Notre-Dame Cathedral has finally reopened its doors after an incredible five-year restoration, and it’s more breathtaking than ever. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Paris or returning to see the revived masterpiece, there are a few key things you need to know before your visit.
Here’s everything any travelers need to plan the perfect Notre-Dame experience! 🇫🇷
Can You Visit Notre-Dame Now?
Yes! Notre-Dame Cathedral officially reopened to visitors in December 2024 after five years of meticulous restoration work following the devastating fire of April 15, 2019.
The cathedral has been beautifully restored, and visitors can now admire the stunning interior, including the famous rose windows, the renovated nave, and the magnificent new altar. It’s truly a must-see during your Paris trip.
💡 PRO TIP: The cathedral looks absolutely magical at night when it’s illuminated. Consider an evening stroll along the Seine to see it lit up!
When Did Notre-Dame Reopen?
Notre-Dame Cathedral officially reopened on December 7-8, 2024, with a grand ceremony attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities. Since then, the cathedral has welcomed millions of visitors eager to see its remarkable transformation.
The reopening was a major event in France and marked the completion of one of the most ambitious restoration projects in modern history.
Do You Need Tickets to Enter Notre-Dame? How to Book
Entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral is free, but here’s what you need to know:
Free timed-entry reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season. While walk-ins are technically allowed, wait times can exceed 2-3 hours without a reservation.
How to Reserve Your Free Time Slot:
- Visit the official Notre-Dame website: notredamedeparis.fr
- Reservations open 48 hours in advance
- Select your preferred date and time slot
- Download or screenshot your confirmation
Want a Deeper Experience?
🔔 If you want to truly understand the history and secrets of Notre-Dame, we highly recommend booking the Notre Dame guided Tour. It transforms a simple visit into an unforgettable journey through 860 years of history. >> Book here
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Notre-Dame?
Great news for budget-conscious travelers: Entry to Notre-Dame is completely free!
As a working cathedral, Notre-Dame doesn’t charge admission for visitors who want to explore the main interior.
What About the Towers?
Access to the famous towers (where you can see the gargoyles up close and enjoy panoramic views of Paris) has traditionally required a separate ticket. As of early 2025, the tower access schedule and pricing are still being finalized. We’ll update this page as soon as official information is released.
|
Experience |
Price |
|---|---|
|
Cathedral entry |
Free |
|
Audio guide |
~$8-12 |
|
Towers (when available) |
$20 |
|
Guided tours |
$50-80 |
Notre-Dame Opening Hours
Notre-Dame is open every day of the week, including holidays. Here are the current hours:
|
Day |
Hours |
|---|---|
|
Monday – Wednesday |
7:50 AM – 7:00 PM |
|
Thursday |
7:50 AM – 10:00 PM |
|
Friday |
7:50 AM – 7:00 PM |
|
Saturday – Sunday |
8:15 AM – 7:30 PM |
⛪ Note: Notre-Dame is an active place of worship. Mass is held daily at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. Visitors are welcome to attend but should remain respectful during services.
Best Times to Visit (for Tourists)
Thursday evening: Extended hours mean fewer visitors after 7 PM
Early morning (8:00-9:30 AM): Beat the crowds and catch beautiful morning light through the stained glass
Late afternoon (5:00-7:00 PM): Crowds thin out, golden hour lighting
How to Get to Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame is located on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the middle of the Seine River—right in the heart of Paris.
🚇 By Metro (Easiest Option)
- Cité (Line 4) – 2-minute walk
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame (RER B & C) – 5-minute walk
🚶On Foot
Notre-Dame is within easy walking distance of many central Paris attractions:
- From the Louvre: 15 minutes
- From the Latin Quarter: 5 minutes
- From the Marais: 15 minutes
- From Saint-Germain-des-Prés: 10 minutes
🚌 By Bus
Lines 21, 38, 47, 85, and 96 all stop nearby.
By Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
All major Paris sightseeing buses include a Notre-Dame stop.
Tips for Visitors
Here are some insider tips specifically for travelers coming from the US:
🕐 Beat the Jet Lag Strategy
If you’re jet-lagged and waking up early anyway, use it to your advantage! Head to Notre-Dame first thing in the morning when it opens at 7:50 AM—you’ll have the cathedral nearly to yourself.
💳 Payment Tips
France is very card-friendly. Your US credit card will work fine for nearby cafés and shops. Just make sure to notify your bank before traveling and avoid cards with foreign transaction fees.
👗 Dress Code
Notre-Dame is a sacred space. While there’s no strict dress code enforced, we recommend:
- Covering shoulders and knees
- Avoiding beachwear, crop tops, or very short shorts
- No hats inside (for men)
📱 Stay Connected
You’ll want data for your booking confirmation and navigation. Consider getting a European eSIM or an international phone plan before you leave.
🗣️ Language
Don’t worry—English is widely spoken at Notre-Dame and throughout central Paris. However, learning a few basic French phrases goes a long way!
What to Do Near Notre-Dame
The area around Notre-Dame is packed with amazing things to see and do. Here are our top recommendations:
Sainte-Chapelle ⭐ (5-minute walk)
This Gothic chapel features the most stunning stained glass windows in Paris—arguably even more impressive than Notre-Dame’s. A must-visit!
🎟️ Book Sainte-Chapelle Skip-the-Line Tickets →
Eternal Notre-Dame VR Experience
Can’t get enough of Notre-Dame? This incredible virtual reality experience takes you back in time through 800+ years of the cathedral’s history. Located near the cathedral.
Walking Tour of Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter
Discover the hidden stories and legends of the island where Paris was born, plus explore the charming Latin Quarter with a knowledgeable local guide.
🚶 Book a Guided Walking Tour →
Other Nearby Attractions
- Shakespeare and Company – Iconic English-language bookstore (2-minute walk)
- Pont des Arts – Famous “love lock” bridge (10-minute walk)
- Île Saint-Louis – Charming island with Berthillon ice cream (5-minute walk)
- The Latin Quarter – Lively neighborhood with cafés and history (5-minute walk)
- Conciergerie – Medieval palace and Marie Antoinette’s prison (3-minute walk)
Private & Guided tours of Notre-Dame
📍 Plan Your Perfect Paris Day
Visiting Notre-Dame? Make the most of your day with our free Paris itinerary that combines Notre-Dame with nearby attractions for the ultimate Île de la Cité experience.
Download Our Free Itinerary →
