Visiting Notre-Dame has always been a highlight in Paris. Since the fire in 2019, and now with parts reopening, its importance feels even greater. What was once just a must-see has become a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and shared global attention.
So yes — Notre-Dame still belongs on your list. In fact, I think it’s one of the most moving places you can visit right now. When I stepped inside in December 2024, I cried. The scale, the detail, the atmosphere — it’s overwhelming in the best way.
The best part? You don’t even need to go out of your way. Notre-Dame sits right in the middle of Paris. Whether you’re wandering the Latin Quarter or crossing the Seine, the towers will stop you in your tracks — probably more than once.
This is as full a visitor guide as possible at the time of writing. The restoration isn’t complete yet, but step by step, more areas are reopening. And as of September 2025, even the tower is accessible again.
✔️ Location: Île de la Cité, 4th arrondissement
✔️ Opening Times: Daily, 7:50 – 19:00 (times vary slightly on weekends)
✔️ Closest Métro: Cité (Line 4), Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B/C)
✔️ Visit Duration: Around 30–60 minutes
✔️ General Entry: Cathedral access is free, but expect security checks
✔️ Guided Tours: book here
✔️ Towers of Notre Dame: ONLY here – all other pages are scams
#1 Quick Background & History
Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 and took nearly 200 years to complete. It’s one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture—and one of the few medieval cathedrals still standing in a major European capital.
Built on the site of a former Roman temple, it sits right in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité. Over the centuries, it’s seen coronations, revolutions, wars, and restorations.
My Tip: If you visit the Louvre, watch out for the painting showing The Coronoration of Napoleon – that moment happened right here, inside Notre-Dame.
By the 19th century, the cathedral had fallen into disrepair—until Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame turned public attention back to it. That novel sparked a full restoration, and what you see today is a blend of medieval stonework and 19th-century vision.
#2 The Fire That Changed Everything
On the evening of April 15, 2019, a fire broke out beneath Notre-Dame’s roof. It spread fast—destroying the spire, most of the wooden frame, and parts of the vaulted ceiling.
It was one of those moments that stick. I was with my family, mid-way through a long trip, visiting the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana when the news broke. I remember it like it was yesterday—and I’m sure you remember where you were too.
The fire was linked to ongoing renovation work. Thankfully, most of the treasures inside were saved—the Crown of Thorns, rooftop statues, even the organ. Still, the damage was massive.
What followed was a restoration effort on a scale few expected. A mix of public donations, international support, and government funding made it possible. It didn’t reopen in time for the 2024 Olympics, but December 2024 was still incredibly fast—given the scope, complexity, and pressure.
For years, Notre-Dame stood behind scaffolding. Now the spire is rebuilt, the roof restored, and the heart of the cathedral open again.
It’s not finished in every corner—but Notre-Dame reopened and is once again one of the must-see attractions in Paris. Absolutely worth seeing.
⭐ NEW: Since September 2025, the towers are finally open again — letting you enjoy those splendid views of Paris alongside the famous gargoyles.
#3 Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Today
When you visit the Notre Dame today, you’ll notice that the space feels both familiar and newly restored. The light, the stone, the quiet—it’s all back, but cleaner. And it’s once again one of the must-see attractions in Paris.
Access to the towers is still being finalised, but the main cathedral space is fully open.
Visiting Notre-Dame isn’t complicated, but there are a few things to know. Whether you’re coming as a visitor or to attend mass, here’s how it works.
With or Without a Reservation
At the time of writing, Notre-Dame is open to the public seven days a week, and entry to the cathedral is free.
If you want to avoid long queues, it’s best to book a free timed ticket online. These are released up to three days in advance and tend to fill up quickly.
Didn’t get a ticket? No problem—you can still enter. Just expect to wait in line.
Your best chance for a shorter queue? Come early in the morning or after 17:30, avoid weekends.
#4 Attending Mass at Notre-Dame
If you’re interested in attending a mass at Notre-Dame, you can—services have resumed and are open to the public.
Masses are held 5 to 6 times daily, with special services on Sundays and religious holidays. You don’t need a reservation, and entry for worship is separate from general visits.
Veneration of the Holy Crown of Thorns
The Crown of Thorns—believed to have been worn by Christ before the crucifixion—was one of the first relics saved during the 2019 fire.
Encased in a sealed reliquary, it was rescued by a human chain of firefighters and clergy. Later it was later moved to the Louvre for safekeeping and returned to Notre-Dame after the restoration.
It’s one of the cathedral’s most sacred objects, kept alongside a piece of the True Cross and a Nail of the Passion, all preserved in the axial chapel.
The relics have a long and complex history—venerated in Jerusalem, later moved to Constantinople, and finally brought to Paris in 1239 by King Louis IX. To house them, he built the Sainte-Chapelle just nearby.
Today, they’re displayed for veneration on the first Friday of each month, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, followed by Vespers at 5:30 PM. Knowing they survived the fire adds another layer of meaning to any visit.
#5 Climbing the Towers of Notre-Dame
Since mid-September 2025, the towers of Notre-Dame are finally accessible again — something Parisians and visitors alike have been waiting for since the fire. And it’s worth the wait.
The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking, with Paris unfolding in a full 360° panorama, and of course, those famous gargoyles watching over it all.
Getting up there is a bit of a workout: 69 meters high, 424 steps, and no elevator. The staircase is narrow and winding, but the reward at the top makes every step worthwhile. Just pace yourself — there’s no rush, and the views only get better as you climb.
A very important note: there are many websites claiming to sell “official” tickets for Notre-Dame. Most of them are fake.
The only official page for the towers is through Monuments Nationaux, and for the cathedral itself, through the official Notre-Dame site.
If you want a guided experience, you’ll also find reliable options on GetYourGuide. But any page that calls itself “tickets to Notre-Dame”? Don’t trust it.
#6 Visit Notre-Dame: Wrap up
Visiting Notre-Dame now is honestly a bit breathtaking. After everything that happened, just standing inside again feels special.
There’s something powerful about seeing it restored—knowing how much effort, time, and money went into bringing it back. We all remember the images of the fire, the collapsed roof, the blackened interior. To see it now, clean, calm, and open again? It’s hard to believe.
You feel grateful. That it survived. That it’s back. And that you get to walk through it.
Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️
À bientôt,
Lena
Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips
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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
- I use Omio to compare flight fares & connections
- Airport transfers I book through Welcome Pickup
- For car rentals, I use AutoEurope. It’s easy to compare prices
- Train Tickets, you can book through Omio
- Here’s my Parisian Metro Guide
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO