Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
4.6
About
The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral Paris—meaning ‘Our Lady of Paris’—is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Built back in the 12th century, the important monument has witnessed many historical events. It has also inspired Victor Hugo’s story of the Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Outside the cathedral, you can admire its grand exterior which is framed by an elegant pair of bell towers, stained glass windows and an ornately decorated facade with grand statues. You can also enter the cathedral for a small entrance fee to view Nio-Gothic artwork and furniture as well as join their weekly sessions. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Ile de la Cité
Two islands sit in the middle of the Seine at the very heart of Paris. The more majestic one, Ile de la Cité, sparkles with history. This is the birthplace of Paris, the home of the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, and the site of the prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. Tourists flock to see the iconic Notre Dame and the beautiful bridges that straddle the Seine. Ile Saint-Louis, the more provincial island, welcomes you with cozy traditional eateries, small boutiques, and what some people say is the best ice cream in the city. This is essential Paris from its very beginnings to its modern appeal.
How to get there
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame • 4 min walk
- St-Michel – Notre-Dame • 4 min walk
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4.6
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Henry’s Take
San Diego, CA1,486 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
April 15, 2019, is a day that conjures haunting memories for many across the world, and the televised images are seared upon the memories of a generation. I can still vividly recall the shrill scream of a woman’s voice as the iconic spire of Notre Dame collapsed amidst the flames that engulfed this cathedral. Although from the broadcast you could tell that she was in no personal danger while observing the unthinkable from across the Seine, the horror portrayed by her voice seemed to fluctuate within a full octave.
As with much of the good still left in this world, Notre Dame’s irrepressible spirit has found a way to carry its light forward. While the exterior is still undergoing significant repairs that are estimated to continue into 2027, the interior has been sufficiently restored to permit visitors once again.
Although entrance is free, gaining access can be a little complicated. Your first option is to arrive on the day and wait to see if an opportunity to enter becomes available. A second option is to navigate the online portal and seek out a ticketed reservation (of which there are limited opportunities that are in high demand).
However, I would recommend that you consider attending a Mass. The service we attended was conducted entirely in French, but the message delivered by the organist and vocalist was worshipful in any language and filled every chamber of the cathedral. The acoustics here are amazing, and even though the walls are made of stone and glass, they seem to absorb, soften, and somehow harmonize the worshipful sounds from within.
If you choose to attend a Mass be careful to arrive 30 minutes early and queue up in the correct line (as this one is separate from the others).
Even though photography is not expressly forbidden during the service, that felt somehow inappropriate so all of the interior pictures that I’ve included were taken either before or after the Mass.
Whether you choose to enter Notre Dame or not, I hope that you make time to at least enjoy the courtyard bells that once again ring out to welcome worshippers from around the world.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#notredame
As with much of the good still left in this world, Notre Dame’s irrepressible spirit has found a way to carry its light forward. While the exterior is still undergoing significant repairs that are estimated to continue into 2027, the interior has been sufficiently restored to permit visitors once again.
Although entrance is free, gaining access can be a little complicated. Your first option is to arrive on the day and wait to see if an opportunity to enter becomes available. A second option is to navigate the online portal and seek out a ticketed reservation (of which there are limited opportunities that are in high demand).
However, I would recommend that you consider attending a Mass. The service we attended was conducted entirely in French, but the message delivered by the organist and vocalist was worshipful in any language and filled every chamber of the cathedral. The acoustics here are amazing, and even though the walls are made of stone and glass, they seem to absorb, soften, and somehow harmonize the worshipful sounds from within.
If you choose to attend a Mass be careful to arrive 30 minutes early and queue up in the correct line (as this one is separate from the others).
Even though photography is not expressly forbidden during the service, that felt somehow inappropriate so all of the interior pictures that I’ve included were taken either before or after the Mass.
Whether you choose to enter Notre Dame or not, I hope that you make time to at least enjoy the courtyard bells that once again ring out to welcome worshippers from around the world.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#notredame
Written 28 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RDS61
Chester, UK2,138 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Notre Dame is even more magnificent now that it has been restored and centuries of grime have been removed from the stones and marble statues. I strongly recommend booking a time slot in advance which is free. This can be done online two days before you want to visit. There is a charge to go into the chancellery which contains displays of treasures saved from the fire.
Given that the cathedral has only recently reopened demand is very high so there are a lot of visitors at any time.
