Know Before You Go: Visiting Notre Dame

Much of the restoration work to Notre Dame’s roof cannot be seen from inside the church, so repeat visitors—or simply those familiar with the landmark cathedral—will not notice changes to its overall architecture. The most striking difference is the immaculate interior, with glowing white marble further highlighted by a new lighting system. Though the effect can be jarring for those expecting the dark patina covering many historic churches in Europe, this bright stone was what Parisian worshippers witnessed when the church first opened in the 12th century. Seeing the soaring vaults in their original state is like stepping back into Notre Dame Paris history. In addition, the cathedral’s side chapels have had a paint refresh to bring out their vivid colors and the church’s artwork has been thoroughly cleaned.

Insider tip: Some parts of the cathedral, including the facade and the square just outside the church (Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II) will be restored in 2026.

One of the most important things to know before visiting Notre Dame is that the cathedral is free and open to the public, and you do not need a ticket to enter. With the 2024 reopening, however, the cathedral introduced a new online reservation system to reserve a time slot for entry and streamline your visit. Dates open up 72 hours in advance—you can reserve a time slot for the current date and the two consecutive days—and the service is free of charge and available via the official website.

However, at busy times such as holidays and weekends, the reserved time slots sell out almost immediately, so booking can be a challenge. If you aren’t able to reserve your entry online, don’t despair: You can also simply join the line to enter the church without a ticket. Lines move quickly, and there is ample staff on hand to offer information and direct the crowds.

Insider tip: All visitors must pass through a metal detector and security check before entering. Don’t bring large bags or sharp objects, or you will be denied entry. There is no cloakroom or baggage check to leave personal items while visiting.

Groups of six or more people are allowed to tour the church interiors with a guide as of June 9, 2025. At the moment, small private tours of fewer than six people can enter with a guide, but there’s no reserved admission time—unless you’re able to snag those elusive online time slots—and guides are not allowed to speak inside the church. So expect to spend some time in line with your guide waiting to enter, and absorb the information about the history and architecture of this Paris landmark while still outside.

Insider tip: The cathedral has a free downloadable app with a Notre Dame Paris travel guide including explanations and commentary about the history and restoration of the church. There are three suggested routes for individuals, families, or pilgrims, plus content for worshippers. There are also audio guides available to rent at the welcome desk inside the cathedral—or you can directly book an audio guide in advance.

The cathedral is open daily all year round and does not close during Mass or other religious services (guided group tours will not be allowed to enter during services, on Saturday afternoons, or on Sundays). If you aren’t able to reserve an entry time online, the best time to visit Notre Dame is first thing in the morning after it opens at 7:45am (or 8:15am on Saturdays and Sundays) to beat the crowds. The extended Notre Dame cathedral visiting hours on Thursday nights are also a quieter time, as most tourists don’t know that you can visit the church until 10pm. New state-of-the-art internal lighting makes the Gothic architecture pop even after sunset, though daytime visits are better for viewing the few stained-glass windows currently in situ.

Insider tip: Notre Dame is a popular venue for classical and religious music performances, and its choir and organs are world-renowned. Book tickets to a concert for a uniquely atmospheric visit to the church. The upcoming concert schedule is available on the cathedral’s website or at the welcome desk.

In addition to the church, you can visit the Parvis de Notre-Dame de Paris – Place Jean-Paul II, Treasury of Notre-Dame, and Ile de la Cité Archaeological Crypt. The church and square are free to visit, while you need to purchase a ticket to the museum and crypt. No advance booking is necessary, and tickets are available for purchase at the door. To date, the only significant areas of the church still closed to visitors are the bell towers, closed until further notice.

Insider tip: Visit the Treasury to marvel at the cathedral’s collection of ornate reliquaries, ornaments, vestments, and other religious objects. In the Crypt, learn about the city’s ancient history with ruins spanning from Roman times to the 18th century hidden beneath the cathedral square.

One of the most important Notre Dame Paris entry details is that visitors are directed to explore the church clockwise, starting from the front left side of the church and working their way behind the altar and back down the nave to end at the front right. This ensures that you will kick off your visit at the new welcome desk kiosk, where you’ll find multilingual staff, a monitor displaying information including mass and concert schedules, audio guides, and accessibility information. As you end your visit on the opposite side of the church, you’ll pass the shop kiosk stocked with religious and secular souvenirs.

Insider tip: There are no public restrooms inside the cathedral. Use the pay restrooms in the square in front of the cathedral (keep a few €1 coins on you to use pay restrooms in Paris) or the free restrooms on Rue d’Arcole just a block away.

In addition to being one of the top tourist attractions in Paris, Notre Dame is an important place of worship and a pilgrimage destination. Modest attire—clothing that covers shoulders, knees, and midriff—is required to enter, and men are not allowed to wear hats inside. You can wear sandals or open-toed shoes, but choose comfortable footwear to visit this massive church. Keep in mind that large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside, and there is currently no bag check at the cathedral.

Insider tip: Keep a large shawl or wrap with you to cover your shoulders when entering Paris’ churches if you’re visiting in summer.

The church is accessible to wheelchairs, and there is ample information about how to visit Notre Dame Paris for visitors with limited mobility and other impairments on the cathedral website and at the welcome desk inside the church. Visitors in wheelchairs have skip-the-line admission to the church, and hearing loops and other aided travel guides to Notre Dame Paris are available upon request. A few of the side chapels are also accessible, as is the Treasury.

Notre Dame sits on the Île de la Cité, a tiny island in the Seine River in the heart of Paris. After taking in the cathedral, visit the other top sights clustered on the island, including Sainte-Chapelle and its magnificent stained-glass windows and the medieval Conciergerie royal palace. Alternatively, head off on a Seine River cruise that departs from and centers around all things Notre Dame. If you prefer spending your time outside, stroll through the open-air Square du Vert Galant and Place Dauphine, and Marché aux fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II, the main flower market in Paris.

• When was Notre Dame Paris built? The cathedral was built in the 12th century but underwent a modification in the 18th century and a major renovation a century later. The most recent restoration was to repair damage from a 2019 fire.

• How did the 2019 fire start in Notre Dame Paris? The fire that destroyed the cathedral’s roof and wooden spire, plus severely damaged the upper walls and interior, was believed to have started with a cigarette or electrical short circuit. It began on the evening of April 15, 2019, and the cathedral was immediately closed to the public and remained so until December 2024.

• What architectural style is the Paris Notre Dame Cathedral? Notre Dame is a French Gothic cathedral, notable for its rib vault, flying buttresses, massive rose window, and sculptural decorations.

• Is Mass still held in Notre Dame Paris? Yes, the cathedral is a functioning Catholic church with masses and other religious services held daily. Worshippers can access the church through a dedicated entrance.

• What are the highlights inside Notre Dame Paris? This church houses several important historic and religious objects, including the Crown of Thorns (kept in the Treasury) said to have been worn by Jesus during his crucifixion, a sliver and nail from the True Cross, the Rose windows, and the massive historic organ.