The Tower and the Cathedral
A Notre-Dame and Eiffel Tower combo pairs Paris’s two most iconic structures — the 19th-century iron tower and the medieval Gothic cathedral. Notre-Dame de Paris (begun 1163, largely completed by the 1260s) suffered a devastating fire on 15 April 2019 that destroyed the spire, the roof, and a portion of the vaulted ceiling. The cathedral has been undergoing reconstruction since and reopened to visitors in December 2024. The restoration has rebuilt the spire (to Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century design), replaced the timber roof frame (the “Forest” — so named because each beam was a full oak tree), and cleaned the interior stonework to reveal the original pale limestone.
A guided tour covers the cathedral’s exterior (the western facade with its twin towers, the three portal tympana depicting the Last Judgment, the rose windows, and the flying buttresses), the interior (the nave, the transept rose windows, the choir, and the reconstruction work), and the context (the medieval builders, the Revolution’s damage, Victor Hugo’s novel that saved the building from demolition, and the 2019 fire).
The Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame are approximately 4 kilometres apart (connected by the Seine — the river walk between the two, passing the Musée d’Orsay and the Pont Alexandre III, is one of Paris’s finest pedestrian routes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notre-Dame open after the fire?
Notre-Dame reopened to visitors in December 2024 following the reconstruction. The cathedral is free to enter. Guided tours cover the restoration story and the medieval architecture.
Can I combine the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame in one day?
Yes — the two are approximately 4 kilometres apart. A combo tour covers both in a single guided day (approximately 5–7 hours).