around NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS 1 SAINTE-CHAPELLE Sainte-Chapelle is a precious vestige of what was once the palace of the French kings, from the 10th to the 14th century. Con- structed in a flamboyant Gothic style, the building was commissioned by Saint Louis. In the lower chapel, devoted to the Virgin Mary, CATHEDRAL OF the azure ceiling of the chapel, studded with gilded fleur-de-lis, is a truly magnificent NOTRE-DAME sight. The upper chapel, designed to house relics of Christ’s Passion, lost during the Rev- DE PARIS olution, features predominantly red and blue stained-glass windows, a masterpiece of the genre, dating from the 13th century. 8 bd du Palais (1st). M Cité.o 01 53 40 60 80. The cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, a Daily, except 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. jewel of Gothic architecture, is situated at Opening times vary, contact the venue for the tip of the Île de la Cité. Construction information. Full rate: €11.50. Joint ticket with of the cathedral began in the Middle Ages the Conciergerie/full rate: €17. and continued over several centuries. Badly www.sainte-chapelle.fr damaged during the French Revolution, the cathedral was restored in the 19th century under the direction of architect Viollet-le- Duc. For decades, visitors have marvelled at its rose windows, stained glass, the great organ (comprising 5 keyboards, 56 notes and 7,374 pipes), chapels, Treasure, spire and gar- goyles … In April 2019, a huge fire destroyed the roof of the building, resulting in the clos- ing of the cathedral to visitors. The towers, 2 CONCIERGERIE which afforded a spectacular view of Paris, The building is the oldest remaining part are therefore no longer accessible to visitors. of the Palais de la Cité, the first royal res- You can admire them from the parvis … on idence. In 1790, it was transformed into a which you will discover the ‘kilometre zero’ revolutionary court and housed one of the plaque, from which point road distances in most ruthless prisons of the period. Queen France are calculated. On this same parvis is Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre the entrance to the archaeological crypt of were i the Île de two of the most famous people imprisoned la Cité, where visitors can see the at the Conciergerie. Highlights include the foundations and vestiges of buildings con- Salle des Gens d’Armes (Hall of the Men-at- structed between the Gallo-Roman period Arms) (1302), the medieval kitchens (1350- and the 17th century. 1364), several cells and the poignant expi- 6 parvis Notre-Dame. Place Jean-Paul II (4th). atory chapel dedicated to Marie-Antoinette. M Cité.o www.notredamedeparis.fr • CATHEDRAL: Following a serious fire, the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, its treasure and towers are closed until further notice. • ARCHAEOLOGICAL CRYPT OF THE ÎLE DE LA CITÉ: 01 55 42 50 10. Daily: 10am-6pm, except Mon and some public holidays. Crypt and exhibition/full rate: €9. www.crypte.paris.fr HISTORIC HEART | 17 xuaee CV ardL e . mpf le . .