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Notre Dame Paris – Priority Entrance, tickets, prices, guided tours

Notre Dame de Paris or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the favorite tourist destinations for Catholic and non-Catholic tourists.

Tourists admire its stained glass, the towers, rose windows, steeple, and gargoyles.

They also spend time exploring the Notre Dame treasury and climb the towers to see panoramic views of Paris.

In this article, we explain everything you should know before booking tickets for the Notre Dame in Paris.

Top Notre Dame, Paris Tickets

# Self-guided tour with audio guide # Guided tour of Notre Dame # Guided tour with Tower access

Table of contents

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Following a severe fire on 15 April 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral, its treasure, and towers are closed for visitors until further notice. We recommend  Sainte Chapelle  and  Pantheon instead.

Notre Dame is about 127 meters (417 feet) long and 48 meters (158 feet) wide and can hold around 9000 people.

The three enormous stained glass windows are its most prominent feature.

The glass windows were created in different periods, but the parts are from medieval times.

The diameter of the two large rose windows is 13.1 meters (43 feet).

The rose window on the West, over the portals, was the first and smallest of the windows in Notre Dame.

Once you are inside, you must check out the top floor, made entirely of oak wood.

It is believed that they cut a forest of 21 hectares (52 acres) to construct this masterpiece.

There are around 29 chapels in the cathedral.

In the chapels, you will find a silver statue of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 14th century.

Don’t miss out on the “Mays” of Notre-Dame de Paris.

These paintings are referred to as ‘Mays’ because the Parisian Goldsmiths’ Society commissioned them every year to be gifted to the cathedral on May 1.

The organ of the Notre Dame has around 7800 pipes and is 30-foot-wide.

The Cathedral has five bells, the largest of which is called Emmanuel.

It has been part of Notre Dame since the 16th century.

Emmanuel is in the South tower and weighs over 13 tons.

This bell is always rung first, at least 5 seconds before the rest. The other four bells are in the North Tower.

Notre Dame’s most valuable relic is the Crown of Thorns, a legendary cultural property from Judea.

Tickets for the Notre Dame Cathedral are available online and at the attraction.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

During peak days, the tickets may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Go to the Notre Dame booking page and choose your desired date and time and the number of tickets. 

Once you purchase Notre Dame tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit Notre Dame.

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Notre Dame tickets – priority entrance

The only way to avoid the long lines is by buying priority entrance tickets.

If you have decided to buy Notre Dame tickets, you have three options.

1. Self-guided tour with an audio guide 2. Guided tour 3. Guided tour with access to the Tower

All these tickets will get delivered to your inbox immediately after purchase.

On the day of your visit, show the ticket on your smartphone and walk in.

You get to skip the line with this ticket and enter Notre Dame cathedral through the priority entrance.

At the reception, you hand over an ID and collect the audio guide (you don’t have to pay).

Besides English, the other languages supported are Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (12+ years): €19 Child ticket (up to 11 years): Free entry

This English guided tour is available for two time slots – 10 am and 2 pm.

They take you in and around the Cathedral for an hour, narrating stories and sharing anecdotes.

The guide also shares whether the legends of the novel “Hunchback of Notre Dame” written by Victor Hugo are true or not.

After the guided tour is over, you are free to explore the cathedral on your own.

Adult ticket (18+ years): €20 Youth ticket (10 to 17 years): €15 Child ticket (up to 9 years): Free

This guided tour needs a lot of walking, not to mention the 400 steps you must climb to reach the tower.

With these tickets, you will skip two lines – the queue at the entrance and the queue for going up the Tower.

The duration of this tour is two hours.

Adult ticket (4+ years): €44 Child ticket (up to 3 years): Free

Recommenced reading: Everything about climbing Notre Dame Towers

Notre Dame combo tickets

There are two reasons why Notre Dame combo tours are popular among tourists.

Reason 1: Combo tour tickets are 20% cheaper than if you bought the tickets individually Reason 2: There are lots of interesting attractions near Notre Dame, which tourists prefer to see on the same day

For instance, The Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and Latin Quarter are within 15 minutes of walking distance from Notre Dame.

Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are 5 Kms from Notre Dame, and a cab can take you there in ten minutes.

Here are our favourite Notre Dame combo tours –

You start with a walking tour of island Ile de la Cité, one of two natural islands on the Seine River.

The second part of the tour includes a guided tour of Notre Dame.

You also get to climb the towers and see a panoramic view of the city.

Adult ticket (15+ years): €35 Child ticket (4 to 14 years): €30 Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free

This tour is quite popular with religious tourists. You will skip the lines and enter both Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame under the guidance of an English speaking guide.

You will also climb up the tower at Notre Dame.

Adult ticket (19+ years): €63 Child ticket (4 to 18 years): €53 Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free

This ticket gets you to skip the line entrance to Notre Dame and The Louvre, saving you a lot of waiting time.

After exploring the Cathedral, you skip the line to go up the Towers.

At The Louvre, the guide takes you around on a masterpieces tour showing you world-famous icons like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, etc.

Adult ticket (15+ years): €96 Child ticket (4 to 14 years): €91 Child ticket (up to 3 years): Free

Notre Dame Cathedral is located on the île de la Cité in the heart of the city.

It’s one of the two remaining natural islands in river Seine.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris. Get Directions

You can reach the cathedral by public transport or personal vehicle.

If the Paris Metro is your preferred mode of transport, you can get down at any of these Metro stations

•     Cite Station or Saint-Michel station on Line 4 •     Hôtel de Ville station on Lines 1 or 11 •     Cluny – La Sorbonne or Maubert-Mutualité station on Line 10 •     Châtelet RER station on lines 7, 11 or 14

Paris also has the commuter/rapid transit system – Réseau Express Régional (RER).

On both Line B and C of RER, you can get down at the Saint-Michel l – Notre-Dame station.

If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

You will find enough car parking spots.

From Monday to Friday, Notre Dame opens at 8 am and closes at 6.45 pm.

It opens at 8 am on Saturday and Sunday but extends its closing time by an hour to 7.45 pm.

All through the week, there are no midday closures.

This timing is applicable all through the year.

Welcome desk’s timings

The information desk at the Cathedral follows a different timing.

On weekdays, it opens at 9.30 and closes at 6 pm.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the information desk opens early at 9 am but closes at the same time – 6 pm.

The Mass takes place every Monday at 8 am, and 9 am in the choir of Notre Dame.

The 9 am choir doesn’t happen in July, August, and the first 15 days of September.

From Monday to Saturday, mass also happens in Notre Dame at noon, at the main altar.

Sunday Mass at Notre Dame Paris

On Sunday, several Mass occur throughout the day.

At 8:30 am, there is a simple Mass followed by Laud’s service and then the Gregorian Mass at 10 am.

International Mass happens at 11:30 am, followed by another Mass at 12:45 pm.

The 6:30 pm Mass is presided over by the archbishop of Paris, an important event for Catholic tourists visiting Paris.

Visitors need at least an hour to explore Notre Dame – half an hour to walk around the Cathedral and another half hour to go in and enjoy the interiors.

There is as much to see from outside the Cathedral as there is inside.

Time needed to climb Notre Dame Tower

If you decide to climb the towers of Notre Dame , you may need more time.

The queues are long, and climbing up the 402 stone stairs is a hectic task though the view is as rewarding as the climb is exhausting.

Waiting in the line, climbing the tower at Notre Dame, and then getting back can take you around two hours.

If you decide to sign the book of remembrances, factor in 15 minutes more.

Visiting the treasury will add another 20 minutes to your tour of Notre Dame.

Here is the summary –

*Some tourists don’t recommend the tower climb. They say it is too much of an effort for views of Paris which can be seen from either the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe .

If you decide to go up, click here for everything about Notre Dame Paris Towers

The best time to visit Notre Dame is 5.30 pm.

