[prewett]

I'm guessing it's because of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", which if I recall correctly, Victor Hugo wrote to (successfully) stimulate desire to repair/restore the cathedral around 1800.

For me, personally, I think that Gothic architecture is the height of beauty, especially the interior. Notre Dame is one of the first examples, and was built quickly enough to have a consistent architecture (also Chartres and Amiens). Many Gothic cathedrals took 100 years to build and you can see variations in the architectural style in the different pieces which lessons the beauty somewhat. I also like the French circular apse rather than the English square apse (although that does allow for a gorgeous, huge window).

I also think beauty is important, especially in buildings, and Notre Dame is just a great example. It's beautiful inside and out. I've even spent quite a long time just enjoying the beauty of the back side.