Ascend the 69-meter Gothic towers to meet legendary gargoyles and experience breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. These iconic spires have watched over the city for nearly 700 years, embodying the divine aspirations of medieval builders.
Notre-Dame's twin towers stand as eternal sentinels over Paris, their asymmetrical silhouette defining the city's skyline for nearly eight centuries. Rising 69 meters into the Parisian sky, these Gothic masterpieces represent the pinnacle of medieval engineering and spiritual ambition.
The South Tower houses the cathedral's great bell, Emmanuel, weighing 13 tons and cast in 1681. The North Tower served as the primary access point for visitors, leading them up 387 winding stone steps to encounter the famous gargoyles and chimeras that have fascinated generations.
Each tower took decades to complete, with master craftsmen perfecting every stone detail. The towers showcase the evolution of Gothic architecture, from the solid Romanesque foundations to the soaring pointed arches that seem to lift the very stones toward heaven.
Book Tower Tour
Meet the legendary stone creatures that guard Notre-Dame, including the famous Stryga overlooking Paris. These medieval sculptural masterpieces serve both spiritual and practical purposes.
Housed in the South Tower, the 13-ton Emmanuel bell has marked significant moments in French history, from royal celebrations to national commemorations.
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris from the tower galleries, seeing the Seine, Île de la Cité, and the sprawling cityscape from a medieval perspective.
Witness the incredible stone masonry and architectural innovations that allowed these massive structures to soar skyward while maintaining perfect structural integrity.
1163-1200 - Foundation & Rise: Construction begins on the twin towers as part of Bishop Maurice de Sully's grand cathedral vision, with master builders developing revolutionary Gothic techniques.
1250 - Gothic Completion: The towers reach their final height of 69 meters, crowned with temporary wooden spires that would later be removed, creating the distinctive flat-topped silhouette we know today.
1600s - Bell Installation: The great bell Emmanuel is cast and installed in the South Tower, requiring innovative engineering to support its massive 13-ton weight within the medieval stonework.
1800s - Restoration Glory: Viollet-le-Duc's restoration adds the famous chimeras and gargoyles we see today, creating new sculptures inspired by medieval tradition while preserving original stonework.
Present Day - Continued Legacy: The towers continue to inspire visitors from around the world, serving as symbols of Paris's endurance and the timeless beauty of Gothic architecture.
Make the most of your Notre-Dame tower experience with these essential planning tips:
Expert-guided exploration of Notre-Dame's exterior Gothic architecture with tower climbing experience (when available). Learn about medieval construction techniques and the stories behind the famous gargoyles.
