Paris

France

Europe

Destinations

Paris is well known for the Eiffel Tower, but that isn’t the only thing that draws people to the City of Lights. There are many other attractions and sites that tourists and locals alike can enjoy.

Paris is well known for the Eiffel Tower, but that isn’t the only thing that draws people to the City of Lights. There are many other attractions and sites that tourists and locals alike can enjoy. Since some of these are outdoors, be sure that you check the weather before you count on being able to visit a specific place on a particular day. You should also remember that some popular tourist attractions are likely going to be very busy and have large crowds.
<h2>1. Musee d'Orsay</h2>
Musee d’Orsay houses a variety of artwork beneath the glass ceiling. It was once a railway station, but now enables visitors to enjoy creations from famous artists like Van Goh, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet, and Seurat. If you choose this as one of your adventures, plan ample time to go through the museum, so you have time to take in the beautiful architecture and paintings.

[caption id="attachment_1011808" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-1011808 size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-598219616-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="france Paris" width="1024" height="683" /> chrisinthai / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Taste of Montmartre</h2>
Taste of Montmartre tours give you an authentic taste of Paris. You can enjoy wine, cheese, and pastries, depending on the tour. If you are traveling with children, be sure that the tour you choose is appropriate for them. These tours are best taken when the weather is pleasant since a large portion of the time is spent outdoors.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/861556878-1024x683.jpg" alt="food Paris" width="1024" height="683" /> Nikada / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Seine River Tours</h2>
Enjoy the beauty of the Seine River by taking a tour down it. You can get a pleasant view of the city that isn’t possible if you are walking or riding around. You can opt for a group tour if you don’t mind enjoying the time with others. Private tours are also common. Some companies also offer gourmet dinner tours that are candle lit.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/503563363-1024x648.jpg" alt="seine river Paris" width="1024" height="648" /> NicolasMcComber / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Petit Palais</h2>
Petit Palais houses artistic offerings up to the 20th century. There is a collection of medieval works, as well as an ancient collection. Sculptures abound in this museum. You can enjoy Art Nouveau works and precious art objects from around the world. If you plan to visit here, you’ll need around a half day or longer so you can take your time exploring the works of Carpeaux, Courbet, Vuillard, and others.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/157611524-1024x683.jpg" alt="palais Paris" width="1024" height="683" /> benedek / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Luxembourg Gardens</h2>
Luxembourg Gardens are located surrounding a large castle and were historically open only to royalty. That changed after the French Revolution, at which time they became open to the public; however, the castle isn’t open to the public. The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy some time in beautifully manicured gardens. If you are on a romantic vacation, this is a great place to spend some time with your love. There are sometimes live bands, and children might enjoy a pony ride through the gardens.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/1096198256-1024x685.jpg" alt="Luxembourg Paris" width="1024" height="685" /> Juan Carlos Hernández Hernández / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Moulin Rouge Show</h2>
The Moulin Rouge show is a great way to spend an evening with other adults in your party. The vibrant costumes and energy of the show are sure to please. There is a dinner and show option that gives you a chance to enjoy amazing Parisian foods while you watch the show. Don’t forget to check out the giant aquarium in the building.

[caption id="attachment_1011823" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-1011823 size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-482694404-1-1024x680.jpg" alt="moulin rouge Paris" width="1024" height="680" /> haydaddy / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Bastille Market</h2>
The Bastille Market gives you a glimpse into a Parisian street market. You can find all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with seafood, bread, and pastries. Some vendors offer hot food choices, so you can find something to eat that will please your palate. This is a good place to venture early in the day so that you can find local foods to have during a picnic at one of the nearby parks. There are tours of the market that are ideal for people who want more information about it, but many people choose to just venture around on their own. Be sure to have some cash with you because some vendors don’t accept credit cards.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/482955241-1024x683.jpg" alt="bastille market Paris" width="1024" height="683" /> davidf / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. National Museum of Natural History</h2>
The National Museum of Natural History is home to a vast collection. The Great Gallery of Evolution shows how animals of all kinds have evolved to fit the conditions on Earth. The Museum of Man takes an interesting look into the history of humans and provides a glimpse into what the future of humans might be. A first of its kind permanent exhibit in France, the Cabinet of Virtual Reality is dedicated specifically to the amazing technology that immerses people into virtual experiences.

