Discover sacred objects, reliquaries and liturgical treasures that reveal the cathedral's religious heritage.
Access: Separate paid entry; not included with free cathedral admission.
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Visiting Notre-Dame
- Free entry: Notre-Dame Cathedral is free to visit. You can explore its restored interior without paying for admission.
- Ways to visit: Choose an independent visit, exterior guided tour, interior guided tour, or combo experience.
- Reservations: Free individual entry reservations are optional but can reduce waiting. Guided tours must be booked separately.
- Queues & security: All visitors undergo security checks, even with a reservation.
- Worship: Masses take place daily. Visitors must respect prayer areas and maintain silence inside.
- Dress code: Wear modest clothing covering your shoulders and thighs. Large luggage is not permitted.
- Unique experiences: Visit Notre-Dame on an evening Paris illuminations tour for a more atmospheric experience, or explore the Archaeological Crypt beneath the square for a hidden view of the city’s past.
Which Notre-Dame ticket is best for you?
| Ticket type | What's included | Why choose this | Book your tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
Interior guided tour | Licensed guide inside Notre-Dame | Expert insights into the cathedral | View tickets & tours |
Exterior guided tour | Guided exterior + free self-guided interior | History with independent exploration | View tickets & tours |
Guided tour + lunch | Guided interior tour + Parisian lunch | Sightseeing and dining | View tickets & tours |
Île de la Cité tour | Island walk + Notre-Dame exterior | Discover historic Paris | View tickets & tours |
Paris in a Day | Self-guided Notre-Dame + 4 attractions | See more of Paris in one day | View tickets & tours |
Notre-Dame VR | Immersive 3D cathedral experience | Explore 800 years of history | View tickets & tours |
Exterior + cruise | Guided exterior walk + evening cruise | See Paris on foot and by boat | View tickets & tours |
Seine River cruise | Panoramic cruise + audio guide | See Paris from the water | View tickets & tours |
What to expect at Notre-Dame?
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A first look at Notre-Dame
Start at the parvis, where Notre-Dame's twin towers and sculpted Gothic façade rise above the square. Take in the Gallery of Kings and three carved portals before heading inside.
Enter the restored cathedral
Pass through mandatory security checks and step into the cathedral through the central portal. Entry is free, whether you have an optional reservation or visit without one.
Look up inside the nave
Soaring stone vaults, restored interiors and the long view towards the altar create an unforgettable first impression. Take your time to appreciate the cathedral's scale.
Follow the light through the stained glass
Admire Notre-Dame's rose windows and the colored light falling across its stonework. Continue past the side chapels and devotional spaces, respecting areas reserved for prayer.
Explore with a guide
Choose an interior tour for expert commentary inside, or an exterior tour to uncover the architecture and restoration story before exploring independently.
Things to know before booking your Notre-Dame tickets
Entry & access
- Entry is free: You don't need to buy a ticket to enter Notre-Dame Cathedral. Optional free reservations are available through the official website and can reduce entry queues. All visitors still undergo security checks.
- What costs extra: Guided tours, the Treasury, the towers, and nearby attractions such as the Archaeological Crypt have separate charges.
Booking window
- Plan your booking: Free cathedral entry slots are released close to the visit date. For paid guided tours, book ahead to secure your preferred language and group size, particularly during busy travel periods.
Ways to explore
- Exterior vs. interior tours: Exterior tours cover Notre-Dame's façade and history, with independent interior exploration afterward where included. Interior tours include a licensed guide inside the cathedral.
- Group options: Choose regular, small-group, or private tours depending on the experience. Combos can include Île de la Cité walks, other Paris attractions, or dining.
Policies
- Security and accessibility: All visitors undergo security checks. Large luggage is prohibited, modest clothing is required, and tower access involves stairs. Consider these requirements when choosing your visit format.
Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral
What's new at Notre-Dame?
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Restored spire
The iconic flèche (spire), designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, has been fully rebuilt using traditional techniques and materials. The golden rooster weathervane that crowns the spire has also been restored.
Roof
The roof's wooden framework, which was severely damaged in the fire, has been replaced with oak beams from French forests, preserving its original design.
Restored interior
Many of the stained glass windows, especially those in the rose windows, have been meticulously restored, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Sculptures
Sculptures, including the famous Last Judgment and others that were damaged by the fire, have been carefully restored. Some pieces may have been relocated or repaired to be shown in a more protected way.