Parts of the outside the building are still undergoing restoration.
Given that the cathedral has only recently reopened demand is very high so there are a lot of visitors at any time.
Parts of the outside the building are still undergoing restoration.
Written 12 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
filippocerantola
383 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
The visit to Notre-Dame was an exciting experience. After the restoration, the cathedral has returned to its former glory, with spectacular stained glass windows and a breathtaking atmosphere.
We were not able to book, but the line, although long, flows quickly: in about 20 minutes we were inside. I still recommend trying to book online for faster access.
Admission is free and absolutely worth the visit. For those who want to learn more about the story, I recommend downloading the app with the audio guide in Italian. A symbolic and unmissable place in Paris!
We were not able to book, but the line, although long, flows quickly: in about 20 minutes we were inside. I still recommend trying to book online for faster access.
Admission is free and absolutely worth the visit. For those who want to learn more about the story, I recommend downloading the app with the audio guide in Italian. A symbolic and unmissable place in Paris!
Automatically translated
Written 11 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElaineAndGreg
Chesterland, OH3,170 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
We visited Notre Dame not long before the fire and were able to visit it again in late February 2025, just after it reopened. It is magnificent.
Notre Dame was always a great cathedral for both national and religious reasons, but in the years before the fire it was sadly in need of some restoration. With the fire, they undertook not only to rebuild it in the same way it was beforehand, but they also did major restoration work that makes it brighter and even more impressive than ever.
There has been strong interest in seeing the cathedral since it reopened, and there are two ways to do so. First, you can get reserved, timed tickets online. The times seemed to vary, but it appeared to us that most of the time, they become available after midnight Paris time for two or three days before the date of admission. Those slots fill up quickly. For those in the United States, you will need to log on 5 or 6 hours earlier (e.g., 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.), which is easier for most than midnight. Try logging on about 3 days before your visit for timed tickets.
If you don’t get a timed ticket, don’t worry – you can also visit without one, but you will have to wait in line. The line moves very quickly – maybe 15 minutes on a Sunday morning.
On that note, you are free to attend mass, but you might want to show up early as that is in high demand and the best seats are taken first. The mass is a beautiful service. Then entrance of the priests is dramatic. The altar is a large bowl with a glass top illuminated from the inside. The result is that the ceboria almost glow during the communion celebration.
If you do not intend to go to a mass, you might want to avoid Sunday mornings as they are somewhat crowded due to the combination of tourists and mass-goers. Obviously, if you do go, you will need to be respectful of those attending for religious reasons.
The interior renovation is complete, as is the front of the cathedral, but they are still doing work in back. You will see a derrick over part of the church and you won’t be able to see some of the classic views of the flying buttresses on the east (back) end.
If you are walking around at night, it’s also worth swinging by as they illuminate the exterior and it is very striking.
Notre Dame was always a great cathedral for both national and religious reasons, but in the years before the fire it was sadly in need of some restoration. With the fire, they undertook not only to rebuild it in the same way it was beforehand, but they also did major restoration work that makes it brighter and even more impressive than ever.
There has been strong interest in seeing the cathedral since it reopened, and there are two ways to do so. First, you can get reserved, timed tickets online. The times seemed to vary, but it appeared to us that most of the time, they become available after midnight Paris time for two or three days before the date of admission. Those slots fill up quickly. For those in the United States, you will need to log on 5 or 6 hours earlier (e.g., 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.), which is easier for most than midnight. Try logging on about 3 days before your visit for timed tickets.
If you don’t get a timed ticket, don’t worry – you can also visit without one, but you will have to wait in line. The line moves very quickly – maybe 15 minutes on a Sunday morning.
On that note, you are free to attend mass, but you might want to show up early as that is in high demand and the best seats are taken first. The mass is a beautiful service. Then entrance of the priests is dramatic. The altar is a large bowl with a glass top illuminated from the inside. The result is that the ceboria almost glow during the communion celebration.
If you do not intend to go to a mass, you might want to avoid Sunday mornings as they are somewhat crowded due to the combination of tourists and mass-goers. Obviously, if you do go, you will need to be respectful of those attending for religious reasons.
The interior renovation is complete, as is the front of the cathedral, but they are still doing work in back. You will see a derrick over part of the church and you won’t be able to see some of the classic views of the flying buttresses on the east (back) end.