Around this time, visitors can enjoy the  Notre Dame cathedral  draped in sunset colors, relish the stained glass experience, and hear Vespers Service singing.

If you plan to go up the Notre Dame Tower, 5.30 pm is too late for you because the entries to the Towers close at 6 pm.

Best time to experience the stained glass

For the best stained-glass experience at Notre Dame, mornings and evenings are much recommended because the light enters at an angle.

If you reach Notre Dame after dark, you won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of the stained glass.

Best months to visit

Queues at Notre Dame are the longest from April to October.

The best months for a quick visit are from November to March – you won’t waste a lot of time queuing up.

When NOT to visit Notre Dame

Major religious holidays like Christmas, Easter, All Saints’ Day, Ascension Day, etc., are not the best days to visit Notre Dame, Paris.

You must avoid visiting for a few days before and after these significant religious holidays because many believers attend the church.

Notre Dame is also exceptionally crowded in the French Spring holidays, Easter Weekend, and 14 July.

As much as possible, avoid Sundays because it is teeming with believers who want to attend the service.

There is no admission fee for Notre Dame in Paris.

And that is why it is always crowded, with long lines which lead to a lot of waiting time.

If you want to  enter through a priority entrance  and/or  climb up the Bell Towers , you need to buy a ticket.

However, there is a way to use both the special entrance and go up the Towers for free – by buying the  Paris Museum Pass .

Besides the Notre Dame Cathedral, this discount card also gives you free access to 60 other Parisian museums and attractions.

Notre Dame Cathedral is notorious for its long line of tourists waiting to get in.

The lines are mainly because of visitors who block the entrance as they start taking pictures right at the door, blocking the way for others.

There’s no one to manage the lines, which means the lines move when they move.

On average, you must wait for 30 minutes or so before you can enter the Notre Dame Cathedral.

If you opt to go up the Tower, you must stand in yet another queue, where the waiting time can even go up to 90 minutes during peak times.

This long waiting time is because of two reasons: 1. Every 10 minutes, only 20 people can walk up the stairs 2. There are lots of visitors who want to go up the stairs

If you must go up the Tower, we suggest you reach Notre Dame 30 minutes before it opens. This way, you will be one of the first to go up the stairs.

Since Notre Dame in Paris is also a place of worship, a strict dress code gets followed.

Visitors found violating the dress code get stopped at the entrance.

Women must wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.

Low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts are a strict no.

Men must avoid shorts and hats as well.

If you visit on a Sunday and plan to sit for the service, you may want to dress up a bit.

During your trip to Notre Dame, please be on your guard – it could mean the difference between an excellent tour of the Cathedral or a holiday that went bad.

Outside Notre Dame (and in other tourist areas of Paris), you can be approached by locals requesting you to sign a petition.

Do not sign anything; walk away.

Once you show interest, you will be asked to donate money, which goes into the scamster’s pocket.

Sources # Wikipedia.org # Britannica.com # Notredamecathedralparis.com # Friendsofnotredamedeparis.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Yashika Bhati

Yashika travels to write. From capturing the endless sea from the coast of Thailand to walking barefoot on the sands of Sahara, the experience is everything to her, and she captures the experience in her words. For her, a good vacation includes the right amount of activity and rest. Favorite Cities: Istanbul, Hanoi, Cape Town, Singapore

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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• Information and facts

Opening hours and prices

• Other sights in Paris

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, Notre-Dame de Paris welcomes millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning a visit, it’s important to know the opening hours and entry prices so you can make the most of your experience.

Firstly, it’s worth noting that the cathedral is currently closed to visitors due to the extensive restoration work being carried out following the 2019 fire. However, it is expected to reopen to the public in the near future, so it’s worth checking the official website for the latest information.

When the cathedral does reopen, visitors will be able to enter free of charge, as it has been for many years. However, there may be additional charges for special exhibitions or events, so it’s worth checking the official website for details.

The opening hours of Notre-Dame de Paris vary depending on the time of year. During the summer months, the cathedral is typically open from 7:45am to 6:45pm on weekdays, and from 7:45am to 7:15pm on weekends. During the winter months, the cathedral closes an hour earlier, with the last entry at 5:45pm on weekdays and 6:45pm on weekends.

It’s worth noting that the cathedral can get very busy, particularly during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds. It’s also worth considering a guided tour, which can provide a more in-depth experience and help you make the most of your visit.

In conclusion, while Notre-Dame de Paris is currently closed to visitors, it remains one of the most popular and beloved tourist attractions in Paris. When it does reopen, visitors will be able to enter free of charge, with additional charges for special exhibitions or events. The opening hours vary depending on the time of year, and it’s important to arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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Paris Attraction Tickets

Cathédrale notre dame de paris.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, also known simply as Notre-Dame, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, France and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. This stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and has a rich history spanning nearly 900 years.

Located on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame is a symbol of the heart of Paris, and its imposing towers and spires can be seen from all around the city. The cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, and its facade is decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures and stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. One of the most famous features of Notre-Dame is its famous gargoyles, which are stone creatures that decorate the roof and serve as downspouts.

Inside, Notre-Dame is equally impressive, with soaring stone arches and stained glass windows that cast vibrant colors across the nave. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for breathtaking views of Paris, and can also explore the crypts and the many chapels that line the walls of the cathedral.

Notre-Dame is also famous for its connection to the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer in Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame". The cathedral served as the backdrop for much of the novel, and its popularity only added to the already significant cultural significance of Notre-Dame.

Unfortunately, in 2019, Notre-Dame suffered a devastating fire that caused extensive damage to the building and its contents. Since then, extensive restoration efforts have been underway, and while much of the cathedral remains closed to visitors, it is still possible to admire its beauty from the outside and to visit the interior of the cathedral when it reopens.

In conclusion, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the city. Its rich history, stunning architecture and cultural significance make it a true Parisian icon, and its resilience in the face of disaster serves as a testament to its enduring importance. Whether you are a lover of architecture, history, or simply enjoy exploring new places, Notre-Dame is a truly unforgettable experience.

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• Musée de La Poste → 78 meters
• Musée de Montmartre → 78 meters
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs → 78 meters
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• La Crypte archéologique de l'Île de la Cité → 161 meters
• Place Maubert → 324 meters
• Sainte Chapelle → 389 meters

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris)

Price & Hours

• Facilities 4.0
• Atmosphere 4.5

Note that the cathedral sustained significant damage as a result of a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed during the fire. The interior of the cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It is set to reopen in December 2024. In the meantime, visitors can peruse a new exhibit that debuted in March 2023. It's located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the free exhibit highlights the ongoing construction work at the site, including the expertise of the workers, as well as some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral. There are also free, volunteer-led informational tours around the outside of the cathedral select days of the week. Consult this online calendar to see when English tours are offered.

Like the Eiffel Tower , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction of the famous cathedral started in the late 12th century and final touches weren't made until nearly 200 years later. Once you get an eyeful of the cathedral yourself, you'll start to understand why it took so long.

The architectural details of Notre-Dame are intricate and become more abundant the closer you get. The front entrance boasts carefully carved statues that integrate seamlessly into its stone facade. The portal of judgment entrance, in particular, is just one example of its awe-inspiring architecture. The back end of the cathedral is just as spectacularly detailed, featuring an ornate flying buttress just begging to be photographed. Inside, travelers will find sky-high gilded ceilings and stained-glass windows throughout. If you want to do more than meander around, visitors have the option of climbing the cathedral's 422 steps for top-notch views of the city. Or you can venture below to the crypt to view ancient remains.

