The Resurrection of an Icon: Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral (Updated Guide 2025)

The sight of Notre-Dame Cathedral burning in April 2019 shocked the world. After five years of meticulous, round-the-clock restoration, the great medieval cathedral has returned to its place as the spiritual and geographic heart of Paris.

The cathedral officially reopened its doors in December 2024, marking a stunning victory for French heritage. However, visiting this monumental site now requires specific planning.

Here is your essential, updated guide on how to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2025.

The Reopened Cathedral: What to Expect

The restored monument is once again welcoming the public, but the experience has changed—especially given the massive volume of visitors (it is now one of the most visited sites in Paris, surpassing even the Louvre).

1. Visiting the Nave (The Main Cathedral)

Admission is FREE: In keeping with its spiritual purpose, admission to the main cathedral nave is free for all visitors.
Timed Reservations Are Essential: Due to overwhelming demand (averaging over 30,000 visitors per day), the cathedral authorities have instituted a reservation system for individual entry time slots.
- Tip: While entry is free, booking a reservation online through the official Notre-Dame website is highly recommended to bypass the incredibly long queue of people waiting for walk-up access. Check the official site for availability, as slots are often released closer to the date of your visit.
The Look: Visitors are often struck by how brilliantly clean the restored stone is, contrasting the stone columns from centuries of grime. The new interior feels both ancient and brand-new.

2. Attending Mass

Skip the Line: If your schedule allows, the easiest way to ensure access and have a profound experience is to attend Mass.
Access: Simply arrive about 10–15 minutes before the service you wish to attend (check the official website for daily Mass times). You will be directed past the lines and into the sanctuary.

The Towers and Crypt: Separate Visits

The iconic elements beneath and above the cathedral have their own admission and reopening schedules.

**A. Climbing the Towers (Tours de Notre-Dame)**

Status: The Towers of Notre-Dame, home to the famous gargoyles and the massive bell Emmanuel, are scheduled to reopen on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

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Tickets: Admission will be separate from the cathedral’s free entry. The full price is expected to be around €16.
Climbing: This is a physical challenge! There are 424 steps to climb with no elevator access for the public. The new visitor route includes a magnificent wooden double-helix staircase in the South Tower.
Booking: NO on-site ticket sales. You must reserve a time slot and purchase your ticket online via the official Towers of Notre-Dame website.

**B. The Archaeological Crypt (Crypte Archéologique)**

Status: The crypt, located beneath the cathedral’s parvis (forecourt), remained open during the main restoration and offers a fascinating counterpoint to the architecture above.
What You See: The crypt displays the archaeological layers of the city’s history, from Roman foundations to medieval structures uncovered during 19th and 20th-century excavations.
Admission: Requires a separate ticket (often included in guided tours).

The Place and The Point: Where to Go

Notre-Dame remains the geographic heart of Paris, located on the western tip of the Île de la Cité (the city’s original island).

Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris.
Metro: Cité (Line 4) or Saint-Michel (RER B/C).
Kilometer Zero: Find the small, circular bronze plate embedded in the paving stones of the Parvis (forecourt). This marker is “Point Zéro”—the official central point from which all distances in France are traditionally measured.

Essential Visitor Tips

Arrive Early: Even with a timed reservation, arriving slightly before your time slot is wise, as the security lines can still back up. If visiting without a reservation, aim for right at opening (around 8:00 AM) on a weekday.
Be Respectful: Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees) and remain silent during services.
Combine the Visit: Make the most of your time on the island by combining your Notre-Dame visit with a stop at the nearby Sainte-Chapelle (famous for its stained glass) and the ancient prison, the Conciergerie.