Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris), one of the world’s most renowned Gothic landmarks, is located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris.
It has long been a symbol of French heritage, architecture, and religious importance.
After a devastating fire on April 15, 2019, which destroyed the roof and the iconic spire, extensive restoration efforts led to its reopening in December 2024.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know before booking tickets to visit this historic site.
Top Tickets
# Group guided tour
# Combo guided tour
# VR experienceBooking your Notre Dame tickets in advance is highly recommended, as demand has surged by over 40% since its December 2024 reopening, often selling out months ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons, ensuring you avoid long queues. Securing your tickets early ensures you won’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
What to expect
Notre Dame Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, measuring 127 meters (417 feet) in length and 48 meters (158 feet) in width, with a capacity to hold up to 9,000 people.
Key Features:
- Rose Windows: Three iconic stained glass windows, with diameters of 13.1 meters (43 feet). The West rose window, above the main portals, is the first and smallest.
- Oak Wood Top Floor: Constructed using timber from a 21-hectare (52-acre) forest, the top floor features magnificent oak woodwork.
- 29 Chapels: Home to unique features, including a 14th-century silver statue of the Virgin Mary.
- Mays of Notre-Dame: Paintings gifted to the cathedral every May 1 by the Parisian Goldsmiths’ Society.
- Organ: Featuring 7,800 pipes, spanning 30 feet in width.
- Bells: Five bells, including Emmanuel, the largest at over 13 tons, which has been in use since the 16th century. Emmanuel rings first, signaling the start of the bell chimes.
- Relic: The Crown of Thorns, a prized artifact from Judea, is one of Notre Dame’s most treasured relics.
Additionally, restoration work continues in various parts of the cathedral, including the exterior and chapels, with some repairs scheduled for completion by 2028. The surrounding areas of the cathedral are also undergoing redevelopment, expected to finish by 2030.
Where to book tickets
Entry to the main floor of Notre Dame is free, and no ticket is required.
However, it’s highly recommended to book a reservation to avoid waiting in long queues, which can be up to 3 hours during peak times.
While booking a time slot is not mandatory, it helps to guarantee entry, especially with large crowds visiting the newly reopened cathedral.
Certain areas, such as the Treasury and the bell towers (reopening in September 2025), require separate tickets.
Guided tours inside the cathedral also started from June 2025. You can buy a guided tour to explore the newly renovated cathedral from inside as well as outside.
How do online reservations work
The reservation system is free and allows you to book up to two days in advance.
New time slots are released at midnight (Paris time) for dates two days in advance. Additional same-day slots open 4 hours in advance.
Availability depends on the cathedral’s current capacity and special events.
You can reserve slots on the official Notre Dame website or through the official mobile app (available for both Apple and Android).
Booking Process:
- Choose your date, time, and number of visitors (maximum of six per booking).
- Enter your personal details, ensuring they match your ID.
- Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with a QR code.
- Download or print the confirmation for entry.
Remember, time slots fill quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it’s recommended to book as soon as they become available.
Recommended
Notre Dame tickets
If you are a solo traveller and want to visit the Notre Dame at your own pace, it’s best to reserve your free slot online.
But if you’re part of a tour group and want a more in-depth experience, authorized guided tours are now available, covering both the interior and exterior of the cathedral.
Based on your group size and preference, you can choose from guided tours and combo ticket options.
Guided tour tickets
Guided tours at Notre Dame Cathedral offer visitors an immersive experience, exploring both the interior and exterior of this historic landmark.
These tours provide an in-depth look at the cathedral’s architecture, history, and restoration efforts, led by professional licensed guides who share hidden stories and expert insights.
The tours last between 1 to 2 hours, and the price for a guided tour begins at €25, which also includes skip-the-line entry, allowing visitors to bypass long queues and gain direct access to the cathedral.
Explore Group ToursHere are some of the most popular guided tours you can consider, including a variety of options:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour
- Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris: Small Group Guided Tour
- Notre-Dame Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Point to Remember:
For group tours, reservations are required in advance. Make sure to book your spot through a tour company, as on-site bookings are not available.
Combo tour tickets
The Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Combo Tours offer a comprehensive way to explore both the cathedral and nearby attractions.
These tours combine entry to Notre Dame with visits to landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, providing an enriching experience of Paris’s history and architecture.
With skip-the-line access, you’ll enjoy guided insights into the Gothic architecture, the 2019 fire, and the restoration efforts.
These tours typically last 2-3 hours, allowing visitors to discover Notre Dame’s grandeur along with other iconic spots.
Combo tickets are an affordable and efficient way to explore the heart of Paris.
Buy Combo TicketRecommenced reading: Everything about climbing Notre Dame Towers
Explore Notre-Dame’s Past with Virtual Reality
For a unique experience, try the Eternal Notre-Dame Virtual Reality tour. In just 1 hour, explore the cathedral’s history through immersive VR, travel through time, and learn about its post-fire restoration. Ideal for ages 11 and up, with tickets starting at €31 for adults.
How to reach
Notre Dame Cathedral is located on the île de la Cité in the heart of the city.
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris. Get Directions
You can reach the cathedral by public transport or personal vehicle.
By Metro
If the Paris Metro is your preferred mode of transport, you can get down at any of these Metro stations
• Cite Station or Saint-Michel station on Line 4
• Hôtel de Ville station on Lines 1 or 11
• Cluny – La Sorbonne or Maubert-Mutualité station on Line 10
• Châtelet RER station on lines 7, 11 or 14
By Train
Paris also has the commuter/rapid transit system – Réseau Express Régional (RER).
On both Line B and C of RER, you can get down at the Saint-Michel l – Notre-Dame station.
