Hotels near Notre-Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral Hotels

Steeped in legend and tales of the Hunchback, this grandly gothic Paris cathedral rises up on its own little island in the Seine. The architectural splendour and spiritual significance of this place alone make it worth a visit – even more so because it takes you by surprise, appearing suddenly out of the trees. But once there, it’s worth lingering on the arty, intellectual Left Bank which runs past, where booksellers’ carts line the riverside and refined museums invite thoughtful perusals.

Things to see

You stare intently at the map, then around at the other confused tourists, all wondering where on earth the Notre Dame actually is. Then you walk a bit further, and Paris’ grande dame finally rewards your efforts, revealing herself spire by spire, until you’re standing in front of her, taking in her gothic, 12th century magnificence. There’s so much to take in - the gargoyles leering from the upper tiers seem to shift and change when you’re not looking. Book lovers will be itching to get onto the Left Bank, where the holy grail is Shakespeare & Company, a bookshop with so many stacks of literature and ornamental dark wood that it wouldn’t look out of place in Harry Potter. Just to the north of Notre Dame, the atmosphere at the Centre Pompidou is decidedly more contemporary and zany, with a mad, industrial appearance and experimental, modern art cultural exhibitions.

Hotels in Notre Dame Cathedral

Whether it’s boutique luxury or a budget stay in Paris, the hotels near Notre Dame can tick all boxes. The mid-range and luxury Notre Dame hotels such as Hotel De Notre Dame Maître Albert and Melia Paris Notre-Dame, are full of elegance and character, with individually decorated rooms, with plenty of historical charm. You’ll find rich drapes and baroque décor, but with modern touches like free WiFi and satellite TV. Some of the more upscale hotels have slippers and bathrobes for you to curl up in after a long soak, along with minibars to enjoy a refreshment. There are also a few cheap hotels near Notre Dame like Hôtel Esmeralda, offering simple, air-conditioned rooms.

Where to stay

Ile de la Cite, where Notre Dame is located, offers a tranquil location in the heart of Paris – right in the middle of the Seine. Once all the tourists have departed for the day, this tiny islet on the river takes on a magical atmosphere, and you’ll have a choice of elegant, boutique hotels to stay in, which add to the charm. To the south, St Germain is a hip, student-led district around the Pont des Arts, where you can find relatively cheap Notre Dame hotels, and enjoy the mix of bookshops, bistros and bars of this Left Bank hotspot.

How to get to Notre Dame Cathedral

There are numerous metro stations within easy walking distance of Notre Dame, and this is often the most convenient way of getting there. From the Gare du Nord, you can reach the Notre Dame in 15 minutes, and it’s a direct journey on line 4. If you’re staying in a hotel near Notre Dame, you can pre-arrange an airport shuttle from any of Paris’ airports or major stations, or jump in a taxi when you arrive. The centre of Paris is fairly compact, so you can easily take in the Notre Dame and other sights, like the Louvre, on foot.