Travelers found the architecture of the Notre-Dame to be amazing both inside and out (right now, you can only view the cathedral from outside and enter the crypt, due to the 2019 fire). Those who ventured to the top of the cathedral thoroughly enjoyed the views, but were annoyed at how little time they were afforded by cathedral officials. Because going to the top of the Notre-Dame is such a popular activity (and there's so little space), the cathedral restricts the number of people at the top as well as how long they can be there. Also, be prepared to wait. The attraction sees upward of 13 million visitors per year, so unless you come early in the morning or late at night, there will likely be throngs of people at the front plaza and long lines to the top of the cathedral.

Notre Dame is currently closed due to the 2019 fire. You can view it from its public square, known as the parvis, for free. Self-guided tours of the crypt are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Crypt access costs 9 euros (about $9). You'll find Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of the city; subsequently, the Cité stop on the metro's line 4 is the nearest. To learn more, visit Notre Dame's official website .

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#1 Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, head to Place du Trocadéro. (Just expect to contend with some crowds!) – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice. The first time, in 1909, the tower was kept around because of its potential as a transmission tower (an antenna was installed atop the tower). Gustav Eiffel, chief architect of the Eiffel Tower, had a variety of scientific experiments tested on the tower with the hope that any discoveries would help prolong its lifespan. One of these included a wireless transmissions test, which the tower passed with flying colors. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies as well as relay intel to troops on the ground. The second time the Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of the tower, but never ended up going through with his plan.

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Top 10 Things to See at Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2024

Debra Thimmesch Last Updated: September 26, 2023

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris and the Eiffel Tower are, without a doubt, two of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. If your knowledge of Notre-Dame is only as deep as the animated movie, it’s time to level up. Dive into everything you need to know about the things to see both inside and outside of Notre-Dame. 

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources, our top Paris tours for a memorable trip, and the best things to do in Paris .

What You Have to See at Notre-Dame de Paris

While the Eiffel Tower is the light of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the spiritual heart of Paris and has been for nearly 1,000 years. You can’t miss this towering cathedral since it dominates the cityscape in the heart of Paris. You’ll find it on the larger island, Île de la Cité, of the Seine River just a couple blocks from Saint-Chapelle . “Notre Dame” means “Our Lady”, which is fitting since Parisians dedicated it to the Virgin Mary.

Architectural historians regard this magnificent church as one of the finest examples of the early French Gothic style. When you see it in person, you’ll agree. The church is as breathtaking on the exterior—with its towers, soaring flying buttresses, and spire—as it is on the interior. In part, this beauty is thanks to its colorful stained glass windows and lofty vaulted ceilings.

There is some mystery around its origins, but it’s believed that workers began construction of Notre-Dame around 1163. Paris historian Andrew Ayers tells us that we don’t actually know the precise start date. That’s because records of its construction and even the name of its original architect have been lost!

You might be most familiar with the recent tragic fire that decimated much of this magnificent cathedral. Fortunately, heroic efforts saved many treasures, so I’ve included them below as some of the important things you should see here at Notre-Dame when you can visit again. I’ll start with a quick history of the fire (what was saved, what was lost) then take you on a journey of what to see at the cathedral when it reopens in December of 2024.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Paris tours are worth it .

The 2019 Fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame

The world held its breath on Monday evening, April 15, 2019 as Paris’ treasured Notre-Dame burned out of control for nine hours. Hundreds of Parisians stood behind barriers watching, many of them in tears. Millions watched it live on television. Everyone feared the worst. Sadly, there were some inevitable, monumental losses.

For the faithful, it was an act of God that saved Notre-Dame, but it was also the result of countless acts of heroism. Specially trained crews formed a human chain to rescue what relics, decorations, and other items they could from the church while firefighters battled the blaze. When you finally get to step foot inside the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Notre-Dame, you will be a beneficiary of the many heroic acts that saved it.

What Was Saved in the Fire

Notre-Dame de Paris has been the home of some of Christianity’s most sacred relics since the Middle Ages. Its holy relics are “relics of the Passion,” explains Notre-Dame expert Agnès Poirier. The Passion of Christ is another name for the suffering Jesus endured leading up to his death.

Notre-Dame’s relics include the Crown of Thorns, some wood from the cross Jesus died on, as well as a nail used in the crucifixion. King Louis IX, later known as Saint Louis, brought these objects to Paris in the 13th century. Additionally, a tunic worn by Saint Louis also became an important part of the relic collection.

Valiant crews managed to save all of these holy items from the fire! They also saved Le Grand Orgue (the Great Organ) and the breathtaking stained-glass rose windows. Notre-Dame’s south rose window, made by a team of gifted craftsmen in 1260, is a magnificent example of illustrious Christian art.

Jesus sits in majesty in the center of this window and seems to have been watching over the heroes who saved the church. But I’ll tell you more about the rose windows and other stained glass later on.

What Was Lost in the Fire

Can you guess what Parisians called the famous spire of Notre-Dame? They nicknamed it “la fléche,” which means arrow. The spire pointed directly toward heaven from the very heart of France. Could there be more profound symbolism?

So, you can imagine how devastated the people of Paris—and of all of France—felt when the 305-foot-tall spire made from 700 combined tons of wood and lead succumbed to the flames. Amazingly, the 16 copper statues of the four Gospel writers and the 12 apostles that surrounded the spire survived!

Sadly, according to the Friends of Notre-Dame, the 800-year-old wooden roof known as “the Forest” burned completely. As one of the oldest roofs of that type in Paris, it can’t be rebuilt. Instead, builders are replacing it with something newer and safer.

But now for the good news! The lovingly restored version of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris will be more remarkable than ever. Here is a list of the top things to see on your visit after it reopens in December of 2024!

10. The Parvis of Notre-Dame de Paris (aka Place Notre-Dame)

Great for Selfies | Parvis of Notre-Dame de Paris

Even during reconstruction, this is the happening place everyone comes to night or day. The parvis is the square in front of Notre-Dame and is the French word that describes the area in front of a church. Architects designed these squares to be transitional zones between the city and the sacred space of the church.

To the south of the parvis is the Seine River (to the right in the view above). To the west is the Rue de la Cité, which becomes the Petit Pont or “Little Bridge,” leading to the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank (South Bank).  

When Notre-Dame was new, the parvis was barely a tenth of its current size since part of it held a foundling hospital. According to the medieval French newspaper called L’Express, the law forced convicted criminals to confess their crimes in public in the parvis.

Later, during the 1500s and 1600s, criminals were also executed there, including a man who murdered a priest inside of Notre-Dame! The parvis of Notre-Dame has been expanded over the years to show off the architecture of the great church. That’s why you’ll see so many people angling for that iconic selfie here.

9. Point Zero Paris

Fun Tradition | Parvis of Notre-Dame de Paris

Love to make wishes? Notre-Dame has you covered! Near the front of the parvis and close to the western façade’s main entrance is Paris Point Zero. This is the point from which all travel distance is measured in France! The French Ministry of Ecology which oversees transportation in the country boasts that the location of Point Zero is accurate within one centimeter!

This rather unassuming bronze plaque set in the stones in front of Notre-Dame is the center of all sorts of folklore mostly involving love and luck. Toss a coin onto the bronze star and make a wish. Kiss your lover as you both stand on the spot to ensure lasting love. Spin in a circle with one foot on the marker and make a wish. Or invent something new and let us know in the comments!

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Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. In this case, you’ll have an evening to remember as you cruise the Seine for an hour, sipping champagne and taking in the sites like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and more. Afterwards, follow your guide past the long lines and take the elevator to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor for an unforgettable view.

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Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why deal with the stress on your own? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop in Versailles. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll bypass the crowds and get right into this incredible palace as your guide explains the most incredible (and controversial) history of France’s favorite palace.

8. The Archaeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité, Paris

Ancient Discovery | Crypt and Roman Bath House | Northwest Corner of the Parvis

I’m going to let you in on a well-kept secret about the parvis of Notre-Dame de Paris: literally beneath your feet are historical treasures discovered only recently! The quiet archaeological site beneath the parvis is called the Archaeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité.

