Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, on the Île de la Cité in the Seine, is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture built between the 12th and 14th centuries and immortalised by Victor Hugo's novel 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame'. After the devastating fire of April 2019 destroyed its spire and roof, a roughly five-year restoration was completed and the cathedral reopened in December 2024, revealing brightly cleaned stone and a faithfully rebuilt spire. As of 2026, entry to the nave is free; a free timed-slot reservation via the official website is recommended to avoid long queues in high season. The bell towers (reopened September 2025) and the Treasury require separate paid tickets.
The rebuilt spire (flèche), reconstructed to Viollet-le-Duc's 19th-century design and crowned by a new golden rooster weathervane.
The west façade with its three sculpted portals, the Gallery of Kings, and the emblematic twin towers.
The three great rose windows — the 13th-century north and south windows largely survived the fire and were restored.
The luminous, freshly cleaned interior stonework and reconstructed vaulted ceiling, far brighter since the reopening.
The great organ, one of France's largest, the restored choir, and the new reliquary housing the Crown of Thorns.
Good to know
RulesNave entry is free, but queues are long in high season (April–October). A free timed-slot reservation via the official notredamedeparis.fr (booking at resa.notredamedeparis.fr) is recommended and typically opens 2–3 days ahead. Walk-ins are allowed but can wait up to 2–3 hours at peak times. Confirm prices and opening hours on the official site before you go.
RulesThe bell towers (Tours) are separate and ticketed (about €16 for adults), booked online in advance via the Centre des monuments nationaux (CMN) — no on-site sales. There are roughly 400+ steps and no elevator. The Treasury (Trésor), where the Crown of Thorns is kept, needs its own ticket (about €12). Amounts should be re-checked as they may change.
SafetyPickpocketing is common around the crowded Île de la Cité, Saint-Michel and RER stations, and in the queue outside the cathedral. Wear bags in front, keep zips closed, and watch your belongings on the metro and in dense crowds.
CautionBeware third-party or reseller sites that charge for the free nave entry, and watch for 'petition' signature requests, forced bracelet/string sellers, and the fake gold-ring pick-up scam near the cathedral and the Seine. Book only through official channels (notredamedeparis.fr; towers via monuments-nationaux.fr).
MannersThis is an active Catholic cathedral where Mass is celebrated. Keep silent inside, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, silence your phone, and refrain from photography or moving about during services and prayer.
SeasonPeak months (April–October) and the extended Thursday evening hours are especially busy. For a calmer visit, come early in the morning or on a weekday.
Practical info
The cathedral is a few minutes' walk from Cité station (Metro line 4) or Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame (RER B/C, Metro lines 4/10). The nave is generally open Mon–Fri 07:50–19:00 (until 22:00 on Thursdays) and Sat–Sun 08:15–19:30, but hours can change — always check the official website for the latest opening times and free reservation before visiting.
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