Restored Organ
The organ, which was also damaged by the fire, has undergone restoration. It is expected to be played during special services and concerts, adding to the cathedral’s musical heritage.
Preserved historical integrity
While significant restoration has taken place, the aim has been to preserve the cathedral's original Gothic features, including the stonework, arches, and vaults. The overall architectural vision remains the same, honoring the cathedral's legacy as one of the most important Gothic structures in the world.
New museum space
Some areas inside Notre-Dame have been transformed into museum-like spaces, showcasing the history of the cathedral, its construction, and its restoration process. Visitors can learn about the historical significance, art, and craftsmanship of the cathedral.
Plan your visit to Notre-Dame
In the heart of Île de la Cité lies Notre-Dame
Île de la Cité is the historic heart of Paris, situated on the Seine River. As one of the city's oldest districts, it was the political and religious center of medieval Paris, home to iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. Today, it plays a major role in the history of the city:
- Birthplace of Paris: The city’s origins trace back to the Roman settlement of Lutetia on this island.
- Political & religious center: Home to medieval royal palaces and key religious institutions.
- Architectural & cultural legacy: It remains a symbol of Paris’s rich history and architectural grandeur, attracting visitors with its stunning Gothic monuments and charming riverside ambiance.
- State of affairs: Beyond its tourist appeal, Île de la Cité continues to function as a judicial hub, housing the Palais de Justice and France’s highest court, blending history with modern civic life.
Tips & guidelines for visiting Notre-Dame
- Visit early for a quieter experience: Weekday mornings are generally less crowded than midday. Thursday's late opening is another option if you prefer visiting later.
- Book free entry through the official website: Cathedral admission is free, and individual reservations are optional. Don't pay a third party for cathedral entry alone.
- Choose your tour carefully: Interior guided tours include expert commentary inside the cathedral. Exterior guided tours focus on the façade and history, with independent interior exploration where included.
- Travel light: Backpacks up to 20 litres are permitted, but large luggage is not. Keep your belongings minimal to make security checks easier.
- Don't rush the interior: Allow around 30–60 minutes for the nave, rose windows and side chapels. Spend a few quiet moments taking in the restored architecture.
- Plan nearby visits separately: Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie and the Archaeological Crypt are nearby, but their admission is not included in a free Notre-Dame visit.
Frequently asked questions about Notre-Dame tickets
Yes. Entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral is free for all visitors. Paid guided tours charge for the guide and included services, not cathedral admission.
The restoration aimed to return Notre-Dame to its original splendor. Efforts included cleaning soot from walls and statues, repairing artworks, and reconstructing the roof and spire to match their original designs. The interior now features cleaned stone and paintings, as well as renovated or new furniture, enhancing its beauty while preserving its historical integrity.
While entry to Notre-Dame is free and does not require a reservation, to reduce waiting times, visitors have the option to book a free access slot online a few hours before their visit. This is optional and intended to streamline entry.
Yes. Following the cathedral's restoration and reopening, guided tours are once again permitted inside Notre-Dame Cathedral. Visitors can choose from experiences that include guided visits inside the cathedral or guided exterior tours followed by self-guided entry, depending on the ticket selected.
Visitors can purchase a richly illustrated visitor’s guide for €10, available in French, English, and Spanish, highlighting key aspects of Notre-Dame's history and architecture. Additionally, the official mobile app provides tailored tours and spiritual content to enrich your visit.
Notre-Dame has resumed its regular schedule of masses. Masses are held daily at 8am, 12pm, and 6pm, each lasting about one hour. Attending mass is a meaningful way to experience the cathedral's spiritual ambiance.
No. Every visitor must pass security screening. Free reservations or guided-tour arrangements may reduce waiting but do not eliminate mandatory checks.
The Archaeological Crypt, located beneath the Notre-Dame Cathedral, houses artifacts and ruins dating back to ancient times, offering insights into Paris's history from the Roman era to the present. It's a fascinating site for those interested in archaeology and the city's origins.
Yes. Notre-Dame's Bell Towers have reopened to visitors following their restoration. Your visit includes access to the towers, where you can climb to panoramic viewpoints, see the cathedral's historic bells, and admire close-up views of the restored Gothic architecture.
There are no specific age restrictions for visitors to Notre-Dame Cathedral. However, children should be accompanied by adults, and it's recommended to supervise them closely, especially in crowded areas.