The city of Paris undertook some extensive renovations of the area to build a subterranean parking garage. In the process, workers made an astonishing discovery of layers of historical artifacts and structures no one knew had existed!

You can visit the crypt! There aren’t human remains ( head to the catacombs for that experience), but you’ll learn about Paris’ earliest days as an ancient port called Lutetia. According to the Mairie du Paris (Mayors of Paris Association) which manages historic sites, the artifact here have been identified as a Gallo-Roman bath house, an old city wall from the 4th century AD, remains of an old foundling hospital, and even an outline of Paris’ 19th-century modernized sewer system .

Also hiding underground: original steps from the western side of Notre Dame that were covered by successive layers of paving stones. All-in-all, if you’re wondering what things you have to see at Notre-Dame Cathedral, this hidden crypt is a must that few know about!

7. The Equestrian Statue of Charlemagne and His Guards

Louis and Charles Rochet | Bronze | 1878 | Southeast Corner of the Parvis

Charlemagne is the man. The Father of Europe. You can find the impressive sculpture of him on the southeast side of Place Notre-Dame. It’s unmissable. Most likely, you’ll see a pigeon or two perched on the head of this statue created by Louis and Charles Rochet.

Parisians and tourists alike love this sculpture though they often mistake it for a much older artwork than its 19th-century heritage. So why is Charlemagne so cool? His reformations improved the culture, literacy, and governing of many European nations. Eventually, he was crowned king of the Franks in 768 A.D. and became emperor of the Romans by 800 A.D.!

According to art historian Dominique Perchet, the sculpture you see at Notre-Dame captures a moment in his later years. He looks powerful and well-armed as he and his guards stand watch over Paris’ beloved cathedral. Ironically, Notre-Dame didn’t exist until 400 years after his reign. Better late than never, right?

6. Notre-Dame’s Gothic Features—Inside and Out

Unknown Architect | Around 1163-1345 | Southern End of the Cathedral

Where do you even begin to talk about such a complicated work of architecture you see above? Well, we can start with the basics like what makes the cathedral of Notre-Dame a Gothic-style structure. There are some basic features of the Gothic style you should know about so you can easily identify similar churches.

First, you will always see pointed arches rather than rounded ones. Second, Gothic churches have flying buttresses . What’s a flying buttress? According to architectural historian Paul Frankl, a flying buttress (which looks like a huge rib extending from the core of the building) supports the weight of the tons of stone in the walls.

Architects in the 12th century figured out that they could build immensely high walls and open them up with massive windows if you supported them from the side. A buttress transfers the weight of the walls outward and downward so they don’t collapse. Now what you see above makes more sense, right?

As for the third feature of Gothic-style churches—yes, you guessed it! Stained glass windows. The fourth key element of a Gothic church is the rib vaults. The huge, open spaces inside old cathedrals are topped by vaults. Each vault has a ceiling that look like an “X.” These stone support structures hold up the other stones that make up the ceilings. Notice how the vaults have pointed arches as well.

Lastly, every Gothic church is going to be elaborately decorated. After all, a Gothic church is meant to resemble heaven and to inspire awe in the worshippers who step inside.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out what the best Louvre tours are and why .

5. The Western Façade and Towers

Unknown Architect | Around 1163-1345 | Intricate Carvings

Did you know that the position of ancient Christian churches is intentional? Designers usually located the entrance on the west side so they could place the altar on the east side. According to art historian Marilyn Stokstad, early Christians believed that Jesus would return from the east.

There’s also an important intention behind the position of light in a Gothic church that simulates that sacred arrival and presence of Christ. The west entrance of Notre-Dame de Paris includes a huge rose window, which lets in afternoon light across the entire nave or the central part of the church.

The two symmetrical towers are bell towers for 10 enormous bronze bells that will ring again on notable holidays. Notice that the middle, arched portal below the towers is larger with elaborate decorations. You’ll see a Last Judgment scene carved into the stone. It’s a reminder as you enter to worship to refrain from sin as you will ultimately be judged by Jesus, who sits in majesty on a heavenly throne.

The line of 28 sculptures above the arches are biblical kings known as the Gallery of Kings. During the French Revolution, rioters thought these statues represented kings of France, and they destroyed or mutilated them, cutting off many of the heads. After all, it was the age of the guillotine!

It wasn’t until 1977 that 21 of the heads were discovered during some construction work in the 9th arrondissement, according to the Cluny Museum of Medieval Art. The heads on the current statues at Notre-Dame are copies. The originals are kept safe from vandalism and weather in the Cluny Museum.

Look closely to see traces of the paint on the sculptures. Many of the decorative features of Notre-Dame were originally painted!

4. The Famous Gargoyles of Notre-Dame

Unknown Sculptor | “Stryga,” Notre-Dame’s Most Famous Gargoyle | Functional but Cool

If you’re up for climbing 422 steps, you can buy a ticket to enter the north tower (when it’s open again). Should you brave those winding stairs, you will be rewarded richly with a view of Paris and Notre-Dame’s magnificent roof. You will also get a pigeon’s-eye view of some of the cathedrals most imposing decorative features: the gargoyles!

Strictly speaking, notes Kelly Richmond-Abdou, the fantastical beasts that lurk in the heights of Notre-Dame are grotesques . Most of them serve a structural function as waterspouts! Be careful standing beneath them in a rainstorm!

Others, like the elegant stork you can look for, are there simply to look amazing. And they just might ward off evil spirits, according to French legend. The collection of grotesques you’ll see if you climb the tower is called the “Gallery of Gargoyles.”

3. The Heavenly Nave of the Cathedral of Notre Dame

Massive Vaults | Nave, Chapels, and Altar | Around 1163-1345

No religious structure built in the 12th century is as large as Notre-Dame de Paris. None. Just look at the height of the ceiling and the perfectly precise architecture throughout!

The basic floor plan is that of a Latin cross, which is typical of church architecture. Stokstad explains that while the walls are high—147 feet, to be precise—the width of the building is unusually narrow. That narrow effect means the vaulting seems even higher. Notre-Dame’s interior could have felt more confining if not for the huge stained glass windows, which make it seem like the walls disappear leaving behind ethereal, colored light!

As you walk through Notre-Dame, you’ll see a series of side chapels—all decorated individually. On either side of the altar, stop to look at the impressively carved wooden panels with scenes from the life of Christ. You can actually pass behind the altar and loop around to the north side of the church, which I recommend doing.

One of the major concerns when the fire broke out was for the safety of 13 irreplaceable paintings honoring Virgin Mary, saints, and apostles. These paintings, known as “Les Mays de Notre-Dame,” are all masterpieces by important artists, like Charles Le Brun, the court painter for Louis XIV.

These artworks were displayed throughout the cathedral. By yet another miracle, all of the paintings survived the fire! When you see them in person, take an extra moment to admire them as you say a silent prayer of gratitude for their preservation.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Paris Guide for more resources.

2. The Treasury of Notre-Dame de Paris

Treasury and Relics | South Side of the Nave (Interior)

Visitors to Notre-Dame de Paris often skip the treasury. In my opinion, that’s a big mistake. Don’t miss this fascinating place to see inside Notre-Dame, especially since it’s free!

You’ll find the treasury on the right side of the nave. You’ll see all sorts of religious objects such as dazzling gold chalices and jewel-encrusted gold reliquaries. (A reliquary is a special container for storing sacred relics like you see above.)

A relic can be almost any object closely associated with a holy person. For example, it could be a snip of fabric from the veil of the Virgin Mary. Or it might be a bone from a saint’s body. Notre-Dame’s treasury protects the most revered Passion relics (the Crown of Thorns, a piece of Jesus’ cross, and a nail from the crucifixion) and the garment of Saint Louis. 

