Practical / Best of

Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral

Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris in just five years - it's a gamble worth taking!

On 15 April 2019, a major fire partially destroyed the upper part of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. After five years of work, the famous monument will reopen its doors on 7 and 8 December 2024.

Notre-Dame restoration work: timetable

Supervision of the restoration work has been conferred to architect Philippe Villeneuve. Step by step, the cathedral is being restored to its former glory:

  • its arrow surmounted by its cross since 6 December 2023
  • a new cock at the top of the spire since 16 December 2023
  • its chevet cross since 24 May 2024
  • its angel at the Trumpet since 24 July 2024
  • its eight north belfry bells since 12 September 2024

Although everything must be ready for the reopening to the public on 7 and 8 December 2024, some of the work must continue beyond this date, including :

  • the restoration of the chevet and sacristy in 2025
  • the installation of stained glass windows in 2026
  • the restoration of the forecourt and the approach to the cathedral, its vegetation and the enhancement of the façade, under the direction of Belgian architect and landscape designer Bas Smets, to be completed in 2027.

Did you know?

The Olympic bell rung by the athletes after each victory at the Stade de France during the Paris 2024 Games, has joined one of the cathedral's towers.

Reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral: 7 and 8 December 2024

While the parvis de Notre-Dame, the archeological crypt of the parvis de Notre-Dame and the Pont au Double - a footbridge reserved for pedestrian traffic allowing easy access from the parvis de Notre-Dame to the Left Bank and vice versa - are accessible to the public, the cathedral will reopen on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December 2024. To make it easier to welcome visitors, the visit route has been completely redesigned. A free online ticketing service and a mobile application are also due to be launched in the autumn.

  • Please note: access for groups is planned for May/June 2025, subject to modification

However, access to the towers of Notre-Dame and the treasure of Notre-Dame is closed to the public until further notice.

As for the festivities, the official inauguration is scheduled for 7 December 2024 with the awakening of the organ, a liturgical celebration including a blessing, a Magnificat or a Te Deum, and vespers. The first Mass is scheduled for 8 December 2024, with the consecration of the altar. Finally, from 8 to 15 December 2024, an octave promises a solemn celebration every day.

Numerous cultural events will also accompany the reopening, under the banner ‘Notre-Dame de Paris: towards the reopening’:

  • Rediscovering the sculptures of Notre-Dame de Paris: a new look at the Musée de Cluny collection, from 18 November 2024 to 16 March 2025
  • Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site at the Maison du chantier et des métiers, until the end of 2024
  • photo exhibitions on the faces and trades of the restoration on the palisades around the building site
  • a virtual experience Eternelle Notre-Dame at the Cité de l'Histoire
  • concerts by the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris.
  • a series of choral concerts at the Collège des Bernardins, on 9, 10 and 11 December 2024

Find out more on the website of the cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS IN PICTURES

What to do around Notre-Dame de Paris

The Île de la Cité, on which Notre-Dame de Paris is located**, has a wealth of architectural and heritage treasures to visit! There are also plenty of activities to do on your own, as a couple, with friends or as a family. Discover our top 5 must-do activities around Notre-Dame de Paris.

Visiting the monuments of Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is one of the capital's must-see monuments... and the list is long! You can also add the Conciergerie and the Sainte-Chapelle - just a stone's throw from the famous cathedral - the Eiffel Tower, the Panthéon, the Châteaux of Versailles and Vincennes and the Palais Garnier. Another Gothic masterpiece not to be missed is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis.

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Frequently asked questions

Where masses are celebrated ?

Masses are currently celebrated at the church of Saint-Germain L'Auxerrois in the 1st arrondissement of Paris.

When will Notre-Dame de Paris open?

Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is due to reopen on the weekend of 7 and 8 December 2024.

When can I visit Notre-Dame de Paris?

You can visit the cathedral as soon as it reopens. Visitors must register online free of charge to then take advantage of a redesigned and facilitated tour route. A mobile application is due to be launched in autumn 2024.

How can I attend the inauguration of Notre-Dame de Paris?

The details of the ceremonies and access arrangements to Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are due to be precised mid-November 2024.

Help restore Notre-Dame ?

Whether you are French or foreign, it is possible to make a donation to support the cathedral and contribute to its restoration.

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