In this guide
Gargoyle or chimera? The difference in one minute
| Gargoyles | Chimeras | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Drain rainwater away from the walls | Decoration and symbolism |
| Shape | Long, horizontal, with an open mouth (a spout) | Seated or perched statues, often pensive |
| Date | From the 13th century, many replaced over time | Mostly 1840s–1860s (Viollet-le-Duc) |
| Where | All around the roofline, buttresses and towers | Mainly on the Gallery of Chimeras, at the top of the façade |
| Name origin | Old French « gargouille », throat, gurgling sound | From the Greek monster Chimera |
The word gargoyle shares its root with « gargle ». Rain runs along the gutters and pours out of the creature’s mouth, far from the stone, protecting the walls and mortar. On a rainy day you can see them do their job from the cathedral square and the garden behind the cathedral.
Why are there monsters on a cathedral?
Medieval sculptors loved fantastic beasts. Historians offer several explanations, and none is certain: the monsters may have symbolized evil kept outside the sacred space, warned the faithful against sin, protected the church like guardians, or simply showcased the carvers’ imagination. In the 19th century, Viollet-le-Duc and his team of sculptors created a whole bestiary of chimeras in a romantic spirit inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel, giving Notre-Dame the brooding silhouette we know.
The most famous chimeras
- Le Stryge: the winged, horned creature resting its chin in its hands, gazing over the city. It became world-famous through Charles Meryon’s 1853 etching and countless photographs.
- The elephant: a surprising guest on a Paris cathedral, symbol of strength and wisdom.
- The pelican: a Christian symbol of sacrifice, said to feed its young with its own blood.
- The devouring beasts: chimeras eating smaller animals, a nod to the medieval bestiary.
- Birds, dogs, goats and a monkey-like figure: look for them along the balustrade.
Where to see the gargoyles and chimeras
From the towers (best)
The tower climb takes you along the Gallery of Chimeras, at the top of the west façade, close enough to see the claws and expressions, with Paris in the background. It is the only way to see them at eye level. Tickets cost €16 and must be booked online: all the details are in our Notre-Dame tower tickets guide.
From the ground
- The square (parvis): look up between the towers; a zoom of 200 mm or more helps.
- The south side, along the Seine: the best view of the gargoyles on the buttresses and the south rose.
- Square Jean-XXIII, behind the cathedral: the chevet, the flying buttresses and many water spouts.
- Pont de l’Archevêché and Quai de Montebello: classic angles at sunset.
Night lighting also brings the sculptures out beautifully: see our guide to Notre-Dame at night and the best photo spots.
Did the gargoyles survive the 2019 fire?
Yes, for the most part. The fire destroyed the roof frame and the spire, but the stone towers, façade and the Gallery of Chimeras were spared. During the restoration, sculptures damaged by heat, water or time were cleaned, consolidated or replaced by new carvings made by stonemasons, as had always been done over the centuries. The statues of the apostles and evangelists around the spire had been removed for restoration a few days before the fire and escaped unharmed.
Read also:Notre-Dame Architecture Explained: Gothic Style, Floor Plan, Rose Windows and Flying Buttresses
Gargoyle or chimera?
Tap an answer to check it.
What is the practical job of a gargoyle?
Gargoyles are water spouts: rain pours out of their mouths.
Who added the chimeras to Notre-Dame?
The chimeras were created during the 1844–1864 restoration.
What is the name of the most famous chimera, head in its hands?
Le Stryge became famous through Charles Meryon’s 1853 etching. Emmanuel is the great bell.
Frequently asked questions
What are the gargoyles of Notre-Dame for?
True gargoyles are water spouts that drain rain away from the walls. The decorative creatures on the upper gallery are chimeras, which have no practical function.
Are the Notre-Dame gargoyles medieval?
Some gargoyles follow medieval models, but many have been replaced over the centuries. The famous chimeras were created in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc’s team.
How can I see the gargoyles of Notre-Dame up close?
Climb the towers: the visit passes along the Gallery of Chimeras. Tickets cost €16 and are sold online only on the Centre des monuments nationaux website.
What is the name of the famous Notre-Dame gargoyle?
The most famous is the chimera « Le Stryge », which rests its head in its hands while looking over Paris.
Did the gargoyles survive the Notre-Dame fire?
Yes. The fire destroyed the roof and spire but spared the towers and most of the sculpture; damaged pieces were restored or replaced.