To the top of Notre Dame

Could someone who has climbed to the top of Notre Dame, please give me a detail description of the climb. I know how many steps. I have climbed to the top of the Statue of Liberty. I assume it is a single file line to the top, any points where you can step to the side to rest ( i.e. like the status of liberty) if needed? Do you come down on the same stairs as you went up? I would just like a very detail account of what to expect, to decide if we can do this. Merci !

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I can%26#39;t remember now if there was a place to step aside on the way up... I am always horribly overcome by these steep climbs but I - MUST - HAVE - THOSE - PHOTOS- so I keep going, heaving chest all the way. I know we stopped along the way to take photos of the giant bell, so maybe that%26#39;s your rest opportunity.

I do remember that you go DOWN a separate stairwell.

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You do go down the same exact type of stairs on the way down, but on the opposite side of the tower that you came up. Depending on how busy it is - i suggest getting there early when it opens - I doubt you will be able to stop and rest on the stairs. If not to busy possibly step to one side and let others pass by you for a few moments. They are skinny - both width and length - spiral stone steps so they are wedge shapped - thinner at the interior. A lot are sunken (sp) in in the middle of the step. Hope this helps.

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Here is some advice:

Get on line at least half an hour before the towers open up. It is cooler and you won%26#39;t need to wait so long. By the way, they DO NOT take the Museum Pass here.

Bring a pair of binoculars.

You climb up steep stairs (not as exhausting as the Statue of Liberty), go across, the top, then climb down.

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Excuse me, but they DO accept the Carte Musee for access to the towers (otherwise, there is no charge for visiting Notre Dame). However, you do NOT get to move up to front of any lines - you must get in the queue along with the paying customers.

The monitors allow groups of about 20 up at one time, so it is good advice to get in line early, say 8:30-8:45, to be in first or second group going up.

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The stairs going up and coming down are those spiral ones that can be a little dizzying. There are several places where you can step to one side to catch your breath and others can pass you. It%26#39;s quite an aerobic workout but doable and the view at the top is worth it. After you reach what you think is the top and walk around and look off in all directions, there are more steps going up to see the huge bell that is only rung at Easter. It takes 6 men to do this and it is called the Bumble Bee because of the sound it makes. I was with a lady who had trouble going down the stairs-she felt like she was going to fall and her husband had to stay in front of her the whole way down. It is one of the best views in Paris. I would make sure the sky is clear for the best view.

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If you are not sure, do the Pompidou center , the view from up there is amazing and you have escalators all the way up, so it is easy and very rewarding : you see the arc de triomphe, eiffel tower, Notre Dame, Panthéon, Montmartre etc...

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just an interesting side note.... I mentioned to the guide at the top tower that he must have a strong heart to go up every day. He said he makes SIX trips... up in the morning, down for lunch (then back up) and down for a break (then back up) and then finally down for the day. OY!

but yes, the stairs are wide enough that you can step aside.

your first stop will be approximately 1/3 of the way up in a gift shop that is %26quot;similar to the room described as Esmerelda%26#39;s chambers.%26quot; Next stop is the first level where you can stay for a bit, see the bell and the gargoyles. Then finally up to the tippy top. The trek down was actually harder on my thighs than going up because it%26#39;s rather steep. But believe me, if I can do it, anyone can.