Take a historical tour in Paris and overlook the Eiffel Tower from the bell tower of Notre-Dame

Reporter Zhu t?幔?ㄌ獗ǖ技/p>

Bonjour, if you haven’t been to Paris, don’t claim you’ve experienced the romance and luxury of France. If the Eiffel Tower, standing proudly on the Champ de Mars by the Seine River in central Paris, is the symbol of modern Paris, then Notre-Dame Cathedral represents ancient Paris. It’s only when you pause to think that you realize how perfectly Paris’s historical landmarks blend with modern life—even strolling along the Champs-Élysées, you can still feel the majestic presence of the Arc de Triomphe behind you.

A century-long beacon illuminating Paris — the Eiffel Tower

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The absolute iconic landmark of France and a groundbreaking monument in architectural history—the Eiffel Tower (la tour eiffel). Xu Binghui, associate director of the European department at Shangshun Travel Agency, says that for many tourists, their first stop in Paris is right at its feet. However, if you’re not particularly into history or not a big fan of the tower, the Eiffel Tower during the day might seem underwhelming. But once you take the elevator up to the third-floor observation deck and gaze down at Paris from above, the thrill of the view will truly excite you. And if you’re feeling romantic, having dinner at one of the restaurants on the first or second floor while admiring the Parisian night view—what could go wrong with proposing or confessing your love under the beautiful backdrop of Paris?

The Eiffel Tower, standing tall under the blue sky, may just be a “tower,” but its true beauty lies in how, as night falls and the lights on the tower gradually illuminate, the interplay of light and shadow gives the Eiffel Tower an entirely different presence. The warm, glowing yellow lights make it look like a guiding lighthouse from afar, even more like a spiritual beacon lighting up Paris. Especially at every full hour, when the tower twinkles with blue lights, it presents a uniquely layered beauty.

The silhouette of “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” lives on—when the bells of Notre-Dame chime

Remember? The story of Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre-Dame, takes place in and concludes at this Gothic cathedral. Located in the heart of Paris, Notre-Dame is not only the city’s most iconic historical monument and tourist attraction, but also the main cathedral for Parisians. From the outside, the towering spires and bell towers give off a sense of grandeur that seems to pierce the blue sky.

▲ If you can climb up to the bell tower of Notre-Dame, you might understand the conflicting feelings of Quasimodo—enjoying the solitary beauty of Paris from the heights of the tower, yet feeling utterly alone. (Photo provided by netizen Paul)

Upon entering through the church’s north portal (North Portal), you’ll immediately be greeted by the dazzling sight of three magnificent rose windows. When sunlight streams through them, the burst of colors is so captivating that it makes you pause. Especially on the second floor of Notre-Dame, the famous rose window is not just decoration—ancient artisans used splendid stained glass to depict biblical stories. For a moment of peaceful solitude, head up to the third floor of Notre-Dame, also known as the “bell tower” in Victor Hugo’s writings, and enjoy the panoramic view of Paris and the scenery along the Seine River, just like Quasimodo did.The Taiwan office of the French Tourism Development Agency states that if you wish to visit France, you can directly find the information you need on their official website.

Related travel agency itineraries

Shangshun Travel Agency’s “Creative France, Azure Coast, Provence Lifestyle & Aesthetics 10-Day Tour (Summer Edition)”
Cola Tourism’s “BONJOUR France: Monet Impressions, Van Gogh’s Hometown, Romantic Castles 10-Day Tour”

French travel information

● Geography: Located in Western Europe, bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain
● Population: 64.62 million people, 90% ethnic French, 64% Catholic, 3% Muslim
● Climate: Western part has an oceanic temperate broadleaf climate, southern part has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, central and eastern parts have a continental climate, with significant variations in peak tourist seasons across regions
● Currency Exchange: 1 euro ≈ 41.76 New Taiwan Dollars

Attraction Information

Eiffel Tower

Admission: Taking the elevator to the first floor of the tower costs €4.3 for adults and children aged 12 and above, and €2.4 for children aged 3–12. To the second floor by elevator: €7.7 for adults and those 12+, €4.2 for children 3–12. To the top floor by elevator: €11 for adults and 12+, €6 for children 3–12. Climbing stairs to the first and second floors: €3.8 for adults over 25, €3.0 for adults under 25. Children under 3 are admitted free for all ticket types.

Opening Hours: 09:30–23:00 (Jan 1 – Jun 15, Sep 3 – Dec 31); 09:00–24:00 (Jun 16 – Sep 2)

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Opening Hours: Main cathedral building: Monday to Friday 08:00–18:45, Saturday and Sunday 08:00–19:45. Side towers: October 1 – March 31 10:00–17:30, September 1 – September 30 09:30–19:30, July 1 – August 31 09:00–22:00.

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French charm