Do I still have to go through security?

Yes. All visitors must clear security, regardless of ticket type. However, reserved entry reduces the wait at other checkpoints.

Can I buy reserved entry tickets at the gate?

It’s unlikely. These tickets sell out online at least 2–3 days in advance, especially during summer and holiday seasons.

Is Notre-Dame reserved entry accessible?

Yes. The crypt is wheelchair-accessible via ramp. Staff can assist at the entrance—just let them know.

Can I choose a time slot with reserved entry tickets?

Yes. You’ll pick a specific time when booking online. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to clear security in time.

What happens if I don’t book reserved entry tickets?

You may spend over an hour waiting in line and risk missing your preferred visiting window, especially if you arrive late in the day.

Do reserved entry tickets include access to the cathedral interior?

Full access to the cathedral's interior will depend on restoration status. Most reserved entry tickets include crypt and tower entry, with guided tours offering deeper insights.

Can I re-enter Notre-Dame with my ticket?

No. All reserved entry tickets are valid for single entry only.

Is reserved entry available on free entry days?

No. Free Sundays attract heavy crowds and reserved entry options are often unavailable. Best to visit on a regular day for a smooth experience.

Are reserved entry guided tours worth it?

Absolutely - besides faster entry, you’ll get fascinating stories and details you might miss otherwise.

Reserved Entry at Notre-Dame Cathedral

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame now requires free timed reservations for entry. Without one, waits can stretch up to 2–3 hours on busy days; even with a booking, everyone must clear security (10–20 minutes). Cathedral entry is free — but these official ticketed/hosted options can shorten the process and add depth:

Free timed reservation: Book online (2 days out at midnight, Paris time) to join the reserved-entry line. Slots are capped and disappear fast in peak season. Does not skip security.
Exterior guided tour + reserved entry (From €10) : A guide introduces Notre-Dame’s history and restoration from outside, then escorts you to the reserved entrance so you bypass the general walk-up line. Interior visit is self-guided. Opt for early bird entry to secure early morning slots, before peak hours — the smoothest way in if you want a quieter cathedral.
Interior guided tours with reserved entry (From €59) : For a deeper dive, join a licensed English-speaking guide inside the cathedral. Small-group options (max 7 guests) make for a slower pace and more personal storytelling.Entry remains free; what you’re paying for is the reservation handling + expert commentary.

See all your options to skip the queues at Notre-Dame de Paris ↓

How long are the queues at the Notre-Dame entrance?

Notre-Dame is one of the most visited attractions in Paris, drawing over 12 million visitors annually. Since the 2019 fire, entry has been restricted to the underground crypt and tower areas - both of which now attract queues due to limited capacity.

From April to October, general admission queues often stretch over 60–90 minutes, especially between 10am and 1pm. Even in the quieter months, visitors without reserved entry usually face 30–45 minute waits.

Lines form at:

Parvis de Notre-Dame (for the crypt)
Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame (for tower access)

Expect queues to build well before opening time, with slow-moving lines due to limited timed entries and tight security screening.

Types of queues you’ll encounter at Notre-Dame

There are multiple queues you’ll face at Notre-Dame, and knowing which ones reserved entry lets you bypass can save you a lot of time.

Ticketing Queue

Location: Parvis de Notre-Dame
Who is it for? Walk-in visitors without pre-booking
Average wait time: 60–90 mins (peak)

Security check

Location: Entry gate
Who is it for? Mandatory for all visitors
Average wait time: 10 - 25 mins

Group Entrance

Location: Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame
Who is it for? Guided tours and hosted ticket holders
Average wait time: 5 - 15 mins

All your options for reserved entry at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Even with reserved entry, your experience depends on your timing and ticket type. Here’s how to choose smartly:

Book reserved entry tickets in advance

Secure a timed-entry ticket online and walk past the general admission queue. You’ll enter through a separate gate after a short security check. These tickets sell out fast in peak season.

Choose a guided tour

A licensed guide not only explains Notre-Dame’s history but also gets you fast-track entry through the quieter group entrance.

Use a hosted entry

A local rep meets you near the entrance, handles your ticketing, and walks you through security. Ideal for stress-free visits or first-timers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Notre-Dame reserved entry

They save you 60–90 minutes during peak hours and guarantee a timed slot. You'll avoid the stress of walk-up lines and get quicker access, especially on busy days.

What are customers saying?

Loved by 50 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Mikhalova I

Ukraine

Couple

5 days ago

+1 more

Even though I'm an adult, I was happy like a little child. I was left delighted and with incredible emotions after visiting Disneyland. Thank you for making my childhood dream come true 😍❤️

Goekhan K

Germany

Solo

6 days ago

My visit to Disneyland was made especially memorable by the perfectly organized experience with Headout, the stress-free planning, and the easy entry, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the magic and atmosphere.

