<p>Perched atop Notre Dame Cathedral's North Tower, the storied Gothic gargoyles loom over <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/paris-photos-1/">Paris</a> from their unique vantage point above point zéro, the site from which distances to the rest of France are measured. "Climbing the tower is an incredible thing to do," says photographer Catherine Karnow. "The views in every direction are amazing."</p> <p>Read more about the City of Light in "Authentic Paris" in the March 2008 issue of <i>National Geographic Traveler</i>.</p>

paris notredame

Perched atop Notre Dame Cathedral's North Tower, the storied Gothic gargoyles loom over Paris from their unique vantage point above point zéro, the site from which distances to the rest of France are measured. "Climbing the tower is an incredible thing to do," says photographer Catherine Karnow. "The views in every direction are amazing."

Read more about the City of Light in "Authentic Paris" in the March 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

Authentic Paris

See photos of the authentic Paris, France in this travel photo gallery from National Geographic.

Read This Next

Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?
How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet