Notre Dame Cathedral (A Local’s Guide to Visiting)

👉 Jump to: History | Why Visit? | Visiting Information | What to Expect? | Tips | FAQ

Notre Dame Cathedral is an incredible and iconic Paris attraction. But after a fire in 2019, it closed its doors to visitors for five years. Open again in December 2024, it’s now accepting visitors. And visiting this stunning cathedral is one of the best things to do in Paris!

I’ve lived in Paris for over ten years and pass Notre Dame almost every day. Like everyone else, though, I haven’t been able to visit in years. Now that the cathedral’s reopened, I returned. As I visited, I gathered information about the site’s new guidelines and attractions. 

If you’re planning to visit Notre Dame, here’s what you need to know! 

History

⌛ Notre Dame’s Construction – Notre Dame was begun in the 12th century but wasn’t completed until the 14th century.

⛪ The Spires – The spires of the cathedral reach up to 100 meters! (328 feet).

🔥 2019 Fire – A fire in April 2019 destroyed the cathedral’s roof and spire, leading to its temporary closure.

📕 The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame is set in the cathedral. The book inspired the restoration of the neglected church.

🏛️ Before it Was Notre Dame – Before there was a cathedral on the cathedral site, there was a temple to Jupiter, then a Romanesque church.

🦇 Gargoyles – Notre Dame’s gargoyles weren’t part of the original construction—they were added in the 19th century.

👑 Crown of Thorns – The cathedral contains a crown of thorns that was allegedly worn by Jesus Christ.

🌹 Rose Windows – The three rose windows of the cathedral still have their original glass from the 1300s.

🇫🇷 Napoléon Bonaparte – He crowned himself emperor of France here in 1804.

Why Visit Notre Dame Cathedral?

Notre Dame is one of Paris’s most compelling sites. Its long history, reputation, and literary importance are all reasons people come to visit. But they’re not the only ones!

For lovers of architecture, Notre Dame Cathedral is an important site. It’s one of the best-known Gothic cathedrals in the world. Its flying buttresses are a 13th-century feature that still impresses visitors today. It is also an important feature in many Paris views.

You don’t have to be an architecture fan to be stunned by the cathedral, though. Its original stained glass, the numerous works of art, and the stunning chandeliers all make Notre Dame a visual feast. 

If you are Roman Catholic and speak French, you may also wish to worship at the church. The cathedral offers regular masses. You can also light candles and go to confession at designated times. 

Notre Dame is on the Île de la Cité, one of the two islands that make up the oldest part of Paris. Just in front of the cathedral, you’ll find “Point Zero.” Supposedly, this is the exact center of the city. People use it as a wishing well or spin on top of it to make a wish. Its star is currently covered with a metal barrier, but it’s still there!

Finally, you may wish to visit Notre Dame Cathedral just because it’s been closed for so long! Now reopen for the first time in five years, it’s an excellent chance to familiarize or reacquaint yourself with the site.

Visiting Information

Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral requires some planning for a smooth visit. After its long closure, the site is now extremely popular. Arranging the practical aspects of your trip beforehand will ensure a visit in the best conditions for you.

Hours and Details

🎟️ Entrance – Free, but reservations are currently recommended. Donations are accepted but not required.

💵 Payment Method – Though visiting Notre Dame Cathedral is free, lighting a candle and buying souvenirs are not. Some of the candle purchasing sites offer credit card payments for the 2€ fee. There are also coin slots. 

🗓️ Booking – You can book your reservation on the Notre Dame website. More tickets are released every day, but only up to three days in advance. You may book online for up to six people. Note that the online system only allows one reservation per email address.

The site may be too overloaded to take you to the reservation page immediately. If this is the case, wait a few minutes. The site will reload automatically when you can book.

🕖 Operating Hours – Notre Dame is open from 8 am to 7 pm daily, except for Thursdays when it is open until 10 pm. You can celebrate mass at 8 am, 12 pm, or 6 pm on weekdays. Check the official website for weekend schedules, special events, and holiday celebrations.

🚙 Parking –  Notre Dame is on the Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s two islands. It’s very difficult to drive, let alone park, nearby. You may have more luck in the 4th or the 5th arrondissements on either side of the river. 

However, there are two parking garages on Île de la Cité itself. If they have room, the Parking Lutèce-Cité and Parking Harlay Pont Neuf are two lots nearby.

♿ Accessibility – Notre Dame Cathedral is accessible for people with disabilities. There are ramps, a designated line, and adapted services and spaces. The official website contains more information about Notre Dame’s accessible features. 

🖥️ Website – Official Notre Dame Website

📍 Map It – Google Maps

📞 Phone – +33  (0)1 42 34 56 10

🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Tours – Pilgrimage groups will be allowed as of February 2025. Visitor groups will be allowed as of March 2025. Guided tours are available for the outside of the museum from external companies. 