Reshma N

India

Group

5 days ago

We had a hassle free experience ..Everything was superbly coordinated .Its a must try for everyone who comes to Paris !!

Víctor O

Spain

Family

2 weeks ago

The views are spectacular; you can see Paris's most famous landmarks. I recommend doing this to see Paris from a different perspective.

Tracy G

United States

Solo

Last week

+3 more

Hugo was knowledgeable, attentive and his passion for the tour sites was infectious. Grateful for no unwanted surprises!

Marcin D

Couple

Last week

Great service—the staff was very helpful and happy to answer any questions. An interesting cruise along the Seine with a fascinating commentary... I’ll definitely be back.

Malissa T

United States

Couple

Last week

It was amazing! I just wish there were more details when you purchased the tickets because any price of the ticket would have gotten you anytime on the boat. We did not see the mission because we decided to get on the boat at 7 PM. However, it was great. It wasn't too crowded and it was very small. Highly recommend to get the entire view and feel of Paris.

Alberto G

Spain

Group

2 weeks ago

Very well explained. Although the tour was in English, the guide (Martín) also provided brief summaries in other languages since we were a diverse group. Highly recommended. Thank you for the anecdotes and interesting facts that made the tour so enjoyable.

Explore Notre-Dame with a small-group guided tour of the Île de la Cité, available in English, French, or Spanish, before entering the Cathedral at your own pace.

Everything you get: Join a small group of no more than 5 guests for a guided tour of the historic Île de la Cité, where your expert guide will bring to life the area’s rich history, royal connections, and link to Notre-Dame. After the tour, enjoy entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral, where admission is free.
Note: Cathedral entry is free. The price being paid is the booking fee to reserve the time slot for entry into the Cathedral.
Why choose this: Enjoy a more personal and intimate experience with a small-group tour led by an expert guide, then discover Notre-Dame independently with added context and insight.
Options: Choose from English, French, or Spanish for your guided tour of the Île de la Cité, so you can enjoy the experience in the language that suits you best.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of the Île de la Cité in English/French/Spanish
Entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris (free admission)
Small 5 pax group

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID for entry.
Keep your ticket with you at all times, as you may need to show it when entering different areas of the cathedral.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed inside.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are prohibited.
Loud conversations and phone calls are not permitted—please keep the atmosphere peaceful.

Accessibility

The cathedral is accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the entrance (subject to availability).
Accessible toilets are available within the cathedral.

Additional information

Dress code: Modest attire is required to enter the cathedral. Shorts above the knee, mini-skirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, crop tops, low-cut tops, and clothing with offensive imagery or messages are not allowed. Men must remove their hats before entering.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry or tour start time to ensure a smooth experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Dive deep into Notre-Dame’s secrets with an expert-led guided tour of the Cathedral.

Everything you get: Explore Notre-Dame with a professional guide available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or Russian. Your experience includes entry into Notre-Dame Cathedral, an insightful guided tour covering both the interior and exterior, and rich storytelling that brings its Gothic architecture, history, and symbolism to life.
Why choose this: Entry to the cathedral is free, but without a guide, it is easy to miss the deeper meaning behind what you are seeing. This tour adds expert context to both the exterior and interior, with a small-group visit that feels more personal and easier to follow. So, if you want more than a surface-level visit, this tour offers the context most visitors don't get to experience.
Upgrades: Upgrade to a private, personalized visit with your own guide in English or French, depending on the option selected.

Inclusions #

Professional tour guide in English/Italian/Spanish/French/Russian
Entry into Notre-Dame Cathedral (free)
Interior and exterior Guided tour
Intimate small-group for the interior visit (max 5 pax)
Private/ personalized visit with your personal guide in English/French (as per option selected)

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID for entry.
Keep your ticket with you at all times, as you may need to show it when entering different areas of the cathedral.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed inside.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are prohibited.
Loud conversations and phone calls are not permitted—please keep the atmosphere peaceful.

Accessibility

The cathedral is accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the entrance (subject to availability).
Accessible toilets are available within the cathedral.

Additional information

Dress code: Modest attire is required to enter the cathedral. Shorts above the knee, mini-skirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, crop tops, low-cut tops, and clothing with offensive imagery or messages are not allowed. Men must remove their hats before entering.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry or tour start time to ensure a smooth experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore Notre-Dame with a small-group guided tour of the Île de la Cité, available in English, French, or Spanish, before entering the Cathedral at your own pace.

