Notre-Dame Cathedral
One of Paris's most visited historic landmarks
Notre Dame
Update (2026): Notre Dame Cathedral reopened to the public on 7 December 2024 after a five-and-a-half-year restoration. The interior is open again to visitors, free of charge. To avoid long queues during peak hours, reserve a free timed-entry slot on the official Notre Dame website. The reopening of the towers and the spire viewing platforms is being rolled out separately and may still be restricted.
This cathedral is one of the main landmarks along the banks of the River Seine.
This monument is one of the most important sights to visit in Paris. It is a prominent example of Gothic architecture and rises on the site once occupied by a Roman temple to the god Jupiter. Its construction took more than 150 years and was completed in 1345.
What to See at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Due to the fire, two thirds of the vaulted interior ceiling was destroyed, Viollet-le-Duc's central spire collapsed entirely, and the rose windows were damaged.
The interior of this Latin cross cathedral is breathtaking. Its vaulted ceiling, now fully restored after the 2019 fire, is supported by majestic arches and rises to nearly ten metres in height.
Inside, the cathedral can hold more than 6,000 worshippers, and in the crypt there is also a Archaeological Museum that you can visit.
In the square outside, a bronze plaque marks kilometre zero, from which all distances in France are measured.
A Brief History of Notre-Dame
During the French Revolution la catedral fue profanada causing tremendous damage to the religious imagery, and it was later restored to its original appearance.
World War II also left its mark on Notre Dame, with the destruction of the stained-glass windows, which were remade after the conflict ended following a geometric design, rather than the original Biblical scenes.
Useful Information about Notre-Dame Cathedral
Here you will find everything you need, up-to-date opening hours and prices, to make the most of your visit without any hassles.
Opening Hours
- April to September: 10:00 am–6:30 pm.
- October to March: 10:00 am–5:30 pm
Prices
- Entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral is free, but you will need to pay to visit the towers and the crypt. Visits are currently suspended.
Address
- 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
How to Get There
- Metro Line 4, Cité station
- RER: Lines B and C, Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station
- Buses: 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, 96
More Attractions near Notre-Dame Cathedral
Here are some nearby places you can visit around Notre-Dame Cathedral
Sainte-Chapelle
A Royal Chapel considered the masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its stained-glass windows are breathtaking.
La Conciergerie
Former residence of the kings of France that later became an antechamber of death. Marie Antoinette was imprisoned here.
Quartier Latin
The Latin Quarter of Paris lies just across the river, a short distance from Notre-Dame. A neighborhood steeped in university history, home to the Place Saint-Michel.
Le Marais District
Also nearby is the Marais neighborhood, Paris's former Jewish quarter, which today buzzes with great atmosphere, shops, restaurants, and galleries.
