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How to visit Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals, drawing millions of visitors each year with its soaring architecture, storied history, and riverside setting on the Île de la Cité. Following the 2019 fire, it was reopened to the public in December 2024 after completion of extensive restoration works. Planning ahead is essential to make the most of your visit, especially as restoration work continues and access may be limited.

Navigating your way

The cathedral’s central location makes it easy to find, but expect some fencing and detours around the site. Arrive early for the best photo opportunities and fewer crowds.

Entrances

The main entrance is on the west façade, facing the Parvis Notre‑Dame. Currently, visitors have access to the interior sanctuary, treasury and crypt, and the towers now allow climbs following their reopening, although restoration on some outer sections remains underway, so certain areas may still be restricted.

Flow

Start at the Parvis Notre‑Dame (the square in front of Notre‑Dame de Paris) for full views of the west‑façade, then circle the cathedral to admire the iconic flying buttresses and the riverside perspective along the Île de la Cité.

Add‑ons

When open, you can descend into the Archaeological Crypt (ticket can be purchased on site) of the Île de la Cité beneath the square to uncover Roman foundations and medieval city layers, adding depth to your experience of Paris’s ancient past.

Notre-Dame: Beyond Gothic Grandeur

From hosting Napoleon's coronation to religious relics like Crown of Thorns, the cathedral is a treasure ready to be discovered, but with keen eyes and expert insights. Follow a guide well versed in historical and religious significance of this legendary church and make the most of your visit.

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral facade with visitors in Paris.

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Quick visit

30–45 min

Parvis Notre-Dame → Interior nave → Walk around exterior → Seine riverbank

Cover interior highlights with a close-up look and riverside views.

Deep dive

2–3 hrs

Parvis → Interior nave & chapels → Exterior walk → Archaeological Crypt → Île de la Cité walking tour

Comprehensive understanding of Notre-Dame’s history, architecture, and the island’s medieval roots.

Immersive experience

4+ hrs

Parvis → Interior nave & chapels → Exterior walk → Crypt → Sainte-Chapelle → Conciergerie → Latin Quarter stroll

Full exploration of Paris’s historic core, combining art, architecture, and local culture.

Handy tips

Before your visit 

  • Arrive early: Visiting in the morning (before 10am) is ideal for fewer crowds, better light, and a more peaceful experience.

During your visit 

  • Be mindful of scams and pickpockets: In crowded areas around the cathedral and along the Seine, watch for petition‑type scams and pickpockets.
  • Carry your ticket at all times: Keep your ticket with you at all times, as you may need to show it when entering different areas of the cathedral.
  • Audio guides: Audio guides are available at the reception area for €6 for visitors who prefer exploring at their own pace; they offer detailed context for statues, stained glass, and historical events.
  • Quiet corners: For a more reflective experience, head to the north transept or small chapels inside, which are often less crowded.
  • Photography: Morning light is best for façade shots; sunset offers striking riverside views.
  • Accessibility: The parvis is flat and wheelchair-friendly, but surrounding streets may be cobbled or uneven, plan extra time if needed.

After your visit 

  • Seine views: Step onto the parvis or nearby bridges for classic views of Notre‑Dame from the river, it’s especially scenic early morning or evening.
  • Combine with nearby sights: Sainte‑Chapelle and La Conciergerie are a short walk away and offer stunning interiors.

Nearby dining: Local cafés and bistros in Île de la Cité make it easy to combine sightseeing with a coffee or light meal, perfect for a midday break.

Explore Notre Dame

Notre‑Dame’s grandeur is best appreciated from the outside while restoration continues. The surrounding area is rich with history and photo opportunities.

West Façade

See the iconic twin towers and rose windows dominating the Parvis Notre‑Dame.
What to look out for: Gallery of Kings, detailed sculptures

Interior nave & choir

Step inside the soaring central space of the cathedral.
What to look out for: Ribbed vaults, high altar, Pietà

Flying buttresses

Walk along the south side (toward the Seine).
What to look out for: Gothic arches, rainwater drainage

Archaeological crypt

Beneath the Parvis, explore Roman and medieval remains.
What to look out for: Roman foundations, medieval layers

Île de la Cité

Stroll narrow streets, enjoy riverside views.
What to look out for: Riverside reflections, flower market

Nearby sights

Extend your visit with Sainte‑Chapelle and Conciergerie.
What to look out for: Stained glass, prison cells

Before you get there

👉 Entrances

Know which areas are open and where to access the parvis.

