Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: Visitor Tips, History & Reconstruction

Discover the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. It is a symbol of the city and plays an important role in the cultural life of Paris. This Gothic masterpiece is located on the Île de la Cité and offers fascinating insights into the city's history and culture, as well as significant historical events that took place here.

A Gothic Masterpiece

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, also known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, is an outstanding example of French Gothic architecture. This style is characterized by tall arches, elaborate stone carvings, and colorful stained-glass windows. The towering spires, the magnificent rose window, and the detailed gargoyles make it a must-see for every Paris visitor. Upon entering the cathedral, you’ll be struck by the size and beauty of the interior. The soaring arches, the vibrant windows, and the majestic main altar create a unique atmosphere. Don’t miss the great organ – it is one of the oldest and largest instruments in France, built in the 18th century with more than 8,000 pipes.

Climbing the Towers of Notre-Dame

A special highlight is the climb to the cathedral’s towers. A narrow spiral staircase with 387 steps leads you to the top, where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Paris – from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre and the Seine. The climb is demanding, but the view is well worth the effort and offers a unique perspective on the City of Love.

The Reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral

A Masterpiece Returns

On December 7, 2024, it finally happened: After years of renovation, the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened its doors. The devastating fire of 2019 had destroyed large parts of this iconic structure, but now this Gothic masterpiece shines in new splendor. The extensive restoration included rebuilding the collapsed roof structure, restoring the artistic stained-glass windows, and many other details that make Notre-Dame a world-famous landmark. Although some areas remain closed to visitors, the cathedral continues to be a must-see highlight for every Paris traveler.

History of Notre-Dame Cathedral

The history of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris spans over 800 years and is closely intertwined with the history of Paris and France itself.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1163 under the reign of King Louis VII, after Bishop Maurice de Sully decided to build a new, larger cathedral for the growing population of Paris. The work took more than a century, and many different builders contributed to its design and construction, resulting in a mixture of styles and techniques.

The cathedral was completed in the 13th century and underwent several modifications and renovations over the centuries. During the French Revolution, it was heavily damaged, and many of its treasures were looted or destroyed. However, in the 19th century, it was extensively restored under the direction of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

Notre-Dame Cathedral has witnessed many significant events in the history of France. Kings were crowned here, saints canonized, and it served as the backdrop for many literary works, including Victor Hugo's famous novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame."

The great fire of 2019 caused significant damage to the cathedral, but efforts to rebuild it are underway. Despite the challenges it has faced over the centuries, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage in Paris and a beloved landmark that attracts visitors from around the world.

The Great Fire of 2019 at Notre-Dame Cathedral

On April 15, 2019, a devastating fire broke out at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, causing significant damage. The fire began in the late afternoon and quickly spread, completely destroying the wooden roof structure known as the "Forest." The flames reached the cathedral's spire, which eventually collapsed, causing parts of the vault to fall inside the cathedral.

The Paris Fire Brigade worked tirelessly to combat the fire and save the valuable artworks and relics inside the cathedral. After several hours, they managed to bring the fire under control and save the main structure of the cathedral, including its two main towers. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the fire, although one firefighter was injured.

The fire at Notre-Dame sparked worldwide shock and sympathy. Plans for the reconstruction and restoration of the cathedral were immediately announced, and significant donations from around the world poured in to support these efforts.

As of now, restoration work on the cathedral continues, with the aim of restoring Notre-Dame to its former glory. Although the cathedral is currently closed to the public, it remains a symbol of hope and resilience and an important part of Paris' cultural heritage.

Rebuilding Notre-Dame Cathedral

Exactly three months after the great fire, the French Parliament decided that the building should be completely and faithfully rebuilt. Just one day after the fire, over 900 million euros in donations were pledged from around the world for the reconstruction. According to plans, the building should be restored to its former glory within five years.

How Do I Get to Notre-Dame Cathedral?

Notre-Dame Cathedral is located in the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité. It is easily accessible by various means of transportation:

• By Metro: The nearest metro stations are Cité (Line 4) and Saint-Michel (Lines 4 and RER B and C). Both stations are just a short walk from the cathedral.
• By Bus: Several bus lines stop near the cathedral, including lines 21, 38, 47, 85, and 96.
• By Train: The cathedral is also accessible via RER lines B and C. The Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station is very close by.
• On Foot or by Bicycle: The cathedral's central location makes it easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. There are numerous bike parking spots in the vicinity.

Make sure to allow enough time to explore the area around the cathedral, as it is situated in a historic and picturesque part of Paris.

Address	Transportation
6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II 75004 Paris	Cité
	Saint-Michel
	Saint-Michel

What does it cost to visit Notre-Dame?

As is common with Catholic churches, visiting the church is free of charge for all worshippers and interested visitors. However, if you want to access the towers, the crypt, or the treasury, you will need to purchase an additional entrance ticket for each.

Where can I buy tickets for the Notre-Dame towers?

Tickets for the cathedral towers can be purchased on-site, at the ticket offices, and online. Due to the major fire in 2019, tickets for the towers are currently not being sold, as they are closed and not accessible.

Where can I buy tickets for the crypt of Notre-Dame?

Tickets for the archaeological crypt of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris can be conveniently purchased online. This allows you to reserve a fixed time slot for your visit and minimize potential wait times. The crypt is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM; it is closed on Mondays, as well as on January 1st and May 1st. The regular admission price is €11, and reduced tickets are available for €9.

Book crypt tickets

What are the opening hours of Notre-Dame de Paris?

The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has finally reopened after extensive restoration and has been shining in new splendor since December 7, 2024. Visitors from around the world can once again experience this world-famous landmark up close. The flexible opening hours allow you to visit the cathedral on (almost) any day of the week.

From Monday to Wednesday, as well as on Fridays, Notre-Dame is open from 7:50 AM to 7:00 PM. On Thursdays, you can enjoy the cathedral until 10:00 PM – perfect to take in the special atmosphere in the evening. On weekends, it opens a bit later, at 8:15 AM, and remains accessible until 7:30 PM.

With these generous hours, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to experience the stunning architecture and unique atmosphere of the cathedral.

Opening Hours of Notre-Dame Paris

How long are the waiting times at Notre-Dame?

With around 14 million visitors annually, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most visited landmarks in Paris. Therefore, especially during peak travel seasons, longer waiting times are to be expected. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit early in the day or later in the afternoon. Booking guided tours or special access options can also help reduce waiting time.

What to expect when visiting Notre-Dame

A visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral is an unforgettable experience that allows you to dive into the impressive history of this architectural masterpiece. From the outside, the tall towers, the famous rose window, and the countless gargoyles decorating the façade are captivating. Upon entering the cathedral, you’ll encounter a breathtaking atmosphere. The gothic arches rise majestically, and the radiant stained-glass windows cast colorful light into the interior, creating a unique mood. The magnificent main altar and the impressive side chapels invite admiration and contemplation.

A particularly fascinating feature is the cathedral’s organ, one of the largest and oldest instruments in France. It is a masterpiece of musical history and contributes significantly to the site's spiritual ambiance. Another highlight is the opportunity to climb the towers of the cathedral. After ascending 387 narrow steps, you'll be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the city. From up top, you can admire iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Seine.

During the renovation work following the 2019 fire, some areas of the cathedral may remain restricted, but there is still much to explore. Notre-Dame continues to be a significant cultural heritage site, evoking a strong sense of history and resilience.