Point Zéro des Routes de France
Historical place · Notre-Dame ·

Point Zéro des Routes de France

Historical place · Notre-Dame ·

Brass marker for Paris distances, site of wish rituals

historical importance
under restoration
underwhelming
wheelchair accessible
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by rosieL (Atlas Obscura User)
Point Zéro des Routes de France by tylercole (Atlas Obscura User)
Point Zéro des Routes de France by Gavin (Atlas Obscura User)
Point Zéro des Routes de France by Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 2.0
Point Zéro des Routes de France by Serge Melki/CC BY 2.0
Point Zéro des Routes de France by Joan Puigcerver/CC BY-SA 2.0
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null
Point Zéro des Routes de France by null

Information

Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France Get directions

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Information

Static Map

Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France Get directions

fr.wikipedia.org

Features

•Wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jan 4, 2026

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@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

15 Unlikely Places to Re-Up Your Luck

"Just outside of Notre Dame Cathedral embedded in the concrete of the public square is a small geographic marker from which the distance from Paris to all other places are judged. But rather than some dry symbol of measurement the spot known as Paris Point Zero has attracted a surprising number of local rituals. One of a number of so-called “kilometre zeroes” around the world, Paris Point Zero marks the supposedly exact center of the city or country. All other locations are thought to be measured as a distance radiating from this point. Paris’ center is marked by an octagonal brass plate that is set rather unremarkably into the concrete of the square. due to the marker’s low profile, some visitors have a hard time even finding it, but often times when they do, it has become customary to pay respects in any of a number of ways. Many of the customs performed on the site, are of the wish-granting variety, be it spinning in a circle on one foot atop the marker to gain your heart’s desire or kissing a loved one above the plate to ensure a eternal devotion. Sometimes the slightly concave marker can even be found to be filled with coins thanks to the popular tradition of using the point as a sort of wishing well. Others still pay pilgrimage to the site when they feel that they have experienced Paris to its fullest, using it as a proverbial period in the story of their journey. Undoubtedly there are countless other rituals of devotion to the very heart of Paris, but however it is expressed, this geographic marker likely receives more love than most around the world.  Update May 2019: Because of the fire of Notre Dome Cathedral in April 2019, this location is now inaccessible and may be for a while." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/lucky-places-good-luck-charms
Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 2.0
Point zéro des routes de France
@nomadicmatt
6,682 Postcards · 1,173 Cities

14 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See in Paris (Updated 2025)

"Near Notre Dame Cathedral, I found the simple brass star set into the sidewalk that marks the official center of Paris to be a fun, short stop—people toss coins and make wishes on it, and some stand on the star and kiss, believing their love will last forever." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/off-the-beaten-path-paris/
Point Zero for the Roads of France

Abhijeet S.

Google
The place is under restoration work hence can't go inside. The place has a view gallery from where we can have the exterior look of this monument. The place is of historic importance. The place is connected to the various public transport modes. The restoration work has been going on since long time.

Maximillion D.

Google
Don't use Google Maps for this. That'll only confuse you and it's not marked at all. If you're standing facing the front of Note Dame, where the people are lining up, look around on the ground and you'll find it.

Michelle K

Google
Using Google Maps helped to locate it! The star was missing when I saw it, but it was meaningful. To see Point Zero is free as it is outside of Notre Dame cathedral.

Liz V.

Google
Google Maps makes it hard to find, but here is a reference photo in relation to Notre Dame.

Jordan F.

Google
Cool idea to visit but it was a bit underwhelming, especially when you’re standing in the shadow of the majesty of the Notre Dame.

b D.

Google
Under rated tourist spot. I recommend you to read the history and know where you're going if you plan to go see this spot. You can miss it in the crowd around the cathedral.

ARBBFamily

Google
What it represents seems to be of no interest to the city. It is not marked to be found, and once you find it…whatever shine or luster it once had is long gone.

Sc. U

Google
Great place to be opposite to zhe main cathedral of Notre Dame. Tribune well positioned for a good view on the monument.