👉 Timings

Check current hours for the parvis and crypt; restoration may affect access.

👉 Location

Find the fastest metro, bus, or walking routes.

👉 Skip-the-line tours

Understand different options to bypass 2-3 hours of on-site queues.

👉 Mass

Use the mass if you’re planning to soak into the holy atmosphere.

Things to know before booking your Notre-Dame tickets

Is there free entry?

  • General access: Entry to the Notre-Dame parvis is free, but (free) reservation of a timed-slot is a pre-requisite for visitors.
  • Queues: Tickets must be reserved in advance to avoid waiting 2-3 hours in queues on the site.

Ways to explore

  • Interior access: Explore Notre-Dame’s interiors with a guided 1-hour tour in English. Learn about its history, architecture, and hidden details.
  • Exterior access: Discover the cathedral’s stunning facade on an exterior tour in English, French, or Spanish. Early bird options are available for quieter visits.
  • Special access: Entry to the Archeological Crypt of Île de la Cité lets you explore the underground ruins and exhibitions beneath Notre-Dame.

Is there a skip-the-line entry?

  • Yes, for guided and reserved tours: Tickets include reserved access, so you avoid the usual queues.
  • Security check: All visitors must pass a standard security screening before entry.

Booking window

  • Guided tours, combo experiences, and special access tickets often sell out 2–3 days in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Book early to secure your spot.

When to visit

  • Interior tours: Small group options (5 or 25 people) provide a more personal experience.
  • Exterior tours: Early bird options allow you to enjoy Notre-Dame before larger crowds arrive.
  • Food tours: Best in the morning to enjoy freshly baked pastries and experience the Latin Quarter at its liveliest.

Guided tours and why they’re worth it

  • Licensed guides reveal Notre-Dame’s history, from its medieval origins to the meaning behind its architectural details and stained-glass windows.
  • Tours uncover hidden gems, such as the Cathedral’s secret corners and the symbolism of its crypt.
  • Some experiences combine Notre-Dame with Old Town walking routes or sidecar and city tours, letting you see Paris seamlessly in one itinerary.

Combo experiences for better value

  • Notre-Dame Secret Food Tour: 3.5-hour guided culinary walk through the Latin Quarter with French specialties and a secret dish atop a hill near the Pantheon. Small group (12 people) ensures an intimate experience.
  • From Notre-Dame: Sidecar Tour of Paris: 40-minute guided ride past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Place de la Concorde. Helmets, gloves, and raincoats provided.
  • Paris in a Day Guided Tour: 7-hour guided city tour including the Eiffel Tower, hop-on hop-off bus tour to Notre-Dame, Archeological Crypt, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, and Luxembourg Gardens.

Notre Dame ticket types explained

Ticket type What’s included Best for Price range

Notre-Dame Interior Guided Tour

1-hour guided tour inside Cathedral (English), group of 5 or 25

In-depth history with guided insights; flexibility in group size

 From €36

Notre-Dame Exterior Guided Tour with Entry

Direct cathedral entry, guided tour (English/French/Spanish), early access option

Balanced experience pairing historical insights + self-paced visit

 From €20

Archeological Crypt Entry Ticket

7-hour city guided tour with Entry to Archaeological Crypt + Exterior tour of Notre-Dame + Eiffel Tower summit ticket

Exploring exclusive historical aspects of the city

 From €11

Sidecar Tour of Paris (from Notre-Dame)

40-minute guided vintage sidecar ride, helmet, gloves, raincoat, hotel drop-off

Adventurous sightseeing, covering major Paris landmarks at one-go

 From €99

Notre Dame timings & best time to visit

DayTimings Last entry Closed on

Monday to Friday

7:50am–7pm*

6:30pm

Open year-round

Thursday

7:50am–10pm

9:30pm

-

Saturday-Sunday

8:15am–7:30pm

6:45pm

-

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekend

For the most peaceful experience, aim for a weekday (Tuesday to Thursday) and arrive early in the morning. Weekends and afternoons tend to draw larger crowds, especially with tour groups and during services.

Peak season vs low season

The busiest months are July and August, with long lines and heavy visitor flow. April‑June and September‑October offer a better balance of good weather and manageable crowds. The quieter months are November to March (excluding busy holiday dates), when you’ll typically find a more relaxed atmosphere.

Where is Notre-Dame located?

