Notre Dame

About this board game

Notre Dame is a competitive board game for 2–5 players, lasting about 75 minutes, set in Paris at the end of the 14th century. Players lead influential families competing for prosperity and reputation in the boroughs surrounding the famous Notre Dame cathedral.

Each player controls one of the 3–5 boroughs around Notre Dame and uses action cards to improve the power, prestige, and appearance of their city quarter. The card play is simple to learn, but every choice can have significant consequences: focusing on one aspect of the borough means leaving another unattended.

• Develop your family’s influence through carefully chosen action cards.
• Compete for prosperity and prestige with the other families.
• Look after the health of the people in your borough to avoid penalties.
• Respond to the gradually approaching plague as the game progresses.

Across nine exciting rounds, players must balance long-term improvement with the immediate needs of their population. An action that strengthens one part of the borough may prevent another opportunity, making each round a series of meaningful decisions. Neglecting public health can be especially dangerous as the plague draws closer.

When the ninth round ends, the player who has made the most of their cards and gained the most prestige points wins. With its historical setting, permanent borough improvements, and pressure created by competing priorities, Notre Dame offers a focused contest for influence in medieval Paris.

Released in 2007, the game is number 11 in the Alea big box series. It has also been expanded by the unofficial 6-/7-player expansion and Treasure Chest, and was reimplemented by the unofficial Notre Dame Express.