Agnès Poirier tells us that during the French Revolution, rioters badly damaged Notre-Dame cathedral. Consequently, many objects from the Treasury disappeared. Starting in 1801, the cathedral began reassembling its treasury collection and restoring it to its full glory under the watchful eye of architect Viollet-le-Duc. It definitely lives up to its name.

1. The Stained Glass Windows of Notre-Dame Cathedral

Stained Glass Windows in the Altar | Around 1163-1345 | Northeast Corner

It’s hard to choose just one thing that’s the most important to see here at Notre-Dame Cathedral, but I’ve decided the stained glass windows deserve our top spot. They truly are the “gems” from which colored rays of light bedazzle this church, as 11th-century French cleric Abbot Suger called them, reveals art historian David S. Herrstrom.

Suger oversaw the construction of the Basilica of Saint-Denis just north of Paris. The basilica (now a cathedral) was the first Christian church to feature several elements of the Gothic style.

The queens of France were crowned at Saint-Denis while the kings were crowned at Notre-Dame. Suger believed the refracted light through the stained glass was divine. Once you step into Notre-Dame, you’ll see what he meant and agree.

Most of the stained glass windows in Notre-Dame date to the 13th century as masterpieces of medieval craftsmanship. While they are all extraordinarily beautiful, none are more splendid than the three rose windows.

The rose window on the western side of Notre-Dame (1225) depicts the Virgin Mary. She is surrounded by scenes from the Old Testament. The south transept rose window built in 1260 features Jesus in the center, surrounded by martyrs, apostles, and holy virgins. The Friends of Notre-Dame tells us that there are 84 panels of stained glass in this window alone!

The north rose window is where you’ll see a traditional image of Virgin Mary holding her baby, the Christ Child. His royal birth is noted by the circle of biblical kings and prophets around them. What’s most important about this window is that it’s the only one with much of the original 13th-century glass still in use! Amazing!

Other windows in the church tell different stories that you should look for as you wander from the entrance to the altar above. Take your time gazing at these windows and immersing yourself in divine light!

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Debra Thimmesch

Debra Thimmesch is an art historian, researcher, independent scholar, editor, and visual artist. She mentors undergraduate and graduate students in the history of art and is a published author. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Brooklyn Rail, Art Papers, and Blind Field and a variety of exhibition catalogs. Her BA, MA, and PhD in art history have provided only part of the broader, global view of the history of art that she has acquired through the years. As a world traveler, she considers herself a sort of pilgrim of great art and architecture. As a teacher and tour guide, she has led private tours and student groups to numerous sites in the US, the UK, and Europe.

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Best time to visit, ideal duration, starting from, http://en.parisinfo.com/, historical sites, sightseeing, notre dame cathedral tickets.

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There is no Notre Dame Cathedral entrance fee if one just wants to enter the cathedral.

Free admission is allowed to both adults and children.

However, visitors need to pay EUR 10 to access the Tower and Crypt in Notre Dame.

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Practical Guide to Visiting Notre Dame, The Most Famous Cathedral in the World

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 14th January 2024

Categories France , Paris

Last Updated on 14th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the world-famous site that is Notre Dame and, indeed, it’s one of the best touristic attractions the city has to offer. Here’s a practical guide to visiting Notre Dame .

Please note that, due to the devastating fire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in 2019, the church is closed until further notice. The exterior of the cathedral can still be visited and admired from both up close and afar. The cathedral is set to reopen to the public at the end of 2024. We will update this page as soon as we have more information.

By far the most famous church in Paris, if not the world, the words ‘Notre Dame’ come from the French meaning ‘our lady’.

The first cathedral on site led to the construction of stone cathedrals throughout Europe, aiding in the church becoming the number one disseminator of knowledge and power throughout medieval Europe. The founding of Notre Dame was also a keystone in the spread of the Gothic throughout the continent.

Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.

Where is Notre Dame Cathedral?

Why is notre dame cathedral so famous, the architecture of notre dame, interior of notre dame, visiting the notre dame viewing tower, archaeological crypt, sunset at notre dame, on the rebuilding of notre dame in the 19th-century, notre dame cathedral in the present day and what happens next.

Notre Dame can be found right in the heart of historic Paris, on an island in the middle of the Seine known as Île de la Cité. This is the oldest part of Paris and archaeological evidence suggests human habitation on the isle for millennia.

Today the isle still maintains a medieval vibe, and this Old Paris walking tour will show you the best hidden gems of Île de la Cité. Between the 4th to the 14th centuries, the island was the hub of business and trading life in Paris.

And now, the Île is home to the likes of  Sainte-Chapelle , Notre Dame, a Flower market and the Palais de Justice. Oh, and there’s even more if you remember to count the countless cafés and places to purchase crepes!

Most of the exterior of Notre Dame was originally painted (including all of the gargoyles) . I can’t even begin to imagine how different the skyline of Paris would look if this were still the case. The cathedrals is free to visit and open every day of the year.

The cathedral’s tower can be visited for a small fee and offers breathtakingly beautiful views over Paris. Best visited at sunset (so as to make the most of the evening light) , if you’re visiting the cathedral in the spring, then I highly recommend a visit to the adjacent gardens of Square Jean XXIII in order to see the best cherry blossoms in Paris .

While nearly every European city has a massive stone cathedral, you may well be wondering what exactly it is that makes Notre Dame Cathedral Paris so famous. Well, for starters, the ecclesiastical building is the setting for the 19th-century novel, the Hunchback of Notre Dame .

Victor Hugo’s famous novel has been key in making the cathedral the most famous in Paris. When facing the altar, on the left-hand side at the back of the church there is a trap doorway in the ceiling that leads all the way up to the bell tower- this was key to Hugo’s inspiration.

Today, Notre Dame is also home to the crown of thorns, the most famous Christian relic in the world. Back in the day, it cost France more to purchase the relic than it cost to build  Sainte- Chapelle  (which was originally built to house the crown).

On the first Friday of every month, the relic is available to be seen/ kissed. It is otherwise normally available to view at the back of the cathedral under a red film cover Another highlight of the building includes a world-famous bell.

Known as the ‘Emmanuel Bell’ and is only rung on special dates such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. It is by far the largest of the Cathedral’s bells and weighs approximately 10 tonnes.

Things to see at Notre Dame

The iconic façade to the front of the Notre Dame Plateau is not all the Cathedral is architecturally famous for. Instead, the exterior is filled with gargoyles and chimeras. Often confused with one another, gargoyles have spouts to let out running water from the roof whereas chimeras are just the statues.

All of these mythical statues on Notre Dame were individually carved and so each has their own unique personality and look! The flying buttresses are some of the first examples of their kind in the World.

Although not included in the original design, the project ended up being so large that they were required to stabilise the ever-increasing strain on the thinning walls.

Much of the Gothic features you can see today were implemented during major renovation work undertaken by gothic revivalist Viollet-le-Duc during the 19th-century. For those unfamiliar with Viollet-le-Duc’s work, it’s worth noting that he also renovated parts of Carcassonne in the Languedoc in the South of France, as well as Mont Saint Michel in Normandy to the North of France.

Although it always looks like there is a long queue to enter the cathedral, it actually only takes around a quarter of an hour to actually get in and so it is well worth the wait. The constant flow of people in and out of th ecclesiastical building means that the queue looks much worse than it actually is.

Once inside the church, there’s various stained glass windows to enjoy, as well as the church treasury for a small fee. The organ dates all the back to the 18th Century. Although organs were present as early as the 13th century, the sheer size of the Church meant that acoustics were never quite perfect.

As soon as you step in the world famous building, the sheer enormity of the place confronts you. At 130 metres long, it’s not surprising that this is the case… But it really does feel like a tardis inside!

Recently, I wrote about the best  panoramic views over Paris . Oh, how wrong I was to not include the view from the top of what may well be the most famous cathedral in the world. There are two levels to the viewing towers; while we had about twenty minutes on the first level, we only had about five on the second, upper level.

Both levels offer panoramic 360-degree views over the city. I have to say that I preferred the upper level as the lower level is covered by 10cm squared netting (making photo taking that much more difficult)! As with most Parisian monuments I have visited (including the  Arc de Triomphe  and the  Eiffel Tower ), I made sure to go up at sunset as the best lighting has got to be the golden hour!

At the back of the square behind the entrance lies the entrance to the archaeological crypt. While entrance to the main part of the cathedral itself is free, there is a small entrance charge to visit the archaeological museum/ crypt.

Established in 1965, the underground museum covers thousands of years worth of Parisian history; highlights include the Romans in Paris and the foundations of Notre Dame Cathedral. For those looking to learn more about the history of Notre Dame, and indeed Paris, a visit to the crypt is a must!

Notre Dame at sunset was everything I had ever imagined it to be. The sky was filled with hues of candy pinks, oranges and purples and the raised banks of the Seine due to the recent flood waters meant that the buildings were fully reflected in the river below.

As with everything in Paris, if you’re going to do something, then you should probably do it the right way! This doesn’t just go for ordering your morning expresso but for visiting Notre Dame at sunset as well.

If you’re going to Notre Dame at sunset rather than sunrise, then you should go behind the cathedral for the best view of the setting sun. The best viewing points are from the bridges Pont de L’Archêveche and Pont de la Tournelle.

Notre Dame Fire

Anchor. Origins. Heartbeat. Last night, along with the rest of the world, I watched in horror as much of Notre Dame burned down in flames. For hours and hours, I found myself glued to social media, refreshing newspapers, and vividly watching live news coverage.

Notre Dame Cathedral is characterised by its flying buttresses and Gothic gargoyles. Famous the world over, it can be found in the very heart of Paris on Ile de la Cite, one of two natural islands in the centre of the River Seine.

That something so enduring and so iconic could almost be wiped out in a matter of hours seems unfathomable. Well over eight hundred and fifty six years worth of history is to be found within the walls of Notre Dame, and for a period last night, it seemed as if the future of the entirety of Notre Dame was touch and go.

It was only thanks to the brave work of the firefighters (known as les pompiers in French) that the structure was secured. The building has survived countless wars, revolutions, plagues, the Nazis: you name it, Notre Dame has survived it.

Once more, it looks as if the cathedral will pull through. This morning, I woke up, hoping it was all a bad dream. It was not. And yet, in this time of great sadness, there is still great hope . After all, this is not the only calamity that the great Cathedral of Paris has seen, nor is this the only misfortune to have befallen it.

It’s little known, but when Victor Hugo wrote ‘the Hunchback of Notre Dame,’ Notre Dame was crumbling and in great disrepair. So much so, that in the early 1800s, when Victor Hugo was living in Paris, the cathedral was half-falling down.

Groundbreaking of Notre Dame began way back in the 12th-century, with Pope Alexander in attendance. Over time, the Cathedral has seen many changes, and until last night, many people didn’t even realise that the now destroyed wooden spire only dated back to the 19th-century.

Those who began the construction of Notre Dame in the 12th-century (many of whom were volunteers and would never see the completed masterpiece) would likely not even recognise the modern day structure we all know and love today.

You see, during the time of Louis XIV (i.e. The Sun King of Versailles) , the Cathedral underwent many changes, renovations, and some might say, disfigurements. The stained glass windows were largely replaced with clear panes, while the original rood screen (jube in French- the only surviving one in Paris is to be found in the church of  Saint-Etienne-du-Mont ) was taken away.

Pillars were removed and the church was transformed beyond recognition. Further misfortune was to befall the cathedral during the French Revolution. Statues were torn down, smashed, and carvings were defaced.

The lead was stolen from the rooftops to make bullets and by the time the Cathedral was once more in the hands of the church (in 1802), the Cathedral was in need of funds to ensure that the Cathedral would even still be standing for future generations to enjoy.

Victor Hugo loved the cathedral. Worried about its state, and the lack of public pressure to save Notre Dame, in 1831, Hugo published The Hunchback of Notre Dame . But what is perhaps most telling about his true intention for the novel, that it might reignite Parisian, French, and worldwide interest in the Cathedral, is that he actually named the book  Notre Dame de Paris. 

In it, there are several chapters solely dedicated to the architecture of Notre Dame, telling of in itself. Well, the book and subsequent spin-off tales and myths worked better than Hugo could perhaps ever have imagined.

In 1841, the State commissioned Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Jean-Baptiste Lassus to restore Notre Dame. In the following decades, a new organ was added, the spire replaced, the gargoyles were added, and countless other features of the building that are so synonymous with the modern day Notre Dame.

Back to the present day: in 2019, prior to the Notre Dame fire that ravaged the main wooden frame of the cathedral, the church was once more undergoing renovations. Years of neglect, pollution, and acidic rain has seen many experts decry the state of the cathedral.

Here’s an interview in French with Jean-Michel Leniaud, president of the scientific council at the National Heritage Institute, about the state of the cathedral and why he believed a fire like this was ‘likely to happen’ .

Last night, on the 15th of April 2019, on the second day of Holy Week, one of the most important weeks in the church calendar, a fire took hold. In this age of Social Media, we were almost all aware of it, and almost all immediately.

Straight away, people started sharing memories of the Cathedral, of their time in Paris, of how the church is one of the greatest treasures in the world. People grieve in various ways and it was touching to see people come together through the power of the internet. I can’t imagine how painful it must have been for those who work on and with the cathedral to have seen much of their artisanal work destroyed.

Perhaps rather miraculously, the magnificent Rose Window seems to be okay. The Crown of Thorns and the Tunic of St Louis are both reportedly in safe locations, and other artworks have also been saved (though details of which ones are still to be confirmed).

Thanks to the fact that the Cathedral was under renovations, many other works of art (as well as stonework for the Gargoylescape area of the cathedral) have been saved. More details about the artwork saved can be found in this article .

Emmanuel Macron, the President of the French Republic, has already vowed that the cathedral will be rebuilt ( a reliable source can be found in English here ). The details, and how it will be funded, and just how the works will be undertaken, are still unclear.

The fire has only just been extinguished and it honestly feels a little painful every time I see another photo angle of the destruction. Of course, in time, like a magnificent phoenix rising from the ashes, Notre Dame Catheral will be rebuilt and it will be beautiful again.

Until then, we’ll wait…

Enjoyed reading this practical guide to visiting Notre Dame Cathedral Paris? Pin it now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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NOTRE DAME AT SUNSET (A PARIS MUST SEE) | solosophie

Wednesday 6th of July 2016

[…] that moment, the colours of the sky and sheer beauty of the architecture of one of the most beautiful churches in the world merely confirmed to me that moving to Paris has turned me into the fully fledged romantic I was […]

Thursday 21st of January 2016

Loved to read this post, most of it I didn't know about the Notre Dame. Very interesting read!

• The Architects
• Cathedral Layout
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Interior
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior
• Before the cathedral was built
• The builders
• Progression through time
• Saint Louis and the relics of passion
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire
• Reconstruction
• Restoration
• Ways to Give

Virtual tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral

Wondering what to see at notre dame?

The virtual tour allows you to conduct your own visit to the spaces of Notre-Dame Cathedral, studying the sculpture of the portals, entering, and moving through interior spaces.  You may also climb up into the galleries, and move around the exterior upper parts in order to comprehend the role of the extraordinary flying buttresses.

The Media Center for Art History of Columbia University began to use panoramic photography in the 1990s in order to create a  virtual visit to Amiens Cathedral  as well as a large database of historic architecture, which is today still accessible through the  Center’s main database .

The photography at Notre-Dame de Paris was conducted under the  Mapping Gothic  project  funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation (2008-11) under the direction of Stephen Murray and Andrew Tallon. The Media Center at Columbia University created the 360-degree images and the panorama tour offering this virtual visit of the cathedral.

When conducting your virtual tour, you may go full screen and zoom in order to study details. You may follow the directional arrows or click on the plan in order to move to new places. 

Construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral through time

Have you ever wondered how Notre-Dame de Paris came to be the iconic building it is today? Watch below to discover the different phases of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s construction, from the 12th century through today!

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Rebuild & restore, architecture, friends of notre-dame.

How to Visit the Archaeological Crypt at Notre Dame in Paris

A Fascinating Trip Into Parisian History

With a history stretching back over 2,000 years, the Archaeological Crypt lying beneath the square of Paris's famed Notre Dame Cathedral offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich and tumultuous history of the French capital. 

Comprising remains discovered during archaeological excavations between 1965 and 1972, the archaeological crypt (Crypte Archaeologique du Parvis de Notre Dame) was inaugurated as a museum in 1980, to the delight of history and archaeology buffs. A visit to the crypt allows you to explore successive layers of Parisian history, featuring parts of structures dating from the Antiquity to the 20th century, and admire ruins that date from Antiquity to the medieval period.

Location and Contact Information

The crypt is located under the square or "Parvis" at Notre Dame Cathedral, situated on the Ile de la Cite in the central and elegant 4th arrondissement (district) of Paris, not far from the Latin Quarter .

Address: 7, place Jean-Paul II, Parvis Notre-Dame. Tel.: : +33 (0)1 55 42 50 10 Metro: Cite or Saint Michel (line 4), or RER Line C (Saint-Michel Notre Dame)

Opening Hours and Tickets

The crypt is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, excepting Mondays and French public holidays. Final admissions are at 5:30 pm, so make sure to purchase your ticket a few minutes in advance to ensure you get in.

Tickets: The current full admission price is 4 Euros, plus 3 Euros for an audioguide (recommended to get a full appreciation of the history of the crypt). Audioguides are available in English, French, or Spanish. Please note that, while accurate at the time of publication, these prices may change at any time.

Sights and Attractions Nearby

• Ile St Louis
• Musee d'Orsay
• Marais Neighborhood : Its medieval history is as riveting as its luxury boutiques, delicious street food and pleasant outdoor terraces.
• Tour Saint-Jacques : The recently renovated tower is all that remains of a 16th century church that once stood in central Paris. Now it looms impressively over the bustling area known as Chatelet-les-Halles. 

Visiting the crypt will take you through the varied historical layers of Paris, quite literally. Ruins and artifacts correspond to the following periods and civilizations:

The Gallo-Romans and the Parisii

Paris was first settled by a Gaulish tribe called the Parisii. Archaeological digs in the area in recent years have recovered coins etched with the names of the Parisii. During the reign of the Emperor Augustus, around 27 BC, the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia, occupying the left bank (rive gauche) of the Seine . The present-day island known as the Ile de la Cite was formed when several smaller islands were artificially joined during the First century AD.

The Germanic Invasions

Paris's tumultuous history might be said to have really begun when Germanic invasions threatened Lutetia, bringing chaos and instability to the urban development for nearly two centuries, from the middle of the 3rd century AD to the fifth century AD. In response to these waves of invasions, the Roman Empire moved to build a fortified wall around the city (on the Ile de la Cite) in 308. This was now the de facto center of the city, with the left-bank development left in disarray and partly abandoned.

The Medieval Period

It may be considered "the dark ages" in modern thinking, but the medieval period saw Paris rise to the status of a great city with the development of Notre Dame Cathedral. Construction commenced in 1163 . New streets were created in the area and buildings and churches sprang up, giving rise to the new medieval " site ."

The Eighteenth Century

By the eighteenth century, however, the medieval structures were judged unsanitary, cramped, and too vulnerable to fire and other hazards. Many of these were subsequently destroyed to give way to buildings then considered to embody the height of modern urban development. The "parvis" was made bigger, as were several adjoining streets.

The Nineteenth Century

Modernization efforts peaked in the 19th century, when the Baron Haussmann enacted an overhaul of medieval Paris, destroying and replacing countless structures and streets. What you see now on the square and surrounds is the result of this overhaul.

Temporary Exhibitions

In addition to the permanent exhibition at the museum, the Crypte Archaeologique holds regular temporary exhibits .

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How to Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

One of the most impressive and characteristic postcards of Paris is the Notre Dame cathedral. Find out everything you need to know before scheduling your visit to this iconic landmark.

Ana Caballero

Notre Dame, Paris | ©Vlada Karpovich

Notre Dame has been for centuries one of the highlights not only of religion, but of architecture in Europe. Since it was built in 1163 it has undergone major modifications until the recent fire that happened just a few years ago.

However, this cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary has managed to survive all kinds of catastrophes and, if you are thinking of visiting it as one of the essential activities to do in Paris , here is a detailed guide of everything you need to know to visit Notre Dame and know its curiosities.

How to get your ticket to the Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is one of the most visited places by all tourists who come to visit the capital of France. However, you should know that since 2019, the cathedral is closed and under restoration due to the damage that suffered much of the structure in the fire.

Prior to that, the entrance could be purchased both at the box office and in advance online and had a free cost . Additionally, you could get two types of tickets to access the top of the towers and its spectacular crypt for a price between 4 € to 9 € . But, unfortunately, during its reconstruction all these activities have been temporarily closed .

The reopening is announced for mid-2024 , when it is estimated that all reconstruction and restoration work will be completed and it can be visited again. In addition, you should know that the Paris Pass covers all access so, if at the time of coming you get one of these tourist vouchers on your trip to Paris , the full entrance to Notre Dame will be free .

Book your Paris Pass

Notre Dame opening hours

Notre Dame is currently closed since 2019 and for the next few years it will be impossible to visit it inside or even get close to it, as it has a security perimeter that surrounds the entire cathedral and makes access impossible.

Before the disgrace, Notre Dame had a schedule that allowed tourists to have many opportunities to see it and, in case it serves as a guide for the future, you should know that their schedules changed depending on the season.

In addition, during the warmer months, that is July and August, night visits were also carried out where you could see the spectacular lighting of all the stained glass windows and rose windows and also enjoy the views of Paris at night and love at night. However, to recover all these panoramas, we will still have to wait a bit.

How to get to Notre Dame

Notre Dame is located in one of the most central areas of the city so getting there will not be a major complication. However, it is true that Paris is a huge city and you may find it difficult to find your way around. The cathedral is located exactly at number 6 Parvis Notre-Dame , next to the Place Jean-Paul II.

To get there there are three main means of transport; the metro, the bus and the Parisian railroad , also called RER.

Getting around Paris by metro is quite easy and fast and, besides, Notre Dame station is literally next to the cathedral, so it is one of the most useful and efficient ways to get around. Just take the purple line 4 and get off at the Cité station .

The bus is another alternative if you want to move around Paris and also enjoy the views from the outside. There are several buses that go to Notre Dame and nearby. You will have to check which one is closest to where you are to take it at the appropriate stop but the main ones are the 21, 38, 47, 85 and 96 .

RER Railway

The RER is a third and quite efficient way to move around the city and it also has the advantage of having a stop dedicated to Notre Dame. Just take the B or C line and get off at the Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame stop.

Are there guided tours in Notre Dame, is it worth it?

Due to its temporary closure situation, there is no way to get inside to see the cathedral, or even get close to see its facade in detail, as the cathedral is surrounded by a security perimeter during its reconstruction.

Fortunately, during this time virtual tours have been created thanks to virtual reality technologies with which you can get a very close idea of what the cathedral was like before the tragedy and get to know all its corners.

