Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is open again! The cathedral is one of top 10 places to visit in Paris. With a history that goes back almost 900 years, this Gothic cathedral has witnessed some of the most important moments in French history. This medieval structure (immortalized by Victor Hugo in one of his novels) never fails to impress with its majestic architecture and wealth of artwork. Such as the magnificent rose windows in the transept, which are among the largest in Europe, with a diameter of no less than 13 meters. Notre Dame is located on the Île de la Cité, the historic city center of Paris in the 4th arrondissement.
After the church was severely damaged by fire on April 15, 2019, the restorations took just over five years to complete. The reopening to the public was scheduled for December 8, 2024. Although the restored cathedral reopened in December 2024, a visit to the towers (reopening for September 20, 2025) and treasury is not yet possible. Not all work is complete and will continue into 2025 and 2026. The area around Notre-Dame will also be revitalized with green spaces. Are you going to Paris for Christmas this year? Then this is a unique opportunity to be one of the first visitors to admire the restored cathedral. Or visit the Notre Dame Christmas market opposite the cathedral.
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1. Reopening of Notre-Dame in Paris in December 2024 & book tickets
The reopening of the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with a weekend of ceremonies. On December 8, 2024, at 6:30 PM, the cathedral reopened to the public with a Mass. To visit Notre-Dame de Paris during the first few days after the reopening, you could reserve a free ticket through the cathedral’s online registration system. In theory, reservations are still not required, according to the Diocese of Paris on its website. However, they are strongly recommended.
Please note that reservations can only be made a few days in advance, not weeks or months in advance. In the future, you will likely no longer need to make a reservation. Furthermore, Notre-Dame will reopen to groups in 2025. Keep an eye on the Notre-Dame website.
• How do I book a ticket to visit Notre-Dame?
To ensure the reopening runs as smoothly as possible, a free reservation system was set up via the official Notre-Dame website and mobile app (downloadable on iOS and Android). Bookings opened on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, with 30-minute slots that will be adapted in real time to the occupancy rate. The first days of visits were sold out in a few minutes.
• The towers of Notre-Dame will reopen on September 20, 2025
Starting September 20, 2025, you can finally climb the towers of Notre-Dame again! After years of restoration, the famous staircases will reopen, and you can enjoy that iconic view over the city’s rooftops. Whether you want to admire the Gothic details up close or simply pose Gargantuanly next to the gargoyles, now’s the time to relive the magic of Notre-Dame. Tickets can be booked via www.tours-notre-dame-de-paris.fr.
2. The fire of April 15, 2019 at Notre-Dame
On April 15, 2019, Notre Dame was hit by a devastating fire. Images of the burning Notre Dame, one of the most famous symbols of Paris, have been seen around the world. The fire started in the evening and spread very quickly through the wooden roof truss, known as “the forest” because of the many centuries-old beams that supported it. The fire caused the iconic spire (designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century) to collapse and damaged a significant portion of the roof. Although the stone structure remained largely intact, precious works of art and relics were threatened.
Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and a huge rescue operation, many of these valuable objects, such as the Crown of Thorns and historic bells, were saved. The fire sparked a wave of solidarity, with donors from around the world pledging billions of euros for the restoration of this priceless cultural treasure.
3. History of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world and was built between 1163 and 1345. The first stone was laid under Bishop Maurice de Sully (during the reign of King Louis VII) with the aim of creating a majestic religious center that would reflect the power of the church and the capital. The construction combined innovative Gothic architecture with elements such as pointed arches, flying buttresses and beautiful stained glass windows, representing a revolutionary aesthetic and technique. During the Middle Ages, the cathedral became an important center for religious ceremonies and political events, including coronations and state affairs.
The famous cathedral has undergone many changes and challenges over the centuries. During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, Notre Dame was severely damaged for the first time. Many of the artworks and religious symbols were destroyed. Thanks to Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1831, attention was again drawn to the monument’s value. This led to a large-scale restoration led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.
In April 2019, Notre-Dame was hit by a devastating fire that destroyed the spire and much of the roof. Global efforts have since been focused on restoring this iconic monument, which is a symbol of Parisian history, art and spirituality.
• What to visit in Notre-Dame?