Notre Dame Cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité, right in the heart of Paris, surrounded by the Seine and close to many of the city’s top sights.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France Find on Maps
Closest landmark: Sainte-Chapelle, 350m away map link

Getting there

  • Metro: Take Line 4 to Cité station (a few minutes’ walk) or to Saint‑Michel (also nearby). Lines 1 and 11 to Hôtel de Ville are 5–7 minutes on foot.
  • RER: RER B or RER C to Saint‑Michel – Notre‑Dame station, right next to the cathedral.
  • Bus: Some routes stop nearby, including Lines 47 and 87 at Cité or Saint‑Michel stops.
  • Taxi / ride-share: Drop-offs are possible at the Parvis, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Driving into central Paris and the Île de la Cité is not recommended due to congestion and limited parking. Nearby paid parking garages are available, but visitors are advised to travel by public transport whenever possible.

Entrances

Entrance nameLocationWho is it for Crowds & wait times

West entrance (main entrance)

West façade, facing the Parvis‑Notre‑Dame

All visitors entering the cathedral interior

Open access; can be busy, especially during peak hours

Archaeological Crypt entrance

On the Parvis, near the west façade

Visitors with tickets for the Archaeological Crypt

Short wait; limited capacity

Tower entrance

North side of the cathedral, near the west façade

Visitors with Tower tickets

Timed entry; lines can form quickly; capacity is limited

Note

  • The West entrance is the main public access to the cathedral interior.
  • The Archaeological Crypt entrance is separate, ticketed, and for visitors specifically visiting the crypt.
  • The Tower entrance is for climbing the towers and is a timed, ticketed entry; expect some wait even with reservations.

​👉 See all entrances →

Facilities

  • Audio guides: Audio guides are available for hire at the reception desk in multiple languages (French, English, Spanish) and include magnetic loops for hearing‑impaired users.
  • Cloakrooms / luggage storage: There is no cloakroom or baggage check for large bags; visitors are advised to travel light as large backpacks and bulky items may not be permitted or may require separate handling.
  • Restrooms: There are no public restrooms inside the cathedral itself; visitors should use nearby facilities on the Île de la Cité or streets close by.
  • Gift shop / souvenir stands: A souvenir shop and reading materials are available inside the welcome area of the cathedral (e.g., magazines, books, small keepsakes).
  • Cafés & kiosks: There are numerous cafés, kiosks and refreshment options in the surrounding neighbourhood, especially in the Latin Quarter and along the Seine, making it easy to combine your visit with a relaxed break.

Accessibility

General facilities

The parvis (exterior plaza) and surrounding areas are accessible to visitors with mobility needs. Most visitor areas are step-free, though some historic streets nearby may have uneven or cobbled surfaces.

Physical disabilities

Interior and exterior access are available with ramps and a lifting platform in the north transept. Certain chapels have fixed or removable ramps for wheelchair users. Staff assistance is available on request.

Hearing impairments

Hearing loops are installed at reception points and some areas inside the cathedral. Guided tours may also provide tailored commentary for visitors with hearing difficulties.

Visual impairments

Tactile and Braille booklets, 3D models of the cathedral, and staff guidance are available to assist visually impaired visitors.

Learning or cognitive disabilities

Easy-read (FALC) materials and trained staff support visitors with learning or cognitive disabilities, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive experience.

Visiting with family

  • While the parvis and many external areas are stroller‑friendly, inside the cathedral the aisles can become quite crowded; some guides suggest using a baby carrier for easier movement.
  • There are no baby‑changing facilities inside the cathedral itself. Parents should plan to use nearby public toilets or cafés around the Île de la Cité, where changing tables are more likely available.
  • The area is generally safe and open for families, but in busy indoor sections or during peak visiting hours, children should be closely supervised.

Rules and restrictions

  • Large bags and suitcases are not permitted on the parvis.
  • Drones and commercial photography require special permits.
  • Respect ongoing restoration work and follow all posted signs.
  • No smoking or alcohol consumption on the parvis.
  • Pets are not allowed, except for certified service animals.

Dress code

Men

  • Cover shoulders and avoid sleeveless tops.
  • Shorts should not go above the knee.
  • Remove hats or caps when inside the cathedral.

Women

  • Cover shoulders and avoid very short skirts or shorts.
  • Avoid tight or transparent clothing that reveals midriff.
  • Scarves can be useful for additional coverage during services.

Children

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activity is recommended.
  • Older children attending services should cover shoulders, torso, and knees.