Getting There

Notre Dame is in the 4th arrondissement, on the Île de la Cité. This makes it extremely accessible by transport. As you plan your trip to Notre Dame from where you’re staying in Paris, keep the following in mind. 

• 🚶 Walking: Notre Dame is extremely walkable from both the Right Bank and the Left Bank. If you’re in central Paris, walking to the cathedral makes a lot of sense in good weather. 
• 🚌 Public Transportation: Getting around Paris by Métro is an excellent way to move quickly through the city. You can reach Notre Dame by lines 1, 4, and 11 of the Métro. Get off at stations Cité or Saint-Michel for Line 4 and Hôtel de Ville for Lines 1 and 11. You can also take buses 45, 75, or 87 to nearby stops.
• 🚕 Rideshare: Rideshares and taxis can take you close to the cathedral, but you will likely face significant traffic in central Paris. Plan on adding extra time to your trip for these delays.
• 🚗 Driving: Driving in Paris is tricky, and driving on the islands is even trickier. You’ll find narrow roads, many pedestrians, and difficult parking. You can drive to Notre Dame, but other ways of getting there are easier and faster.

When to Go

The best time to visit Notre Dame is on a weekday morning just after it opens. For the least crowded experience, try a Tuesday or Wednesday morning between 8 am and 10 am. Sundays, holidays, and masses lead to much bigger crowds.

Even though winter isn’t the best time to visit Paris generally, it is a good time to visit Notre Dame. In January and February, you’ll find fewer crowds and get tickets more easily. If you can, plan to visit on a sunny day. At least, try to visit during daylight hours. The stained glass will be more illuminated.

Unless you’re planning to worship at the cathedral, avoid feast days and holidays. At these times, the cathedral will be full of visitors. 

What to Expect at Notre Dame Cathedral

If you’ve visited Europe before, you may think that all cathedrals are the same. But Notre Dame is unique! From its complex exterior carvings to its interior chapels, it succeeds in impressing even the most jaded traveler. Here’s what to expect during your visit.

The Surrounding Plaza

As you approach Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll find that it faces a huge plaza. At the moment, this contains bleachers, likely left over from the 2024 Olympic Games. These may go soon, but they’re a great place to take photos in the meantime. You’ll also find several statues, including one of Charlemagne. The far end of the plaza contains the entrance to the Archaeological Crypt.

Entry to the Cathedral

It can be overwhelming to enter Notre Dame. Not only do you experience the high, vaulted ceilings, but there is usually a bottleneck of people at the door. Don’t let this put you off. The crowds generally disperse within a few yards. 

From the entryway, you can see the cathedral’s main altar at the other end of the church. Then, you’ll find a sign at the entryway with an arrow. This shows the direction you should follow to begin the rest of your visit.

Remember to keep your voice down as you enter the cathedral. Avoid taking photos with flash. You’ll see people in chairs in front of the altar. These people have come to worship, which is the cathedral’s main purpose.

The Chapels

As you walk through the left side of the cathedral, you’ll pass a statue of the Virgin Mary. You can choose to light a candle here or at other points along the way. 

You’ll find that, along the sides of the cathedral, many small chapels occupy niches. These are dedicated to various saints. These include Saint Louis, Louis IX of France, Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, and many others. They have stained glass at the back and typically have stars painted on the ceilings. 

The Rose Windows

About halfway through the cathedral, you’ll find a space with no chapels. Instead, two rose windows appear on either side. These enormous windows contain the original glass from the time the cathedral was built!

You may face crowds jostling for pictures. However, waiting patiently and moving forward will allow you to get closer to the windows to admire the detail.

The Confessionals

There are several confessionals throughout the cathedral. However, they do not run continuously. Priests hear confessions here from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, they hear confessions from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Signs are in English, French, and Spanish. Check with cathedral staff to verify that a priest on duty can speak your language.

The Crown of Thorns

At the back of the cathedral, you’ll find a chapel devoted to the crown of thorns. According to the cathedral, this is a holy relic of a crown that Jesus Christ wore. The space is surrounded by chairs. These are for worshippers only. It is also possible to buy a candle to light and place in front of the relic.

As with any place in the cathedral where you may find people praying, use low voices if you need to speak in this area.

Places for Prayer

If you wish to pray in Notre Dame, there is no shortage of space! You’ll find wooden chairs in front of the main altar and the crown of thorns. In these places, you can sit for quiet reflection and worship. 

The cathedral has signs in multiple languages before you enter places meant for worship. Even if you are tired, refrain from using these locations to rest or arrange your belongings, as they are meant for prayer.

