I acknowledge and confess, I understand. The most important churches of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral didn't take first place for me. It was undoubtedly a large and magnificent church with a fascinating history, but I always preferred the organ of Saint Eustache Church or the baroque beauty of Saint Louis-Saint Pol.
And yet, when a fire broke out at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, I felt a stab in my heart and the longing for this church began to increase. Happily, after five years of intensive restoration work, Notre Dame Cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024, and it is more beautiful and shining than ever (the thorough cleaning restored the stones to their original bright color!).
Visiting Notre Dame today is a little different from what you used to know. There are new procedures, an app for booking appointments, and a clear separation between the various attractions in the complex. Speaking of Notre Dame, it is very worth visiting both the Île de la Cité where it is located, and the Île Saint-Louis next to it.
So let's get going and start building our trip with the latest information.
Information about the rebuilt Notre Dame (2025)
Notre Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral and one of the most famous attractions in Paris. The name Notre Dame means “Our Lady of Paris.” The cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité (Island on the Seine), in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Paris.
On April 15, 2019, the roof of the building caught fire and the cathedral's spire collapsed. The entire world held its breath. However, the French, with the help of donations from around the world and restoration experts, rebuilt the cathedral. The restoration included not only the construction of the roof and spire, but also a thorough cleaning of the interior of the church, the restoration of the great organ, and the integration of new and modern liturgical works of art.
The history of Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral may have begun construction during the 12th century, but let me surprise you: a significant majority of the church (even after the renovation) is…from the 19th century.
If you would like to know more about the story of the construction and destruction of Notre Dame de Paris, you are welcome to visit the article Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris: Is it really a medieval structure?
How to visit Notre Dame? Tickets and reservations
Please note: the entrance to the cathedral itself is Free, but due to the heavy workload, a mandatory digital appointment booking system was launched.
To enter the cathedral for free and without waiting for hours, you must use the official app. “Notre Dame de Paris” Or on the booking website.
When do tickets open?
The tickets are released in two main phases:
- Two days before the visit: Some tickets are released in the morning.
- On the day of the visit itself: Additional tickets are released at 09:00 AM for the benefit of spontaneous visitors.
The winning method: Download the app in advance. Log in two days before the desired date. If you don't succeed, try again at exactly 9 am on the day of your visit. Tickets are snapped up in minutes!
Important to know: The difference between the cathedral and the towers
Many people get confused between visiting the main hall and climbing the towers. Here is the order:
- The Cathedral (Nave): Free admission (by booking in advance via the app). You can see the central space, the stained glass windows, and the restored art.
- The Towers: Entrance PaymentRequires a completely separate ticket (recommended to book weeks in advance) On the official website of the towersThe visit includes climbing 424 steps (no elevator!) for a view of the gargoyles and the city.
- Treasury: Entrance fee is separate, where sacred objects and historical relics that survived the fire are displayed.
The new cathedral is full of historical details, new artwork, and ancient relics that are difficult to understand on a solo tour. Those who truly want to understand all the beauty within the cathedral and the story of its amazing restoration are invited to take a guided tour.
There are now guided tours in English at affordable prices that will take you to places and small details that you wouldn't notice on your own.
Alternatives to Notre Dame-related attractions
If you were unable to get an appointment, or you are looking for a different angle (literally) on the church, here are the recommended options:
Virtual Reality (VR) Tour
- Time travel from the 13th to the 21st century
- An incredible visual experience (Eternal Notre-Dame)
- Held in a nearby complex, not inside the cathedral
Guided tour of the Ile de la Cité
- Hear the fascinating stories of the island
- A local guide who knows every corner
- Mainly includes the outdoors and the environment
Cruise on the Seine
- See the cathedral from the most beautiful angle (from the water)
- A relaxed activity suitable for everyone
- Especially recommended at sunset
Accommodation and restaurants near Notre Dame
Notre Dame is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, in the heart of the action. You can find excellent hotels there, as well as in the nearby 5th and 6th arrondissements.
Recommended hotels in the area
Hotels in 4th Arrondissement (Maree)
Hotels in 6st District
Hotels in 5st District
🍔 For restaurants in District 4
Recommended vacation apartments
Apartments in the 4th arrondissement
Apartments in the 5th arrondissement
Apartments in the 6th arrondissement
More on the Ile de la Cite
Notre Dame Cathedral is located in the heart of the Ile de la Cité. While you're there, don't miss these two other attractions on the island:
The Concierge 🏰
- The palace that became a prison
- The cell of Marie Antoinette
- Requires use of tablet (Histopad) to understand
Sainte Chapelle 🌈
- The most beautiful stained glass windows in the world
- A breathtaking visual experience
- Long inspection line (inside the courthouse)
More articles
Route on Ile Saint Louis 🍦
The history of Notre Dame 📖
Route on the Ile de la Cité 🗺️
Abelard and Eloise ❤️
Questions about Notre Dame that I'm always asked
Where is Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris?
The address of Notre Dame is: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II 75004 Paris, France.
Nearby metro stations:
St-Michel Notre Dame – RER C (yellow line)
St-Michel Notre Dame – RER B (Blue Line)
Cité – Line 4 (Light Blue)
How much does an entrance ticket to Notre Dame cost?
Admission to the cathedral itself is free (but requires a reservation in the app). Climbing the Towers or entering the cathedral treasury is paid and requires separate tickets.
What are the opening hours?
Notre Dame is open to visitors every day from 07:45 AM to 19:00 PM (hours may vary on holidays and special ceremonies).
What else is there to do near Notre Dame?
Notre Dame is close to top attractions such as the Louvre, Center Pompidou, the Pantheon and the Luxembourg Gardens. Also on the Ile de la Cité itself are the Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle.