eacutedrale Notre Dame de Paris    When: Daily

Almost 600 years after its completion, the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris continues to amaze and inspire the masses that flock there each year.

Begun in 1160 by Bishop de Sully, the cathedral was completed in 1345 with its piece de resistance - the spectacular rose windows. Restoration work begun in the 19th century after heavy petitioning to repair damages was spearheaded by public figures such as novelist Victor Hugo, who immortalised the cathedral in his masterpiece, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Much of the main frieze was redone, with steeples and gargoyles added.

Inside is the Tresor, a collection of 19th-century liturgical objects, with a few dating back to the Middle Ages. The recently reopened north bell tower leads up to a gargoyle-lined gallery and also gives a decent view of the Paris skyline. Look out for the point on the front square which is the mark from which all motorway distances from Paris are measured.

The public gardens behind the building are worth wandering through on a sunny day, generally remaining a little less crowded than the busy front and affording another perspective of this colossal work.