By Car
If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
You will find enough car parking spots.
Timings
The main floor of Notre Dame is open for visitors from Monday to Friday between 7.50 am and 7 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Thursdays.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the cathedral welcomes visitors from 8.15 am to 7.30 pm.
The last entry is 30 minutes before closing, but the ambulatory (the back) starts closing 30 minutes earlier, so it is recommended to enter at least an hour before closing.
Other important timings
💎 For those visiting the Treasury, it is open from Monday to Saturday between 9.30 am and 6 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Thursdays. On Sundays, it is open from 1 pm to 5.30 pm, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing.
🏛️ The Archaeological Crypt is accessible from Tuesday to Sunday, operating between 10 am and 6 pm.
🎼 The grand organ has a free performance every Sunday at 4 pm, and concerts inside the cathedral take place every Tuesday at 8.30 pm.
ℹ️ The visitor services desk operates from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Thursdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the desk is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
🎁 The gift shop opens from Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 7 pm, staying open until 10 pm on Thursdays, and on weekends from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.
Mass times at Notre Dame
For those attending Mass, services are held from Monday to Friday at 8 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm.
On Saturdays, Mass takes place at 8.30 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm.
On Sundays and holidays, Mass is scheduled at 8.30 am, 10 am (Gregorian), 11.30 am (International), and 6 pm (Diocesan, led by a Bishop or the Archbishop of Paris).
Here is a table for timings of other services you might want to attend:
| Services | Timings |
| Vespers | Monday to Friday at 5.30 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 5.15 pm |
| Lauds | Sundays and holidays at 9.30 am |
| Rosary | Monday to Thursday and Saturday at 3 pm |
| Eucharistic Adoration | Thursdays at 6.45 pm |
| Veneration of the Crown of Thorns | Every Friday from 3 pm to 5 pm |
| Confession services | Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm; Sundays from 4 pm to 6 pm |
How long does the Notre Dame take
A visit to the main floor of Notre Dame typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, not including the time spent waiting in the queue to enter.
However, the duration can vary depending on how crowded it is and whether you’re exploring additional areas like the Treasury or attending a Mass.
If you’re visiting during peak times or without a reservation, the wait time in line can range from no wait at all to as long as 2-3 hours, especially between 10 am and 4 pm or during busy seasons.
Therefore, it’s recommended to allow at least an hour and a half to two hours for a complete visit, including potential waiting time.
Best time to visit Notre Dame
Since the Notre Dame Cathedral has reopened for visitors, a huge number of tourists are flocking to the site to admire its restored beauty, which has led to long queues, increased demand for reservations.
If you prefer fewer crowds, it’s best to visit before 9.30 am.
The cathedral opens at 7.50 am on weekdays and 8.15 am on weekends, and the first hour is usually the quietest, allowing for a peaceful experience.
Visiting after 4 pm is also a good option since most tourists leave by late afternoon.
On Thursdays, the cathedral remains open until 10 pm, making the evening a great time for a quieter visit.
For those visiting without a reservation, the shortest wait times are usually early in the morning or after 7 pm on Thursdays.
If you don’t mind a little rain, visiting on a rainy day is another great option, as fewer people tend to wait in line when the weather is bad.
Avoid visiting between 10 am and 4 pm, as this is when Notre Dame is busiest, especially on weekends and holidays.
Best time to experience the stained glass
For the best stained-glass experience at Notre Dame, mornings and late afternoons are ideal.
In the morning, the sunlight streams through the eastern windows, illuminating the intricate designs with a soft glow.
Late afternoon is also a great time, as the setting sun enhances the rich colors of the western windows, creating a breathtaking display of light and shadow inside the cathedral.
Visiting on a sunny day will offer the most vibrant views, while an overcast day can provide a softer, more diffused light, allowing you to appreciate the details of the stained glass without glare.
Best months to visit
Queues at Notre Dame are the longest from April to October.
The best months for a quick visit are from November to March – you won’t waste a lot of time queuing up.
When NOT to visit Notre Dame
Major religious holidays like Christmas, Easter, All Saints’ Day, Ascension Day, etc., are not the best days to visit Notre Dame, Paris.
You must avoid visiting for a few days before and after these significant religious holidays because many believers attend the church.
Notre Dame is also exceptionally crowded in the French Spring holidays, Easter Weekend, and 14 July.
As much as possible, avoid Sundays because it is teeming with believers who want to attend the service.
Notre Dame Tower
The Notre Dame Towers were previously a major attraction before the 2019 fire, that is why they remain closed due to restoration work.
Now they are expected to reopen in summer 2025.
The reopening has been delayed due to unexpected damage to the south belfry, which required extensive repairs.
In addition to restoration, a new visitor route has been designed to enhance the experience.
Once reopened, visitors will be able to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Paris, along with up-close encounters with the cathedral’s famous gargoyles and bell chambers.
Here’s everything about Notre Dame Paris Towers that you must know before planning your visit.
Dress code at Notre Dame
Since Notre Dame in Paris is also a place of worship, a strict dress code gets followed.
Visitors found violating the dress code get stopped at the entrance.
Women must wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.
Low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts are a strict no.
Men must avoid shorts and hats as well.
If you visit on a Sunday and plan to sit for the service, you may want to dress up a bit.
Safety in Notre-Dame
During your trip to Notre Dame, please be on your guard – it could mean the difference between an excellent tour of the Cathedral or a holiday that went bad.
Outside Notre Dame (and in other tourist areas of Paris), you can be approached by locals requesting you to sign a petition.
Do not sign anything; walk away.
Once you show interest, you will be asked to donate money, which goes into the scamster’s pocket.
