Visiting NotreDame in Paris What to Know Before You Go

Plan your visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Book a guided tour to explore the restored interior and check the latest opening hours and Mass schedule before you go.

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About Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris stands on the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris, where the small brass marker known as Point Zero marks the official center of France. Construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1163 and took nearly 200 years to complete. It is renowned for its flying buttresses, towering stained glass windows, gargoyles, and detailed chimeras that define its dramatic exterior. In April 2019, a devastating fire destroyed the roof and spire, but the main stone structure survived. After an extensive restoration using traditional medieval techniques, the cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024. Inside, Notre Dame houses extraordinary treasures, including the three 13th-century Rose Windows, the revered Crown of Thorns, and the Great Organ with nearly 8,000 pipes.

How Do You Want to Visit The Notre dame?

  • Expert Curated Routes

    Discover hidden gems and masterpieces

  • Small Group tour

    Join other travelers for a shared experience

  • English Guided Tour

    Immersive commentary in your language

  • Skip-the-line Guided Tour

    See the highlights without wasting time

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Notre-Dame de Paris Tour with Reserved Timed Entry

Time Icon 1.5–2 hours
Language Icon English
Enter via reserved official access and let an expert guide reveal the history, Gothic architecture, and sacred art of this iconic monument.
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Notre Dame Semi Private Max 5

1.5–2 hours
English
Experience the cathedral intimately in a small semi-private group, with a licensed guide leading you through the Gothic architecture and sacred artworks inside.
 
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Notre Dame Cathedral Skip-the-Line Tour with Reserved Timed Entry

Time Icon 1.5–2 hours
Language Icon English

Join a guided exterior walking tour to learn the cathedral’s history, then enjoy reserved access to explore the Gothic interior independently at your own pace.

Visiting Notre Dame: 2026 Guide & FAQs

Get clear answers for visiting Notre Dame de Paris in 2026. Find details on opening hours, free entry reservations, dress codes, and mass times. Plan your trip to the restored cathedral.
Is the cathedral open to visitors in 2026?

Yes. The Notre Dame Cathedral officially reopened to the public on December 8, 2024. You can now explore Notre Dame inside and see the restored interior. You do not need to stay outside behind the fences anymore.

What are the opening hours?

The standard Notre Dame hours are from 7:50 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the cathedral notre dame opening hours run from 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM. A great expert tip is to visit on Thursdays when the cathedral stays open late until 10:00 PM.

Can I attend Mass?

Yes. Notre Dame mass is held daily. The main services are at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM during the week. The main Sunday mass is at 11:30 AM. Visitors are welcome to join, but you must remain silent.

Can I climb the towers?

Yes. The Notre Dame tower visits are separate from the church entry. You must buy a ticket to climb the 422 steps. This gives you a view of the gargoyles and the city. There is no elevator.

Can I take photos inside?

Yes, you can take photos of the art inside Notre dame cathedral for personal use. However, you must not use flash or tripods. Selfie sticks are also generally forbidden to prevent blocking the paths of other visitors.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Notre dame paris is Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Thursday evenings after 6:00 PM are also very quiet. You should avoid weekends if you dislike crowds.

How much time should I plan for my visit?

You should plan for one hour to see the church floor. If you are wondering how much time to spend at Notre Dame to see the crypt and towers too, you will need at least three hours.

Where exactly is the cathedral?

The Notre Dame monument stands on the Île de la Cité. This is a natural island in the Seine River. If you search for Notre Dame cathedral, you will find it in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

What will I see inside?

You will see the restored limestone walls and the famous Notre Dame cathedral window glass. The cathedral artwork and the Great Organ have been cleaned and look bright. You can also see the new bronze altar.

Is there a light show?

No. Do not confuse this with the Notre Dame basilica light show called “AURA” in Montreal, Canada. The Paris cathedral offers a separate virtual reality experience called “Eternal Notre-Dame” in the underground plaza outside.