Everything you get: Join a small group of no more than 5 guests for a guided tour of the historic Île de la Cité, where your expert guide will bring to life the area’s rich history, royal connections, and link to Notre-Dame. After the tour, enjoy entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral, where admission is free.
Note: Cathedral entry is free. The price being paid is the booking fee to reserve the time slot for entry into the Cathedral.
Why choose this: Enjoy a more personal and intimate experience with a small-group tour led by an expert guide, then discover Notre-Dame independently with added context and insight.
Options: Choose from English, French, or Spanish for your guided tour of the Île de la Cité, so you can enjoy the experience in the language that suits you best.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of the Île de la Cité in English/French/Spanish
Entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris (free admission)
Small 5 pax group

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID for entry.
Keep your ticket with you at all times, as you may need to show it when entering different areas of the cathedral.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed inside.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are prohibited.
Loud conversations and phone calls are not permitted—please keep the atmosphere peaceful.

Accessibility

The cathedral is accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the entrance (subject to availability).
Accessible toilets are available within the cathedral.

Additional information

Dress code: Modest attire is required to enter the cathedral. Shorts above the knee, mini-skirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, crop tops, low-cut tops, and clothing with offensive imagery or messages are not allowed. Men must remove their hats before entering.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry or tour start time to ensure a smooth experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Dive deep into Notre-Dame’s secrets with an expert-led guided tour of the Cathedral.

Everything you get: Explore Notre-Dame with a professional guide available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or Russian. Your experience includes entry into Notre-Dame Cathedral, an insightful guided tour covering both the interior and exterior, and rich storytelling that brings its Gothic architecture, history, and symbolism to life.
Why choose this: Entry to the cathedral is free, but without a guide, it is easy to miss the deeper meaning behind what you are seeing. This tour adds expert context to both the exterior and interior, with a small-group visit that feels more personal and easier to follow. So, if you want more than a surface-level visit, this tour offers the context most visitors don't get to experience.
Upgrades: Upgrade to a private, personalized visit with your own guide in English or French, depending on the option selected.

Inclusions #

Professional tour guide in English/Italian/Spanish/French/Russian
Entry into Notre-Dame Cathedral (free)
Interior and exterior Guided tour
Intimate small-group for the interior visit (max 5 pax)
Private/ personalized visit with your personal guide in English/French (as per option selected)

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID for entry.
Keep your ticket with you at all times, as you may need to show it when entering different areas of the cathedral.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed inside.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are prohibited.
Loud conversations and phone calls are not permitted—please keep the atmosphere peaceful.

Accessibility

The cathedral is accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the entrance (subject to availability).
Accessible toilets are available within the cathedral.

Additional information

Dress code: Modest attire is required to enter the cathedral. Shorts above the knee, mini-skirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, crop tops, low-cut tops, and clothing with offensive imagery or messages are not allowed. Men must remove their hats before entering.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry or tour start time to ensure a smooth experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Guided Tours

Notre-Dame Exterior Guided Tour with Free Entry

Explore Notre-Dame with a small-group guided tour of the Île de la Cité, available in English, French, or Spanish, before entering the Cathedral at your own pace.

Everything you get: Join a small group of no more than 5 guests for a guided tour of the historic Île de la Cité, where your expert guide will bring to life the area’s rich history, royal connections, and link to Notre-Dame. After the tour, enjoy entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral, where admission is free.
Note: Cathedral entry is free. The price being paid is the booking fee to reserve the time slot for entry into the Cathedral.
Why choose this: Enjoy a more personal and intimate experience with a small-group tour led by an expert guide, then discover Notre-Dame independently with added context and insight.
Options: Choose from English, French, or Spanish for your guided tour of the Île de la Cité, so you can enjoy the experience in the language that suits you best.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

1 hr. - 1 hr. 15 min.

‌

Guided Tours

Notre-Dame Interior and Exterior Guided Tour

Dive deep into Notre-Dame’s secrets with an expert-led guided tour of the Cathedral.

Everything you get: Explore Notre-Dame with a professional guide available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or Russian. Your experience includes entry into Notre-Dame Cathedral, an insightful guided tour covering both the interior and exterior, and rich storytelling that brings its Gothic architecture, history, and symbolism to life.
Why choose this: Entry to the cathedral is free, but without a guide, it is easy to miss the deeper meaning behind what you are seeing. This tour adds expert context to both the exterior and interior, with a small-group visit that feels more personal and easier to follow. So, if you want more than a surface-level visit, this tour offers the context most visitors don't get to experience.
Upgrades: Upgrade to a private, personalized visit with your own guide in English or French, depending on the option selected.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

- 1 hr. 15 min.

Notre Dame Reserved Entry Tickets

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Notre-Dame de Paris

Book Reserved Entry Tickets to Notre Dame

What does "reserved entry" really mean for Notre-Dame Cathedral?

How long are the queues at the Notre-Dame entrance?