The Treasury

After the crown of thorns, just after the cathedral curves, you’ll find the entrance to the treasury. This is a space containing items the cathedral considers precious. These range from ornaments to books. 

Unlike other parts of the cathedral, you must pay to enter the treasury. It costs €12 for regular admission and €6 for reduced admission. 

The treasury also has different hours than the cathedral in general. It is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm on weekdays and Saturdays. On Thursdays, it is open until 9 pm. On Sundays, its hours are 1 pm to 5:30 pm.

Gift Kiosk

Just before you leave the cathedral, you’ll find a gift counter. This offers everything from rosary beads to greeting cards. It’s by far the best place to buy souvenirs of the cathedral. Behind it, you’ll find a machine that lets you purchase a commemorative coin celebrating the cathedral’s 2024 restoration. 

Tips for Visiting Notre Dame

Tip #1: Be respectful

More than anything, Notre Dame is a place of worship. Speak softly throughout your visit, and refrain from using the flash on your camera. Let people who are there for religious reasons, like lighting candles, have the right of way. Remove hats before entering the cathedral, as well. 

Tip #2: Go to the bathroom first

There are no public bathrooms at Notre Dame. Be sure to use the facilities before entering the cathedral. There are many restaurants and public toilets nearby.

Tip #3: Explore the exterior

The wonders of Notre Dame don’t stop once you step outside! Walking around the cathedral gives you a great view of its many architectural details. It also lets you see where the damage from the 2019 fire occurred and how it is being repaired. 

Tip #4: Watch where you sit

There are no places for visitors to sit in the cathedral unless you have come to worship. Though you may see chairs, these are meant for those who have come to pray. Benches are typically meant for those waiting for confession. Look for signs before you sit down, and leave the seats for their intended usage.

Tip #5: Visit surrounding attractions

On the plaza outside Notre Dame, you’ll find several attractions in their own right. First, at the far end of the plaza, there’s the Archaeological Crypt. This shares treasures found during various excavations of the cathedral site and nearby areas. 

Just in front of the entrance to the cathedral, to the left, you’ll find Point Zero on the ground. This is supposedly the center of Paris. People make wishes on it by throwing pennies or standing on top and spinning. At the moment, the star is covered by a metal plate, so you may need to ask a security guard for help finding it.

Tip #6: Buy souvenirs inside

There are many, many souvenir shops on the quays of the Seine surrounding Notre Dame. However, they usually sell mass-produced, uninteresting items. To commemorate your trip to the cathedral, consider buying a souvenir at the gift shop inside, instead.

Tip #7: Reserve tickets in advance

You can visit Notre Dame without a reservation. But making a reservation ensures that you’ll get in to see the cathedral. When you arrive, the open entry line might be empty, or it might be full. Though the reservation system can get overloaded, it is worth waiting to book your tickets and ensure you can visit when you want to!

Tip #8: Expect continued construction

Although the cathedral is now open to the public, parts of it are still under construction. Notably, the roof and spire are still undergoing work. This won’t affect your visit to the inside of the cathedral. However, if you were hoping for picturesque views from all around Notre Dame, you may need to wait for construction to finish.

Tip #9: Carry a cross-body bag

Being one of Paris’s top attractions, Notre Dame welcomes many visitors. With these visitors, though, come pickpockets and scammers. Follow the same guidelines you would for a safe Paris visit. A cross-body bag with a zip is a good way of making sure you don’t lose your wallet or your passport. (ID is required for mobile tickets.)

Tip #10: Consider using the mobile app

Guided tours of Notre Dame won’t be allowed until March 2025. In the meantime, you can buy an official guide to the cathedral at its gift shop. Or, you can download the Notre Dame app. This will tell you about what you’re seeing and help you navigate the large, complex space more easily during your trip. 

FAQs

Why is Notre Dame Cathedral so famous?

Notre Dame Cathedral is famous as a prime example of Gothic architecture, including its flying buttresses. It is also a famous part of history, as Napoléon I crowned himself emperor here. Finally, Victor Hugo helped ensure its fame with his novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Do I need tickets to visit Notre Dame?

Tickets are not required to visit Notre Dame Cathedral. However, there are two lines for entrance: ticketed and open access. The ticketed line is usually shorter. Also, those in the ticketed line are guaranteed entry, which is not true for open access.

Is it worth going to Notre Dame?

Notre Dame is worth visiting for its beauty, its history, and its uniqueness. The stained glass, from the chapels to the rose windows, is stunning. You’ll find many historical markers throughout the cathedral that commemorate important events. And it’s the most famous cathedral in France—possibly in the world!

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Have you visited Notre Dame since it reopened? What was your experience like? Leave a comment below. Then, take a look at more of my recommendations for what to do in my 5-day Paris itinerary!