Tip: Carrying a light scarf or shawl is handy for quick coverage if needed and ensures respectful access to all interior areas

Where to shop

Riverside bookstalls (the bouquinistes)

The traditional green metal stalls along the Seine offer vintage books, art prints, postcards and classic Parisian souvenirs.

Artisanal boutiques in the Latin Quarter

Around the 5th arrondissement you’ll find independent craft shops, jewelry makers and small design stores.

Official cathedral shop

Near the cathedral you’ll find the official souvenir and religious‑item shop that carries books, rosaries and themed gifts tied to the cathedral experience.

Where to eat

Le Saint‑Régis (6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004)

A stylish brasserie on Île Saint‑Louis, just a short walk from Notre‑Dame, offering classic French‑bistro fare in a vintage‑Paris setting.

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole (24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004)

A historic French‑cuisine eatery located a few minutes from the cathedral, ideal for a more atmospheric sit‑down meal.

Berthillon (29‑31 Rue Saint‑Louis‑en‑l’Île, 75004)

Legendary ice‑cream shop on Île Saint‑Louis, roughly a 7‑minute walk from Notre‑Dame—perfect for a treat after your visit.

Where to stay

MIJE Fourcy Hostel (6 Rue Fourcy, 75004)

Budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the Marais, around an 11‑minute walk from Notre‑Dame, ideal for solo travelers or groups.

Hôtel Les Rives de Notre Dame (15 Quai Saint‑Michel, 75005)

A four‑star boutique hotel facing the Seine and just a 9-minute walk from Notre‑Dame.

Cheval Blanc Paris (188 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris)

A five‑star “Maison” overlooking the Seine, at a 15-minute walk from the cathedral. Impeccable service, elegant rooms and suites (including a “Notre‑Dame Suite” with views of the cathedral towers) make it ideal for a truly indulgent stay.

Insider tips

  • Catch live music: Check for free organ mini‑concerts or choir performances. Even without music, linger near the choir to admire the intricate wooden stalls and upgraded lighting and acoustics.
  • Visit the Treasury wisely: A small fee applies and capacity is limited, go early or late to avoid queues. Plan ~15 minutes. The Crown of Thorns is only displayed on special occasions, so schedule accordingly.
  • Respectful service visits: During Vespers or Mass, watch from the side aisles. You’ll enjoy the grand organ and cathedral acoustics, but remain silent and avoid flash photography.
  • Visit at night: The façade is beautifully illuminated and the Parvis is quieter. Don’t miss the bronze Point Zéro near the entrance—snap a photo or make a wish.
  • Pair your visit: Just a 5-minute walk from Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle’s dazzling stained glass is a perfect complement. Many visit it either just before or after Notre-Dame.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Notre Dame

How long should I plan to spend at Notre-Dame?

A visit to the cathedral typically takes 1-2 hours, including time to explore the exterior, towers, and nearby attractions.

Are there guided tours of Notre-Dame?

Guided tours are available outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral where you can gain context about the past, present, and future of this iconic landmark before entering the Cathedral and exploring it at your own pace.

Are there restrooms or storage facilities here?

Yes, restrooms and storage facilities are available near Notre-Dame, but not inside the cathedral itself.

Are there family-friendly activities near Notre-Dame?

Yes, nearby activities include exploring Square Jean XXIII, the Archaeological Crypt, and kid-friendly Seine boat rides.

How can I explore the Cathedral in a short amount of time?

Focus on highlights like the façade, interior nave, and rose windows, and use guided tours for quick insights.

Are there any special events at Notre-Dame?

Post-restoration, Notre-Dame is expected to host events like Christmas masses, Easter celebrations, and concerts, as it did before.

Can tourists still visit Notre-Dame?

Yes! Notre-Dame’s interiors and exterior are fully open. Visitors can explore the cathedral, towers, and its historic Parvis every day.

What are the best ways to visit it?

Book a guided tour for history and stories, or enjoy a self-guided visit with audio guides. Early mornings or evenings are less crowded.

How much time is needed to visit it?

Plan 1–2 hours. This allows time for the main cathedral, towers, crypt, and nearby sights without feeling rushed.

Is it walkable?

Yes! Notre-Dame is compact enough to explore on foot, with all main areas, towers, and the Parvis easily accessible without long walks.

Can I attend the mass?

Absolutely! Masses are open to all. Check the schedule and arrive early. Remember to dress modestly and maintain silence.