[caption id="attachment_1011824" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-1011824 size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-956367582-1-1024x783.jpg" alt="natural history Paris" width="1024" height="783" /> Orbon Alija / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Latin Quarter</h2>
Paris’ Latin Quarter is located on the Left Bank and has a very relaxed atmosphere that makes visitors think about the depictions of Paris from decades and centuries ago. Bars and restaurants dot the area so you can find something to snack on as you venture around to enjoy street performers. In the evenings, you can enjoy a vibrant music scene. Jazz clubs are a common way to spend time from sunset into the night.

Situated around the Fountain of Innocents within the Latin Quarter, Saint Michel Square is a bustling area. The fountain itself is a tribute to the medieval cemetery that served as a mass grave, and it is said to be the oldest monumental fountain in the city. Saint Michel Square also houses the Saint Michel Fountain, which depicts the battle between good and evil.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/1126657987-1024x683.jpg" alt="Latin quarter Paris" width="1024" height="683" /> thierry64 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Catacombs of Paris</h2>
The Catacombs of Paris is the earliest burial ground in the city. There are 130 steps leading down to the area where tourists can visit. The full walk to the other end is around 1.25 miles. The catacombs house the remains of 6 to 7 million people. These bodies were moved into former quarries in a process that took around 12 years to complete. That undertaking began in 1786 with the Les Innocents cemetery. Informational plaques dot the walk. When you reach the end, you climb 86 steps to get back to surface level.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/485895426-1024x684.jpg" alt="catacombs Paris" width="1024" height="684" /> Dirk94025 / Getty Images[/caption]

Amazing Things to do in Paris

When it comes to iconic structures, few carry as much renown as the Eiffel Tower. It is famous the world over, not only as a feat of engineering but as a majestic art piece. Some people say that the tower isn’t worth the lines, but a trip to Paris isn’t complete without setting foot into its most legendary structure.

When it comes to iconic structures, few carry as much prestige as the Eiffel Tower. It is famous the world over, not only as an architectural feat but also as a majestic art piece. Some people say that the tower isn't worth the lines, but a trip to the City of Lights isn't complete without setting foot into its most legendary structure. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument in the world for good reason, and there are many tricks you can use to make the most of it.
<h2>1. Book Your Tickets</h2>
One of the biggest complaints concerning the Eiffel Tower is that the lines are too long. With new security protocols, wait times have increased quite a bit. However, there’s a simple way to cut out a significant portion of the waiting: book your ticket. If you know of a specific time and date that you wish to visit the Eiffel Tower, you can buy your tickets online. Sometimes you have to book them well ahead of your visit because they sell out quickly, but it’s worth it. Additionally, tickets for the summit are now available online.

[caption id="attachment_27687" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27687" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-1176361672-1.jpg" alt="Autumn in Paris" width="3840" height="2560" /> Eva-Katalin / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Visit During Offseason</h2>
Another easy way to cut down on waiting is to visit during times where fewer people will be visiting. The tower is open almost every day of the year, making it easy to find time to visit. Rush hours are between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on most days and this can extend to 8 p.m. during peak tourist seasons. It’s easiest to visit between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m, or 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m, depending on your preference. Attendance is usually lowest throughout January and February and during rainy days.

[caption id="attachment_33763" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/639337086.jpg" alt="eiffel tower offseason" width="1200" height="872" /> Nikada / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Take the Stairs</h2>
A major bottleneck at the Eiffel Tower is the elevator line. During peak visiting times, it can take over an hour just to use the elevator. However, there is an easy way to skip the line: take the stairs. Most people don’t want to climb a staircase with over 700 steps, so it’s extremely easy to skip the crowds altogether. While the stairs are somewhat difficult to find because they’re near the southern pillar, they remain almost crowd-free for most of the day. You can get a sense of exclusivity and take in a unique view available only from the stairs. This is also the best way to exit the tower.