If you are walking around at night, it’s also worth swinging by as they illuminate the exterior and it is very striking.
Written 9 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mermaid
Miami, FL26 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
We found the cathedral spectacular but overwhelmingly crowded. We went on a Monday afternoon in February and it was difficult to move around. We obtained the entrance tickets (free on the cathedral’s website or app) so we did not have to wait in the very long queue. In February 2025, tickets were available online at midnight three days prior.
Written 11 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ty L
Mountain View, CA457 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Third time inside the cathedral.
It's all bright and shiny since the fire. Sadly, as of January 2025, you cannot climb up. They say maybe by the summer.
It's free and you can reserve a time slot on the cathedral's website no more than 3 days in advance.
Even with a crowd inside, you won't need to spend more than an hour and even can walk the interior in 30-45 minutes.
It's all bright and shiny since the fire. Sadly, as of January 2025, you cannot climb up. They say maybe by the summer.
It's free and you can reserve a time slot on the cathedral's website no more than 3 days in advance.
Even with a crowd inside, you won't need to spend more than an hour and even can walk the interior in 30-45 minutes.
Written 13 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isabella
Veneto, Italy563 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
I had seen Notre Dame Cathedral several years ago before the 2019 fire and was ecstatic
Being in Paris at the time of the reopening and having followed the event on television I wanted to review the interior which looks different much brighter with light tones
Admission is free until December 2024 unfortunately I could not make the reservation online as it did not give me availability.
On Monday 9 December I went outside anyway impossible to enter as many people as there were.
The renovations lasted 5 years. Thanks to the contribution of benefactors from all over the world and mobilized workforce, you can admire again this jewel symbol of the city of Paris.
C'est la France
Being in Paris at the time of the reopening and having followed the event on television I wanted to review the interior which looks different much brighter with light tones
Admission is free until December 2024 unfortunately I could not make the reservation online as it did not give me availability.
On Monday 9 December I went outside anyway impossible to enter as many people as there were.
The renovations lasted 5 years. Thanks to the contribution of benefactors from all over the world and mobilized workforce, you can admire again this jewel symbol of the city of Paris.
C'est la France
Automatically translated
Written 13 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HELEN K
Lochmaben, UK134 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
After downloading the app and trying to book to see inside the cathedral for several days….we failed. Always sold out. However we went, joined the queue on a busy Saturday morning and after 15 minutes or so you are allowed inside. You have as much time as you like to see the incredible job that has been done since the horrendous fire. Yes it’s busy but it’s so worth seeing the glass and the stone work all cleaned. Don’t be put off by the apps inability to find you a slot.
Written 8 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thackeray
England, UK535 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Tickets become available on line just after midnight (Paris time) two days before you wish to visit, ie. early on Sunday morning to visit on Tuesday. Every time slot is available at that time.
Written 9 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SenaKH
Istanbul, Türkiye1,273 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
The cathedral is more beautiful from the outside than the inside. Inside, it’s bigger and more opulent than it is beautiful. It’s free to enter, but it’s helpful to register online beforehand. Inside, there’s a section of sacred offerings, which is entered for a separate fee. It’s found here on the spotty crown that’s said to belong to Jesus, but it’s only displayed for the public to see on special occasions.
Automatically translated
Written 23 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey -
I would say that you could wear anything that you would feel appropriate in a religious Christian/Catholic setting.
Some wear shirt and tie, or skirt and others wore what they were wearing as a tourist.
I would suggest dressing modest as a sign of respect for where you are.
Hope that helps
Written 11 March 2025
Id like to visit the Cathedral and currently undergoing chemotherapy and cant queue for long, is Disabled access managed at the Cathedral or does it need to be pre arranged?
Written 29 December 2024
I have just read on their website you can book tickets a few hours before visiting to minimise qué time, free of charge. Hope this helps.
Written 5 January 2025
Can I pre book for January 2025?
Written 8 December 2024
I tried to get tickets to Notre Dame, the website only shows December, and all slots are booked out. When will booking fully open up ?
Written 6 December 2024
You should only be able to book 2 days in advance. Go to the Notre Dame website. There's also an app that does the same thing but had lots of information too.
Written 27 December 2024
Can you apply for a pass jeux to visit and see here after the 18th July?
Or do you even need one
Written 13 July 2024
Will I need to apply for a Pass Jeux to visit here on July 28 and 28 due to the Olympics?
Written 6 July 2024
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