The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a must-visit for tourists, known for its stunning stained glass, historical significance, and breathtaking architecture.
But, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, the Notre Dame Bell Towers offer a whole new perspective.
After being closed due to the 2019 fire, the bell towers are reopening on 20th September, 2025, with some exciting changes that every visitor should know.
This guide will walk you through the updated process, ticketing system, and essential details you need to plan your visit to the bell towers.
When do the Notre Dame Bell Towers reopen?
The Notre Dame Bell Towers will officially reopen on Saturday, 20th September, 2025.
This marks the return of one of the most iconic experiences in Paris, allowing visitors to explore the towers and get an exclusive view of the city.
Is the Notre Dame tower worth it?
The Notre Dame Tower stands in the center of Paris, at the official “zero” point.
This position and the Cathedral’s height help you see fantastic views of Paris.
The building’s roof has the most magnificent gargoyles and chimeras disguised as drains and pipes.
Once you are up on the Tower, you can’t miss these decorations, making for great photographs.
Both reasons make your climb up the Notre Dame Tower completely worthwhile.
Booking tickets for the Bell Towers
To visit the bell towers, you must reserve your tickets online in advance (expected to be available from early September), as the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) now manages the bell towers.
This marks a change from the previous system used for the main Cathedral floor.
- Ticket Price: €16 per adult.
- Free Admission: Children under 18 and European Union residents under 25 can visit for free, but a reservation is still required.
The bell towers are free on the first Sunday of every month from January to March, and November to December.
It’s crucial to book early as tickets can sell out quickly, especially during the busy tourist seasons.
Capacity and group visits
Due to space limitations, group visits are not allowed inside the bell towers.
However, families or groups of up to 7 people can visit together, provided that each person has their own ticket for the reserved time slot.
Tour guides will not be allowed to give tours inside the bell towers, even for small groups.
- Maximum Capacity: Only 100 visitors can be inside the bell towers at any given time, with an estimated annual capacity of 400,000 visitors.
- Groups of 7: Groups must have individual tickets, and no tour guides are allowed.
Bell Tower visiting hours
The bell towers are open to visitors at the following hours:
- 20th September – 31st October: 9 am to 11 pm
- 1st November – 31st March: 9.30 am to 5 pm
The last entry is one hour before closing time.
The bell towers are closed on 1st January (New Year’s Day), 1st May (Labour Day), and 25th December (Christmas Day).
Please note that the towers may be closed temporarily in the event of dangerous weather conditions. In these cases, refunds will be processed automatically.
Health and safety guidelines
Visiting the Notre Dame Bell Towers isn’t suitable for everyone due to the narrow, steep stairs and lack of facilities.
It’s not recommended for people who suffer from:
- Claustrophobia or a fear of confined spaces.
- Fear of heights, vertigo, or dizziness.
- Heart conditions or other serious health issues.
- Pregnancy.
- Young children under 6 years.
For those with these conditions, we recommend reconsidering or seeking alternative experiences around the Cathedral.
What to bring and what not to bring
While visiting the bell towers, be sure to pack light. Only small bags (maximum size of 40cm x 40cm x 20cm) are allowed.
Here are the items not permitted inside:
- Large bags, scooters, bicycles, and luggage.
- Tripods, selfie sticks, drones, and similar equipment.
- Pets (except service animals), weapons, or any dangerous items.
- No smoking, vaping, or alcohol.
- Avoid flip-flops or high heels for safety reasons.
The new visitor route: A step-by-step guide
The visitor route inside the bell towers has been reversed following the restoration and fire. Here’s how your experience will unfold:
- Start at the South Tower Entrance.
- Explore the newly opened first-level exhibition showcasing Notre Dame’s history, construction milestones, and chimera replicas.
- Walk up the new double-helix staircase.
- Visit the South Belfry and the two iconic bells.
- Climb to the terrace for panoramic views of Paris.
- Descend and experience the viewing area with a glimpse of the restored wooden framework.
- Visit the North Belfry and exit through the North Tower.
Notre Dame Towers FAQs
Visitors planning to go up the Towers do have a lot of questions.
Will the Bell Towers be open year-round?
Yes, the Bell Towers will be open year-round with specific seasonal hours. From 20th September to 31st October, they will be open from 9 am to 11 pm, and from 1st November to 31st March, they will be open from 9.30 am to 5 pm.
Are there any restrictions on the number of visitors per day?
Yes, there will be a maximum of 100 visitors allowed in the bell towers at any given time, with an estimated annual capacity of 400,000 visitors.
What if I can’t find a ticket for my preferred time slot?
You can check for available slots in early September when the tickets become available for booking online. If the desired time is unavailable, try booking for alternative time slots or dates.
Can I bring a larger bag or a backpack to the Bell Towers?
No, only small bags up to 40cm x 40cm x 20cm are allowed. There will be no storage available for larger bags, so plan accordingly.
How can I get a free visit to the Bell Towers?
Free entry is available on the first Sunday of each month during January, February, March, November, and December, but you must still reserve a time slot online in advance.
What are the rules regarding access to the North Belfry?
The North Belfry will be less accessible than before the fire due to ongoing restoration work. Visitors can pass by this area, but it will be closed for much of the tour, and access to the bells is limited.
Can I visit the Bell Towers if I’m pregnant?
No, due to the steep and narrow stairs, the Bell Towers are not recommended for pregnant visitors. There are no elevators or resting spots on the way up.
Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Bell Towers?
While there are no specific age restrictions, visitors must be able to climb the 387 steps. It’s advised that families with young children bring priority entrance tickets to avoid long waiting times.
Will the Notre Dame Bell Towers be accessible for visitors with mobility impairments?
The Bell Towers are not recommended for visitors with mobility impairments due to the lack of elevators and the steep staircases. There are no accommodations for wheelchairs or strollers on-site.
Will there be any school group reservations for the Bell Towers?
Yes, school groups will be able to visit starting in November, with further details on reservations being announced at a later time. For now, school group visits are not allowed until then.