These tours are usually quite inexpensive and have daily passes so you can easily include it in one of the sightseeing days you have in Paris.

Book a guided tour of Paris

The parts of Notre Dame that you can see

Notre Dame has had access banned to its interior since the fire of 2019 but nevertheless, one of its greatest attractions still stands, which you can enjoy without even getting close; its exterior facade .

You may have never been inside, or even been to Paris, but the facade of Notre Dame is something we've all seen at some point in our lives whether in books, movies or documentaries, and no wonder. The exterior of Notre Dame is a testament to the enormous architectural prodigy that began construction in 1163 but reached its peak in the 19th century.

With a west façade that serves as the base of the Latin cross silver, impressive flying buttresses that have managed to keep it standing all these years and its peculiar gargoyles , Notre Dame and its impeccable baroque are already a pleasure to behold just by taking a look at its exterior.

What to do around Notre Dame

Maybe if you're going to Paris soon you'll be left wanting to see Notre Dame from the inside. However, let me tell you that there are still several things you can do from the outside that go beyond just looking at the monument from afar. Remember that you are in one of the most central and beautiful neighborhoods in Paris, so these are just some of the things you can spend the day doing:

Best places to take pictures

Although you can't get too close to the cathedral due to the security perimeter to take detailed photos of the impressive facade, you can go to strategic spots to get the best perspective of Notre Dame .

My recommendation is to go to the other side of the Seine, from where you will have two strategic spots . One on the right in the Jardin Jean XXIII , a few steps from the main facade, where you can photograph the impressive buttresses that are still standing. The other, on Île St Louis , offers a rather alternative rear view, mixing greenery with the purest baroque style.

Visit the famous Shakespeare and Company bookshop

One of the mandatory stops in the vicinity of Notre Dame is a bookstore that has become very famous over the years due to its aesthetics, which seems to have it set in time. It is the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a place specializing in British literature with an old facade that attracts thousands of tourists every day.

Meet the fountain of Saint Michel

Strolling near Notre Dame, you can get up close and just a few steps from the cathedral, the fountain of Saint Michel , an impressive stone sculpture designed by Haussmann and representing the struggle of good against evil through the archangel Michael and the devil. In addition, this fountain is the gateway to the Latin Quarter .

Where to eat near Notre Dame

If you are passing through Notre Dame and do not know where to stay to eat in Paris , you should know that in this area of Paris there are two quite famous places, one of them for being one of the oldest restaurants and another for having a close relationship with the cathedral of Notre Dame and its history.

Au Vieux Paris

Just passing by the outside is quite impressive, as it has a facade full of greenery and antique shops that will catch your attention. Inside is not short either as it is one of the oldest restaurants in the city .

Located in one of the corners that makes a corner near the cathedral, specifically in Rue Chanoinnesse, the Au Vieux Paris is an establishment that has been open since 1594 and offers a menu full of typical dishes of French cuisine. Undoubtedly a charming place to eat something delicious on your visit to Notre Dame .

Le Quasimodo de Notre Dame

If you want your visit to Notre Dame to be full of winks to the monument, I recommend you to go for lunch or dinner at the restaurant called Le Quasimodo de Notre Dame , in honor of the famous character of Victor Hugo.

This place has a great reputation throughout Paris not only for having an incredible themed decoration inside, but also for offering typical French dishes at a very affordable price .

Is it advisable to go to Notre Dame with children?

You may think that, at times, traveling with children to Paris can be a bit complicated due to the large repertoire of museums and monuments to see. Children tend to be impatient and are not very interested in large dark and silent rooms.

However, in the case of Notre Dame you have won some ground since years ago that Disney was dedicated to place this incredible cathedral in the children's imagination of the little ones . During your visit, you can see firsthand what was the home of the endearing Quasimodo and you can see up close the famous gargoyles that appeared in the cartoon film.

Certainly a different vision than you can have as an adult but that does nothing but encourage adults and children to enjoy the visit of this beautiful place .

Tips for visiting Notre Dame Cathedral

Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the must-see sights in Paris at any time of the year. It may be some time with its doors closed, but it is never too much to have a series of basic tips to make your visit more comfortable when it reopens its doors to the public and end up having an indelible memory of this World Heritage Monument .

Better in low season

You should not forget that you are in one of the most touristic cities in the world and visiting one of its major attractions, so if you want to avoid large queues and crowds , the best thing to do is to choose the dates of your trip to Paris in a low season so that your visit to Notre Dame and the rest of the city is more quiet and "intimate". These dates are usually around the months of October to March .

Get your bearings with a guided tour

If you want to be well informed during your visit to Notre Dame about everything you are seeing and the importance of the ground you are walking on, I recommend that you either ask for an audio guide to learn the history of the most important points of the cathedral, or hire a guided tour by a professional.

Dress moderately

Don't forget that you are entering a church and, although Western countries are becoming more and more flexible, you may not be allowed to enter if you are wearing very short pants or skirts, cleavage and bare shoulders. If you are traveling to Paris in the summer , you can simply choose to drape a scarf over your head during your visit.

Try to arrive early

Notre Dame has during the summer months two days a week extended hours until 11pm to enjoy a beautiful sunset. However, the rest of the year I recommend that you arrive as early as possible . This way you will be among the first to enter, avoiding the lines to get the entrance and, above all, without giving time to generate large crowds inside.

Do not miss the opportunity to see firsthand the splendor of Notre Dame, a place that has survived wars, revolutions, monarchies and even recent fires. An architectural marvel that has witnessed the passage of centuries and is in Paris waiting for you with open arms .

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Lego travels to Paris with new Notre-Dame and Mona Lisa sets

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There’s a Parisian theme to the two new Lego sets for adults, with a recreation of its famous cathedral and the Louvre’s most treasured exhibit.

Not many kids are going to be interested in a 4,383-piece Lego model of Notre-Dame de Paris but for adult fans of the famous construction system, the latest architecture set is amazing.

It’s based on the cathedral before the fire in 2019 but it’s design to represent all the changes that have been made to the building over the years, starting in 1163. That means that you build the model in the same order as the real thing, starting with the curved back and ending with the famous spire.

Once completed you have the bell towers, rose windows, and statutes, plus a removable roof to see the interior columns and gothic arches. You can also remove the towers to get a look inside them, with all their brick-built detail.

When you’ve completed the model, it measures 41cm long, 22cm wide, and 33cm high, with a name plate and some very cute trees lining up along the side.

The set will be £199.99 in the UK and goes on sale from June 1 at the Lego website and stores. However, you can pre-order it now , to make sure you get it day one.

Out a little later in the year, on October 1, is the latest in the Lego Art subline, which already includes Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Hokusai’s The Great Wave Off Kanagawa .

This is the first time they’ve tackled a famous portrait though and you don’t get any more famous than the Mona Lisa, which although painted by Italian master Leonardo da Vinci has been displayed in France since the 16th century and has been in the Louvre museum in Paris since 1797.

Getting ordinary Lego pieces to look like such a famous work of art is no mean feat and interestingly the colours have been picked to reflect what the picture looked like when it was first made, before the paint faded over the centuries.

It’s been created out of 1,503 Lego elements and like the other Lego Art sets has a 3D effect where some of the pieces stick out of the picture.

The model also comes with a more complex frame than usual, while Lego purists can choose to replace the printed eyes with blank Lego pieces, for a more abstract appearance.

As with the other Lego Art sets, there’s also a special podcast you can listen to while you make the model, this one featuring Dr Francesca Borgo, Professor of Art History at the University of St Andrews; Jennifer Dasal, host of the ArtCurious Podcast; and designer of the LEGO Art Mona Lisa, Milan Madge.

Although the Lego Mona Lisa is not set to be released until October it can also be pre-ordered now form the Lego website , where it costs £89.99. The completed model measures 43 cm high, 30 cm wide, and 4 cm deep.

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