[caption id="attachment_33764" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1007363370.jpg" alt="tower stairs view" width="1200" height="899" /> Orbon Alija / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Try the Restaurants</h2>
If you’re looking for another way to skip the lines while making the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower, there are more options. For example, the tower has two restaurants and a snack bar for visitors to enjoy. If you happen to have a reservation at one of these restaurants, you can skip past most of the lines and enjoy high-quality Parisian cuisine. Please note that the first-floor restaurant, 58 Tour Eiffel, is closed until Spring 2020.

[caption id="attachment_33765" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/509961205.jpg" alt="eiffel tower restaurant" width="1200" height="800" /> Bim / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Visit Twice</h2>
There are a few places in the world that deserve a return visit, but the Eiffel Tower is unique in that you should visit it twice in a single day. Rather than climbing the tower, take the time to watch it from all of the city’s angles. At night, the City of Lights lives up to its name when the tower begins its legendary light show. The splendor of the show will leave you with a memorable and radically different impression of the tower.

[caption id="attachment_33772" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-33772" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-1072749124.jpg" alt="Eiffel Tower and Scenic View of the Paris Skyline during vibrant European Sunset" width="2121" height="1414" /> <br />Christian Kruemmel / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Tour at Your Own Pace</h2>
When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you have different tour options. However, not everybody enjoys a group or guided tour. If this is the case for you, consider downloading the Eiffel Tower app and using its self-guided tour. It includes an hour-long audio journey that covers the tower’s entire history. It also helps you discover the most iconic of the buildings surrounding the tower, such as the Sacré-Coeur and the Champs-Elysées.

[caption id="attachment_33766" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/157569197.jpg" alt="tour river tower" width="1200" height="795" /> AleksandarGeorgiev / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Security</h2>
Since the tragedy in 2016, most Paris sightseeing locations have taken steps to improve their security. You should expect to add 30 minutes to your wait to make it through the checkpoint. There are sometimes priority lines for those with pre-booked tickets and restaurant reservations, but don’t rely on that. Additionally, like many tourist-friendly areas, pickpockets like to hang around the Eiffel Tower. While most don’t risk getting caught near the security lines, it’s worth being careful.

[caption id="attachment_33767" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/681206442.jpg" alt="dawn tower tourists" width="1200" height="800" /> GoranQ / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. The Second Floor</h2>
To reach the summit, you have to buy a separate ticket from the initial entrance ticket. While the summit provides an extremely beautiful view of the city, it’s by no means the only way to enjoy the tower. If you dislike waiting in lines and don’t feel like ascending to the summit, make the most of the second floor. You’re high enough to see all of Paris but low enough to enjoy the city’s landmarks. Paris’ architecture features works from the Gothic style to Art Nouveau, each making a truly wondrous city.

[caption id="attachment_33768" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1088434340.jpg" alt="paris cityscape skyline" width="1200" height="800" /> martin-dm / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Take Photos From Outside</h2>
People who aren’t fans of heights or lines don’t necessarily need to climb the tower to enjoy it. Two of the best spots for grabbing a picture of the Eiffel Tower are the Champ de Mars and the Trocadéro. However, sometimes people swarm to these areas so it can be annoying to try and get a good shot. Instead, opt for some of the lesser-known sites. A great place for personal portraits is the Avenue de Camoëns. You might also enjoy the Rue Saint-Dominique and its gorgeous panoramas.

