This is the most famous Notre Dame Chimera. These are not gargoyles although people tend to think so. Gargoyles hide rain spouts. There's a picture of one further down.The view from the top of Notre Dame.

Same Chimera...different view.

This is a gargoyle. They jut out from the wall. There is a dip in the top to catch the rain water and it exits through the mouth. These aide in protecting the building from corrosion.

Two gargoyles. One is the same one as above.