Most visitors to Paris cannot partake in the Veneration of the Crown of Thorns. YES, it is THE CROWN OF THORNS, the Romans placed upon Christs' head during his crucifixion. It is in a vault in the basement of the Cathedral. It is brought out & placed on display the 1st Friday of each month, every Friday during Lent, and on Good Friday. A religious service begins at 3 pm, and lasts for 1 hour. If you arrive at 1 pm & are lucky enough to get a seat on one of the first 10 rows, you will be invited to the altar to actually KISS THE CROWN OF THORNS! So far this has been the highlight of my life (next to the birth of my children). There is no way to describe the feeling... of my countless trips to Paris, I was finally there on during Lent and able to attend. I will definitely be back! http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/Veneration-of-the-Crown-of-Thorns

It was so amazing it was a great religious experience

You will be amazed!! It is free to get in if I remember correctly. N.D is a classic and worth the time!!!! The Latin Quarter is near by and good for cheap Paris shopping. But N.D is overall a cool experience. Did you know that it took over 300 years to build? ND is also on an Island

Step onto the compound and be in awe. The Notre Dame is as grand and spectacular as imagined. Walk into the church and the architecture of the church is brillant. Move into the church and take a look at the stained glass which are so beautiful. It is definately recommended to step in, even for 5 minutes. Being in there is so grand and peaceful. Just going into the church itself does not require payment but there are offertory boxes for kind donations. And for a affordable price for 9 euros (half that is you are under 25), you can take a walk up to the bell tower. You have to climb up and climb down so do not attempt this if you are not prepare to work a slight sweat. But the view on top is beautiful. And you can take a look at the gargoyles up close and the famous Emanuel, the big bell on top. It is worth the time and money if you really want to see the Notre Dame. But skip the climb if you cannot afford the money, the time or the sweat.

If you are going to Paris for the first time, you simply must see Notre Dame. It is a very emotional experience - not as large as the Duomo in Milan, but it is beautiful. Do not miss this!

i love Paris and i hope you and your family go there and see all the amazing things that i got to see there is so many places so stay more than a week because you need more than that to see all the attractions that are there!

I loved it . it was so beautiful inside . it was hard to take photos because it was dark inside . but me and my mom were able to take some good extrerior pics

Very crowded even at opening time. Many visitors have no respect that this is a church. The interior is pretty dark. Sainte-Chappelle and Eglise St. Eustache less crowded and much prettier with beautiful stained glass.

I'm not Catholic, so I usually have a difficult time appreciating large churches and cathedrals. However, I do have a great love for gothic architecture and Notre Dame filled that love. When there, it is impossible to focus on one feature of the building because there is so much to see. Despite this, it is not a place that is 'busy,' rather all of the sculptures, windows, and gargoyles fit it well. It was my absolute favorite feature of Paris, and as a first time visitor, helped me to realize why this city is so well loved. I am going back this summer, and can't wait to see Notre Dame again.

Notre-Dame de Paris is one of my personal favorites sights of Paris. It is a beautiful cathedral with amazing detail, inside and out. The architecture of the building is amazing ad well as the designs of all of the people in the front side of the building.