[caption id="attachment_33769" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/898091856.jpg" alt="avenue camoens eiffel tower" width="1200" height="762" /> rclassenlayouts / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Saving Money</h2>
For many people, it can be difficult to enjoy a vacation while worrying about how much they’re spending. This is particularly true when you’re in an area with as many wonderful places to visit and cuisines to try as Paris. Thankfully, you can easily cut out some expenses at the Eiffel Tower.
<ul>
 	<li>Taking the stairs will save you money on an elevator ticket.</li>
 	<li>Bring water since drinks at the tower can be expensive.</li>
 	<li>Eat before or after your visit instead of at the tower’s restaurants or snack bar.</li>
 	<li>Skip the summit and enjoy the views from the second floor.</li>
</ul>
[caption id="attachment_33770" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1153714314.jpg" alt="eiffel tower money crowds" width="1200" height="798" /> Starcevic / Getty Images[/caption]

Tips for Enjoying the Eiffel Tower

For Parisians, the towering Notre-Dame Cathedral is a symbol of national identity; of what it means to be French. It’s also one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, attracting more than 13 million international visitors a year.

For Parisians, the towering Notre-Dame Cathedral is a symbol of national identity; of what it means to be French. It’s also one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, attracting more than 13 million international visitors a year. On the afternoon of Monday, April 15, 2019, a great fire broke out in the Cathedral’s rafters. French nationals and tourists alike lined the banks of the Seine, watching the catastrophic event unfold before their very eyes. Additionally, millions of others watched the news in disbelief. But what is the history of this glorious piece of Gothic architecture?
<h2>1. When Was Notre-Dame Built?</h2>
The fire at Notre-Dame was jarring for many reasons. One of these was the length of its construction of almost 200 years. Notre Dame, which means "Our Lady" in French, has been the heartbeat of Paris for centuries. Its location on an island in the heart of Paris, however, has been a place of worship for many. Notre-Dame's predecessor was built in the 10th Century, but the Cathedral as we know it today was built during the reign of Louis VII. Construction started in 1163 and was largely completed by 1260, but many additions were made over the next century.

[caption id="attachment_1022167" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641134670-1024x727.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641134670-1024x727.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641134670-300x213.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641134670-768x545.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641134670.jpg 1200w" alt="notre dame sunset" width="1024" height="727" /> Nikada / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Île de la Cité, the Heart of Paris</h2>
The Île de la Cité is one of only two natural islands that remain in Paris. It's also the biggest. These days, tourists and locals alike stride across the square of Parvis Notre-Dame, on their way to work, cafés, and museums. The square, which is in front of Notre-Dame's bell towers, is the location of France's "Kilometre Zero." Sort of like the mile marker from which distances from France are calculated.

[caption id="attachment_1022168" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/902830872-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/902830872-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/902830872-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/902830872-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/902830872.jpg 1200w" alt="ile de la cite paris" width="1024" height="683" /> olrat / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. The History of Notre-Dame</h2>
Although it’s impossible to sum up a history of 856 years, a framework for Notre-Dame’s history can be built. There’s evidence that before there was a church, there was a temple dedicated to Juno, that was built by the invading Romans. To calculate how many feet have walked over the ground where Notre-Dame lies is even more impossible. In some ways, it feels as those Notre-Dame has been there since the dawn of time.

[caption id="attachment_1022169" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641303938-1024x684.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641303938-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641303938-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641303938-768x513.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/641303938.jpg 1200w" alt="notre dame cathedral west facade" width="1024" height="684" /> AzmanL / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Joan of Arc and Notre-Dame</h2>
Throughout history, there have been countless tales, movies, and songs about Joan of Arc. And for good reason. Jeanne d'Arc, now canonized in the Roman Catholic church, is one of France's most notable heroines. According to legend, Jeanne had a vision of Archangels and Saints who instructed her to help the King recover the country from the English. She infamously disguised herself in male clothing, fought valiantly in the Hundred Years War, and was eventually executed for heresy. It was in Notre-Dame Cathedral that the Pope beatified Joan of Arc.

[caption id="attachment_1022170" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1125615622-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1125615622-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1125615622-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1125615622-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1125615622.jpg 1200w" alt="notre dame east view" width="1024" height="683" /> goncharovaia / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Napoleon Bonaparte</h2>
Napoléon Bonaparte was the first Emperor of France. Before this, he was a French noble born on the island of Corsica. He studied at the Royal Military School in Brienne before moving to Paris to attend the Ecole Militaire. It was from here that he graduated as Second Lieutenant. Napoleon's rise to infamy came during the French Revolution where he fought to put an end to the French monarchy. Five years after the end of the Revolution in 1799, in 1804, he crowned himself as Emperor under the roof of Notre-Dame. And yes, that is where “Napoleon complex” comes from.

