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Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: visitor's guide

C.P. et la Rédaction Paris je t'aime - Updated on
The rebirth of Notre-Dame de Paris! Visit the restored cathedral and discover the events and activities that bring it to life

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 8 December 2024.

🎯Notre-Dame restoration work: timetable

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

  • its spire surmounted by its cross since 6 December 2023
  • a rooster at the top of the spire since 16 December 2023
  • its chevet cross since 24 May 2024
  • its angel with trumpet since 24 July 2024
  • its eight north belfry bells since 12 September 2024
  • the restoration of the chevet and sacristy in 2025
  • finalisation of the sound system for the cathedral by Sennheiser, a specialist in concert hall sound systems, in February 2026
  • the installation of stained-glass windows - on the theme of Pentecost - by the French artist Claire Tabouret in December 2026. Full-scale models of these stained-glass windows were exhibited at the Grand Palais in late 2025-early 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.

🎯Notre-Dame Cathedral has been open again since 8 December 2024

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 and the cathedral is therefore once again open to the public.

To make it easier to welcome visitors, the visit route has been completely redesigned. A free online ticketing service and a mobile application are available.

The new liturgical furniture (baptistery, altar, ambo, tabernacle, cathedra) are designed in bronze by the fonderie d'art Barthélémy Art in the Drôme. The sacred vases were designed in gold by l'Atelier d'orfèvrerie Marischael. The new chairs - 1,500 in all - are made of solid oak from Sologne.

The crown of thorns - an essential sacred relic for believers - is installed at the heart of a new 4-metre high reliquary, designed in cedar wood. She is venerated every first Friday of the month from 3pm to 5pm from May 2025.

After an exceptional programme of celebrations in December 2024, the programme continues and the public is invited to take part:

  • photo exhibitions on the faces and trades of the restoration on the palisades around the building site
  • an immersive virtual experience of Eternelle Notre-Dame at the Cité de l'Histoire
  • musical season of ’Sacred Music at Notre-Dame de Paris’ with 50 concerts, 20 international soloists, 15 guest orchestras and choirs, 12 recitals on the great organ, 6 world premieres. Concerts every Tuesday evening at 8.30pm by the Maîtrise de Notre-Dame
  • the Monnaie de Paris is minting a collection of coins of excellence in association with Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral to mark the reopening of the monument
  • Great organ listening every Sunday from 4pm to 4.45pm
  • in April 2025, statues from the spire will return, having been kept at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine during the works
  • Visit by Pope Leo XIV on 25 and 26 September 2026

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

💡Did you know?

The Towers of Notre Dame are open to the public every day from 9am to 11pm from 1 April to 30 September and from 9am to 5.30pm from 1 October to 31 March, except in the event of exceptional closures (such as a papal visit, etc.). Full price: €16. Booking essential.

Marché de Noël de Notre-Dame de Paris 2025 - De jour

🔍 Notre-Dame Christmas Market: crafts, delicacies, and festive spirit

At the end of 2026, the Notre-Dame Christmas Market will be held in Square René Viviani, opposite the cathedral.

A magical event combining French crafts, local designers, regional cuisine and entertainment for young and old alike.

👉 Discover the 2026 Christmas markets in Paris

🔍The best baguette in Paris 2026 celebrated on the square in front of Notre-Dame

In May 2026, on the occasion of the Fête du Pain, baker Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan, an artisan from the 14th arrondissement, will officially receive the prize for the best baguette in Paris 2026 on the square in front of Notre-Dame.

This award honours the artisan expertise and passion of Parisian bakers, in an iconic setting, at the foot of a monument undergoing a renaissance. A delicious and convivial celebration not to be missed.

👉 The Parisian baguette, a tradition ‘made in France’

🌟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.

👉BOOK A TICKET

❓Frequently asked questions

Is Pope Leo XIV coming to Notre-Dame in September 2026?

The Pope will be in Paris on 25 and 26 September 2026 as part of his visit to France, which will then take him to Lourdes and on to Metz. His visit to Paris includes a stop at Notre-Dame de Paris to celebrate Solemn Vespers on Friday 25 September 2026 at 5.15pm. To ensure this unique event is organised as smoothly as possible, the cathedral will be exceptionally closed from 24 to 26 September 2026.

Is there a Christmas crib at Notre-Dame de Paris in 2026?

Yes. A Provençal crib is always set up for Advent, featuring around fifty santons. It remains open to visitors until 2 February 2027, the date of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

How can I visit the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris? How much is the admission fee?

It is compulsory to book a ticket online to visit the Notre-Dame Towers. They are open every day from 9am to 11pm, from 1 April to 30 September and until 5.30pm from 1 October to 31 March (except in the event of exceptional closures, such as during the Pope’s visit, for example). The full price is €16 per person.

What are the visiting hours for Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral?

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is open:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7.50am to 7pm
  • Thursday, from 7.50am to 10pm
  • Saturday and Sunday, from 8.15am to 7.30pm
    The Notre-Dame shop is open:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9.30am to 7pm
  • Thursday, from 9.30am to 10pm
  • Saturday and Sunday, from 9.30am to 7.30pm

Is booking compulsory?

No, it is always possible to access Notre-Dame without booking. A smooth flow of visitors is maintained on the square in front of the cathedral.
Access to the cathedral is free of charge. Do not accept any approaches from people selling counterfeit banknotes.
The Treasury is the only area of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris where there is an admission charge. The entrance fee is 12€. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm (9pm on Thursdays) and from 1pm to 5.30pm on Sundays.

Are there guided tours of Notre Dame?

Yes. The volunteer guides from the CASA association offer guided tours lasting around 1 hour 30 minutes, focusing on the history, art and spiritual significance of Notre-Dame. From Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings, the tour covers both the exterior and interior of the cathedral, with audio guides. On Saturday afternoons and Sundays, the tour takes place outside only. From March to September, Saturday evening tours also offer the chance to get a closer look at the portals. In addition to French, tours are available in English, German, Spanish and Italian. The tours are free of charge and the meeting point is on Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame.

  • Consult the CASA calendar for dates and details (interior/exterior)

Is the cathedral accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, and a number of tools are available: tactile booklet, 3D models, etc.

Are suitcases allowed in Notre-Dame?

It is not permitted to enter Notre-Dame with a suitcase.

How do I book my ticket to visit Notre-Dame de Paris?

Visitors can register online free of charge and then take advantage of a revised and simplified tour route:

How can I visit Notre-Dame de Paris with a group?

Depending on the type of group (with a professional guide, a volunteer guide, a school group, without a guide, etc.), the conditions for visiting Notre-Dame may vary. Full details are available on the dedicated page on the Notre-Dame website.

Where to walk around Notre-Dame?

Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, archaeological crypt, Ile Saint-Louis, crafts, restaurants to discover... explore the area around Notre-Dame with our interactive map of places to see around Notre-Dame.

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.

Is it possible to visit Notre-Dame de Paris without a booking?

Yes. Entry to Notre-Dame de Paris is free and open to all, with no compulsory booking required. However, it is possible to book a time slot online free of charge to make access to the cathedral easier. Bookings are being made available gradually on the official Notre-Dame website.

What is the best time to visit Notre-Dame de Paris?

To enjoy a more peaceful visit, aim for early in the morning, as soon as it opens, or late in the day, when visitor numbers are generally lower. Opening times vary depending on the day: the cathedral opens at 7.50 am on weekdays and from 8.15 am at weekends.

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