I travel with students during the summer, and this is one of my favorite places to take them in Paris. The cathedral is beautiful, and I recommend you step inside. There are other churches available for viewing as well. Around the backside there are artists, cafes, musicians... It's the Paris most folks imagine rather than the urine-smelling streets and metros in other areas. There is a carousel at the base of the hill. There's a significant number of steps up the hill, but there is also a little tram car that will take you to the top for just under 2€. Beautiful does and place.

While the sight was absolutely amazing, stunning even, the men 'selling' friendship bracelets at the entrance and foot of the stairs really put it as the worst experience I had in Paris. My mother in law had warned me about them. They grab your arm (sometimes trying to distract you by pointing out something else) and start tying the string to you....you can't get it off and if you walk away without paying they raise a ruckus. We watched them do this for a while and it's amazing that it's not being dealt with. They line up at the entrance and the foot of the stair in a line so you can't avoid them. When we were trying to get through them I said firmly "Don't touch me." resulting in them calling me some names in another language and even one hitting me. If we'd been able to see the police we would have reported it. The church is gorgeous, but be aware of these men, and if possible don't go alone.

It's off the main thoroughfare but worth the effort. A few flights of stairs to climb but the view is unique. The church itself is quite unique and the inside equally beautiful. You can even pray here, there are quiet spots. Beware of some of the touts on the outside offering strings in friendship only to ask you for money. Be on the alert and see other reviews hereunder about how they operate.

Warnings FIRST. ------------------------- WATCH OUT FOR THE BRACELET SCAMMERS ! They are around the bottom of the stairs. DO NOT let them put a bracelet on you! They are a little aggressive. They will imply that it’s free and tie it on you and then expect money. I spent a good 30 minutes watching how many people got fooled. I myself had to dodge dip and dodge to not have that happen to me. Free to go in. Have fun! Breathtaking basilica! I visited on a Monday afternoon and it was wonderful. I would say one of the most impressive I have visited. Be prepared to see lots of crowds, but don't sorry about waiting too long in line to see inside as the line goes by quickly. Careful with pickpockets, I saw a man get robbed nearby. There is a lift to take you up, but if you can take the stairs, as it's a beautiful sight to see and great photo opportunity. There are plenty shops and restaurants nearby to also check out.

We came for the view and weren't disappointed! Amazing views like no other, there's few perspectives of Paris as amazing as from here. The building itself is beautiful and ornate, though not as stunning as other areas of Paris. We heard it was beautiful and weren't disappointed There are a significant amount of stairs, though there's a tram to get most of the way up which you can buy a ticket for. I'd highly recommend this tram if you're planning to spend your day adventuring around Paris. Having been once, I don't think we'd go back