Alternatives to Notre Dame: 6 places in Paris with medieval magic

In April, a fire destroyed Notre Dame, one of the main attractions of Paris. The 850-year-old building has suffered an irreparable loss and the cathedral will have to be restored for a long time. But tourists who have come to Paris should not be upset, because they can discover some more amazing places imbued with a medieval atmosphere.

Find out which six pearls of architecture and art can be added to the golden collection of attractions of the French capital from our material.

Notre Dame was mesmerizing with medieval mysticism, overhanging gargoyles and a beautiful garden. While the burnt-out cathedral is being restored, guests of the French capital have the opportunity to visit six other, no less remarkable places, beckoning with mystery and Gothic austerity.

1. Saint-Denis Basilica

Notre Dame is the most famous Gothic structure in the world, but not the oldest. Interior of the Basilica of Saint-Denis

The medieval church of Saint-Denis, which is located on the outskirts of Paris, dates back to 1144, which is 20 years earlier than the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Interior of Notre Dame Cathedral 

The basilica is very similar to Notre Dame in appearance, ribbed arches, flying pillars and porticos decorated with intricate carvings.

The main charm of Notre Dame was access to its belfries, from where a stunning view of Paris opened.

The Saint-Jacques Tower is not inferior in this to the burnt-out cathedral. Built in the 16th century, it is not too well known to a wide audience, but it is also beautiful in its Gothic sophistication.

Having overcome 300 steps of the stairs, you get an unforgettable impression of the amazing view of the French capital.

The main stained glass windows of Notre Dame survived the fire, fortunately for all art lovers.

But while restoration work is underway, and the multicolored glass is blackened with smoke and covered with ash, you can enjoy the play of light in another medieval pearl — the Conciergerie Chapel.

It was built in the 13th century and is famous for the most famous stained glass windows in the world. In addition, the spire of the building is very similar to the one that used to crown Notre Dame.

The beautiful garden near Notre Dame attracted visitors no less than the architectural landmark itself.

What could be better than to relax among the luxurious greenery, flowers and ancient trees after an informative excursion?

The Gothic Hotel de Saens, a mansion built in the 16th century, is also surrounded by a wonderful park, slightly inferior to the previous one only in size.

The famous bell tower of Notre Dame with ten bells is famous all over the world.

The old church, built in the late Gothic period, is located just 1.5 km from Notre Dame Cathedral and is incredibly similar to the famous Notre Dame.

Of course, nothing can replace a visit to the famous Notre Dame. But while restoration work is underway, guests of Paris have a chance to discover the secret diamonds of the French capital, unknown to the general public. Each of these places enchants with medieval mysticism and Gothic charm and carries glimpses of the splendor of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.