The article explores the profound relationship between Victor Hugo and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, detailing how Hugo’s works spurred interest in medieval architecture, particularly during the tumultuous periods of the 19th century. It highlights the catastrophic state of the cathedral pre-restoration and the role of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in its rehabilitation. Despite Hugo’s impact on literary and cultural preservation, the public initially showed limited interest in his novel ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’. The analysis includes the historical context of church properties after the French Revolution and how these influenced public sentiments on heritage.