Not to be missed on the outside of Notre-Dame are the 2 Gothic towers, the spire and the gargoyles. Inside, the cathedral is decorated with biblical images, but the most beautiful to admire are the stained glass windows and rose windows of 13 meters in diameter that depict religious stories.
4. Fun facts about visiting Notre Dame
• A first fun fact? On the square in front of Notre-Dame is Point Zéro, the starting point of all distance measurements in France. It is a small bronze star in the ground that many tourists touch as a symbol of good luck.
• Notre-Dame de Paris is 130 meters long and 69 meters wide. The nave has a height of 35 meters. The crossing tower is 90 meters high.
• The costs for the total renovation are estimated at 700 million euros and are fully covered by donations (mostly donations under 1000€). A total of 846 million euros in donations came from 340,000 donors from 150 countries.
• About 12 million people visit Notre-Dame Cathedral every year (number of visitors before Covid)
• Did you know that you can also visit the towers (currently not possible due to the restoration)? The stairs to the tower consist of 365 steps.
• Notre Dame’s largest bell, Emmanuel, weighs over 13 tons. It is only rung on special occasions, such as national holidays.
• Notre Dame is home to one of the world’s most famous church organs. This masterpiece has around 8,000 pipes and five keyboards.
• By the 19th century, the cathedral had fallen into disrepair and was even threatened with demolition. The publication of Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1831 brought great public interest to the building.
• Notre Dame’s gargoyles are not only decorative but also functional. They serve as drainpipes, directing water away from the cathedral’s walls. Their scary appearance is said to scare off evil spirits.
5. Notre-Dame: address, opening hours & public transport
• Notre-Dame address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
• Opening hours of the cathedral after the reopening:
– On 8 December 2024 (the day after the opening ceremony), the cathedral will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
– From 9 to 13 December 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
– On the weekend of 14 and 15 December 2024, it will be open between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Opening hours from 16 December 2024:
– From Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Thursdays)
– Saturday and Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Public transport: the famous monument is located in the heart of the Île de la Cité and is easily accessible by metro (metro line 4 – Cité or Saint-Michel stops). Several buses (21, 38, 47, 85 and 96) also stop nearby.
After the Olympic Games, Paris is back in the spotlight this year with the reopening of Notre Dame. More than five years after the devastating fire in 2019, you can visit the cathedral again from December 2024 and enjoy the beautiful Gothic architecture. Enjoy these facts & tips!
FAQ about visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
1. Is Notre-Dame Cathedral open again?
Yes! After years of careful restoration following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame officially reopened to the public in December 2024. The interior and surrounding areas are once again welcoming visitors.
2. Do I need a ticket to visit Notre-Dame?
Entry to the main cathedral is free. However, there is a fee to visit the towers, the archaeological crypt, or to join a guided or audio tour.
3. Can you climb the towers?
The towers are expected to reopen on September 20, 2025. Get ready for 387 steps (no elevator!) to enjoy one of the most stunning views over Paris, and perhaps meet a few friendly gargoyles along the way.
4. Where exactly is Notre-Dame located?
Notre-Dame is located in the very heart of Paris, on Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement. The nearest metro stops are Cité (Line 4) and Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame (RER B & C).
5. What are the opening hours?
The cathedral is usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Tower access and other special areas may have different hours, so it’s smart to check in advance.
6. Is it crowded?
It’s one of the most visited monuments in Paris, so yes, expect crowds, especially since the reopening. To avoid long lines, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
7. Are religious services held again?
Absolutely. Notre-Dame has resumed its role as an active place of worship, with regular masses and services. All are welcome, regardless of faith.
8. Are guided tours available?
Yes! You can join in-person guided tours or download an audio guide via the official app. Tours are available in several languages and cover the cathedral’s rich history and architecture.
9. Is Notre-Dame accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
The restored cathedral now offers improved accessibility, including ramp access and updated visitor facilities. Please note that the towers are only reachable by stairs.
10. What else is nearby to explore?
Plenty! Visit the Archaeological Crypt beneath the square, browse the charming bookstalls along the Seine, or relax with a coffee and a view of the cathedral from a nearby café.
Bonus tip: visit in the early evening to see the cathedral beautifully illuminated, it’s especially magical during the holiday season.
