Polished by feet
The tradition says standing on it guarantees a return to Paris.
Serge Melki — CC BY 2.0 · Dietmar Rabich — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mario Sánchez Prada from London, United Kingdom — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Chabe01 — CC BY-SA 4.0
An octagonal bronze plaque set into the paving of the square before Notre-Dame cathedral, the point from which distances to Paris are measured on all French roads. When you read a sign on a French road saying Paris 340 km, that figure is measured to this plaque specifically. It was set in its present form in 1924, though the idea of a central measuring point is far older and goes back to the eighteenth century. A tourist tradition has grown around it: a visitor stands on it and turns a full circle, or throws a coin, in the belief that this guarantees a return to Paris. The result is a plaque polished bright by feet. The tradition is modern and has no historical basis, but it has become part of a Notre-Dame visit like anything else. The plaque is small and easy to miss — look for it in the ground a few metres from the west front. A public space, free to see.
The tradition says standing on it guarantees a return to Paris.
Entirely modern with no historical basis.
Though the idea of a measuring point goes back to the eighteenth century.
The square before Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité
Notre-Dame de ParisWhen Notre-Dame's roof burned before the world's eyes in April 2019, Paris seeme1 min walk
Square René VivianiA small garden on the Left Bank directly opposite Notre-Dame, holding the oldest2 min walk
Sainte ChapelleNo photograph does Sainte-Chapelle justice, and no description either. You enter4 min walk
The Clock Tower of the Palais de la CitéA square tower at the corner of the Palais de la Cité on the Île de la Cité, car5 min walk
ConciergerieThe fortress façade with conical towers on the Seine embankment is the oldest an5 min walkLooking for halal food near Point Zero of the French Roads? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
Yes, it reopened on 7 December 2024 after five years of restoration following the 2019 fire. Entry to the cathedral is free as before, but crowding is severe and booking a free timed slot online is advised to avoid a long queue. Climbing the towers is separately ticketed and booked. The restoration returned the stone to its original pale colour, so the interior is far brighter than it was.
The Archaeological Crypt — an underground museum showing remains of Paris from the Roman period to the nineteenth century, found during car park excavation in the 1960s. You see Roman quay foundations, medieval walls and cellars. Entry is ticketed and it is among the quietest museums in the area despite lying beneath the most crowded square in Paris.
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