Notre Dame de Paris - France

Next to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc du Triomphe, Notre-Dame probably is the most easily recognizable building in Paris. Built on l'Ile de la Cite, where the city was founded, it took approximately 170 years to complete this stunning Gothic masterpiece. It is worth going inside to admire its spendid stained glass or "rose" windows and numerous works of art. It is also definitely worth going on the Towers tour; the first 255 steps take you to the "Gallery of chimeras", which was added during the course of the restoration program that began in 1845. The numerous gargoyles and funny-looking chimeras, sticking their tongues out at Paris below, make for really great pictures! The only problem is that a grid has been added, presumably to stop people from jumping down as in the movie "Amelie"?

Another 147 steps will take you to the bell tower, where you can see "Emmanuel", the biggest bell of Notre-Dame with its 28,000 pounds. Of course, it is impossible to go up there without thinking of Quasimodo, the hero of Victor Hugo's popular story "The Huntchback of Notre-Dame" (1831). The tour ends on top of the 69 m tall left tower, where you will have a great view of the spire and of the city all around.

The Cathedral is open every day of the week, and admission is free. It costs 5.50 Euros to go on the Towers tour (but you can use your Museum Pass if you have one). Might be a good idea to get there early if you can - the line-up stretches along the side of the Cathedral all day long, and people are often turned away at the end of the day.

• Phone: 01 42 34 56 10
• Directions: On Ile de la Cité (metro Cité)
• Website: http://www.cathedraledeparis.com/EN/0.asp