Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral · 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Construction started in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and took nearly 200 years. The cathedral hosted Napoleon's coronation, the beatification of Joan of Arc, and many royal weddings and state funerals. The April 2019 blaze destroyed the roof and spire, and a five-year reconstruction restored them before the reopening. The interior is free, the towers cost 12 EUR for adults and 9 EUR for 18-25s, and the treasury 4 EUR. It opens 8:00-18:45 on weekdays and 8:00-19:15 at weekends, and the towers run 10:00-18:30 with last entry at 17:45. Metro Line 4 stops at Cite, and RER B or C at Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame. April-June and September-October bring milder weather and shorter queues.
Ticket Price
Cathedral interior: free entry. Towers: 12 EUR (≈ USD 13) adults, 9 EUR (18-25), free under 18. Treasury: 4 EUR. Combined tower + treasury ticket available. Check the official site before booking.
Opening Hours
Cathedral: daily 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM (Mon-Fri), 8:00 AM – 7:15 PM (Sat-Sun). Towers: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry 5:45 PM). Closed January 1, May 1, December 25. Reopened December 8, 2024 after the 2019 fire. Check notredamedeparis.fr for updates.
Transportation
Metro Line 4 to Cité. RER B or C to Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame. Bus 21, 27, 38, 47, 85, 96. Batobus river shuttle stops at the Notre-Dame pier. No car parking nearby — use public transit or walk from the Latin Quarter.
Best Season
April-June and September-October — mild weather, somewhat smaller crowds. July-August is peak season with very long lines. Winter (Dec-Feb) has the shortest queues but it is cold. The cathedral interior is the same regardless of weather — go when the line is shortest.
Pro Tip: Book the free timed entry
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
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Book the free timed entry Entry to the cathedral is free but timed reservations reduce the wait. Go early, keep noise low, and check separate tickets if you want the towers.
Member-Only Tips
Upgrade to unlock insider hacks, best photo spots, and crowd timing advice.
Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Entry is free. A timed reservation through the official app is recommended to avoid the queue, especially at weekends and in summer.
Yes. The towers reopened after the restoration and use a separate timed ticket (about EUR 16); the climb is 422 steps with no lift.
The cathedral is generally open daily about 8:00-19:00, with a late opening on Thursdays until 22:00. It is quieter during Mass.
Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and keep voices low. Tourists should not enter during services.