Paris Tickets

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.

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.

Before you get there

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

Where is Notre-Dame located?

Getting there

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

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

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

Where to eat

Where to 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

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