Notre-Dame Cathedral Tickets and Tours

Notre Dame has been one of the highlights of Europe for centuries, not only in terms of religion but also architecture. Since it was built in 1163, it has undergone major modifications until the recent fire that occurred 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 to everything you need to know to visit Notre Dame and learn about its curiosities.

Notre Dame is one of the most visited places by all tourists who come to discover the capital of France. After the fire in 2019, the cathedral remained closed for almost five years, but reopened its doors on 8 December 2024.

General admission to the interior remains free, although you can manage your visit through an online booking system (official website or app) to control capacity. This optional free reservation is also recommended to speed up access to the cathedral and reduce waiting times.

Discover Notre Dame from the outside with a guided tour

If you are interested in learning more about the history, symbolism and architectural details of Notre Dame, a good option is to take a guided tour of the exterior of the cathedral and its underground crypt. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will discover not only the keys to the monument's Gothic design, but also its relevance at key moments in the history of Paris.

This is a highly recommended alternative for those who want to understand what they are seeing, beyond a simple photo tour.

This walking tour around Notre Dame is an enriching way to explore not only the cathedral from its façade, but also the historical context that surrounds it. The tour begins at the Cité metro station, in the heart of the Île de la Cité, and from there an expert guide will take you to discover the secrets of this iconic monument. As you walk through the historic streets, you will discover anecdotes and legends about the cathedral and other highlights of the neighbourhood, such as the Sainte-Chapelle and the flower market.

The tour also includes access to the archaeological crypt beneath the Notre Dame esplanade, where you can explore the remains of ancient Roman Lutetia at your own pace. You will be provided with an audio guide in several languages so that you can enjoy the renovated interior at your own pace.

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Notre Dame has regained its splendour and it is now possible to visit many of its most iconic spaces once again. However, not all parts of the monument are accessible at the same time, as restoration work is still ongoing following the 2019 fire, with some areas reopening gradually.

In addition to the interior, you can see:

• Archaeological crypt: open since April 2025, it allows you to discover the remains of the ancient Roman city of Lutetia. There is a separate entrance fee to see it, but it is included in the guided tour of the exterior of Notre Dame.
• Towers and central spire: scheduled to reopen to the public in September 2025.

Although some parts are still in the final stages of restoration, the tour already allows you to appreciate many of Notre Dame's most iconic features. From its impressive western façade to the iconic gargoyles and flying buttresses, the experience is complete for both those who enter the interior and those who prefer to explore its history from outside.

Are there guided tours inside Notre Dame? Is it worth it?

Yes, guided tours of the interior of Notre Dame are available, with organised tours that allow you to discover its history, architecture and symbolic details in depth. You can also opt for a self-guided tour with an audio guide in several languages, ideal for exploring at your own pace.

On the one hand, you can explore the cathedral at your own pace thanks to a multilingual audio guide available on a mobile app. On the other hand, official guided tours are also available, allowing you to discover the history, art and architecture of this iconic monument in greater depth.

These experiences are especially recommended if you are interested in understanding the symbolism of its stained glass windows, sculptures and chapels. Visits usually last between 45 minutes and an hour and are available in several languages.

And if you are also interested in learning about the cathedral's surroundings and historical context, you can opt for a guided tour of the exterior and the archaeological crypt, which complements the visit very well and includes an audio guide for the interior.

After almost five years of restoration, Notre Dame is now open to visitors again free of charge at the following times:

• Monday-Wednesday and Friday: 7:50 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 7:50 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 8:15 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

Notre Dame is located in one of the most central areas of the city, so getting there is not complicated. However, Paris is a huge city and you may find it difficult to find your way around at first. The cathedral is located at 6 Parvis Notre-Dame, next to Jean-Paul II Square.

There are three main ways to get there: the metro, the bus and the Parisian railway, also known as the RER.

By metro

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

By bus

The bus is another alternative if you want to get around Paris and enjoy the views from outside. There are several buses that go to Notre Dame and the surrounding area. You will need to check which one is closest to where you are to catch it at the corresponding stop, but the main ones are the 21, 38, 47, 85 and 96.

RER

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

In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral, a great way to complete the experience is to take a guided tour of the exterior of Notre Dame, which also includes admission to the archaeological crypt. On this tour, you'll discover historical and architectural details that often go unnoticed and learn more about the context in which it was built. And since you're in one of the most central and beautiful neighbourhoods in Paris, here are some other things to do in the area:

• Best views for photographing Notre Dame: cross to the other side of the Seine to get good perspectives from the Jean XXIII garden (near the main façade) or from Île Saint-Louis, with a quieter, greener view from behind.
• Shakespeare and Company bookshop: a must-see for book lovers. Shakespeare and Company has a unique aesthetic and specialises in British literature.
• Saint Michel Fountain: located a few steps from the cathedral, this imposing Haussmann-style fountain marks the entrance to the Latin Quarter and depicts the archangel Michael defeating the devil.

If you're visiting Notre Dame and don't know where to eat in Paris, there are two well-known places in this area: one for being one of the oldest restaurants in the city and the other for its direct connection to the history of the cathedral.

• Au Vieux Paris: a restaurant with over 400 years of history, a façade covered in vegetation and traditional French cuisine. It is located on Rue Chanoinesse, very close to the cathedral.
• Le Quasimodo de Notre Dame: a themed restaurant inspired by Victor Hugo's character, with striking décor and French dishes at reasonable prices.

You may think that travelling to Paris with children can sometimes be a bit complicated due to the wide range of museums and monuments to see. Children tend to be impatient and are not particularly attracted to large, dark and silent rooms.

However, in the case of Notre Dame, you already have part of the battle won, as Disney has been working for years to place this incredible cathedral in the imagination of children. During your visit, you can see first-hand what was once the home of the lovable Quasimodo and get a close-up view of the famous gargoyles that appeared in the animated film.

It's certainly a different view from the one you might have as an adult, but it does nothing but encourage adults and children alike to enjoy visiting this beautiful place.

Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the must-do things in Paris at any time of year. To make the most of your visit to this World Heritage Site, here are some practical tips:

• Avoid the crowds: travelling in the low season (October to March) will allow you to enjoy the cathedral in a more peaceful atmosphere.
• Find out more during your visit: use an audio guide or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture.
• Dress respectfully: if you go in summer, bring something to cover your shoulders when you enter.
• Arrive early: this will help you avoid queues and allow you to explore the interior at your own pace.
• Check the evening opening hours: in summer, the cathedral is open until 11 p.m. on some days, which is ideal for seeing it at sunset.

Notre Dame is a place that combines beauty, history and symbolism. Whether it's your first time in Paris or not, a visit always leaves a lasting impression.