[caption id="attachment_1022171" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/134940756-1024x680.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/134940756-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/134940756-300x199.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/134940756-768x510.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/134940756.jpg 1200w" alt="notre dame sunset" width="1024" height="680" /> IvanBastien / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. After the Revolution</h2>
After Napoleon and the French Revolution, Notre-Dame was thrown into a state of disrepair. During the war, revolutionaries tore down statues of kings from inside of Notre-Dame. They also tore down the original, 13th-century spire and turned it into a wine warehouse. It wasn't until a famous author wrote a book that the Cathedral was saved.

[caption id="attachment_1022172" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/515149716-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/515149716-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/515149716-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/515149716-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/515149716.jpg 1200w" alt="notre dame in spring" width="1024" height="683" /> neirfy / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Victor Hugo Saves the Cathedral</h2>
Victor Hugo is widely considered one of the best literary figures of all time. Responsible for writing novels such as <em>Les Misérables</em>, Hugo was also ahead of his time. He was a renowned wordsmith by the time he was 30, but his influence stretches far into social politics and beyond. In 1829, Victor Hugo began writing his next masterpiece. It told the story of a hunchback named Quasimodo who lived in the bell towers of Notre-Dame. With the novel, he was sure to declare that people look after their history. The book was so successful that inspired Parisians to restore the Cathedral back to its former glory.

[caption id="attachment_1022173" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1090674202-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1090674202-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1090674202-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1090674202-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1090674202.jpg 1200w" alt="notre dame cathedral sunrise" width="1024" height="683" /> agustavop / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. The Viollet-le-Duc Restoration</h2>
One person who was influenced by Hugo's novel was an architect named Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc. To this day, Leduc is known for restoring some of France's best-loved monuments. However, it's the Cathedral of Notre Dame where his influence remains so solidly. Inspired by Victor Hugo, he replaced the Cathedral's formerly crumbling gargoyles with new figures that could look out over Paris. Those figures are the ones that are now in thousands of photographs the world over. As well as this, he installed new roofs and a new spire made of lead-coated wood.

[caption id="attachment_1022174" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/92357885-1024x764.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/92357885-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/92357885-300x224.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/92357885-768x573.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/92357885.jpg 1200w" alt="stryge gargoyles notre dame" width="1024" height="764" /> FelixStrummer / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Notre-Dame’s Famous Spire</h2>
Notre Dame’s original spire was removed in the 18th Century and never replaced. Viollet-le-Duc's replacement initially raised criticism from Parisians. They felt the time for Gothic architecture was over. Despite this, the spire would become as symbolic a part of Notre Dame as its towers and its statues. Surrounding the spire stood statues of the twelve apostles. Before the 2019 fire, the spire was undergoing restoration work. Seeing it fall was the moment the fire made the greatest impact. Strangely enough, the statues of the apostles had been removed for the first time in centuries only days before.

[caption id="attachment_1022175" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1138864906-1024x768.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1138864906-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1138864906-300x225.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1138864906-768x576.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1138864906.jpg 1200w" alt="notre dame spire apostles" width="1024" height="768" /> Konstantin Litvinov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. What’s Next for Notre-Dame?</h2>
Although the fire of Notre Dame was jarring, it also marks a time of peace and perseverance. For the last few months, Paris has been a victim of social unrest, riots, and disharmony. Similarly, it seems as though the entire world is at odds with itself. But seeing Notre Dame burning brought people together and people from all countries have donated millions to restore the glorious Our Lady of Paris.

[caption id="attachment_1022176" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1062879484-1024x684.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1062879484-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1062879484-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1062879484-768x513.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1062879484.jpg 1200w" alt="parvis notre dame" width="1024" height="684" /> RossHelen / Getty Images[/caption]

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