About Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame stands on the island where Paris began, its twin towers and flying buttresses defining Gothic architecture for generations of builders. Kings were crowned and saints canonized here, and Victor Hugo's novel turned it into a national symbol. A fire in April 2019 destroyed the spire and much of the roof, prompting a massive restoration completed in 2024.
The renewed interior is brighter than many people remember, with cleaned stone and restored glass. The cathedral treasury holds the relic venerated as the Crown of Thorns, presented for veneration on certain Fridays and during Holy Week. Point zero, the marker from which French road distances are measured, lies in the square in front.
What to see
- West facade with its three carved portals
- North and south rose windows
- Rebuilt spire and timber roof
- Crown of Thorns veneration
- Towers and gargoyle gallery
Visiting Notre-Dame de Paris: practical guide
- Best time
- Weekday mornings year round
- Hours
- Usually open daily from 7:50 to 19:00, later on Thursdays
- Entry
- Free; towers about 16 EUR
- Dress code
- Respectful clothing
- Nearest airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), 25 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Reserve a free time slot online to skip the queue
- Attend vespers for the restored organ
- Tower climbs require a separate ticket
Festivals and special days
- Holy Week and Easter
- Assumption procession (15 August)
- Christmas Midnight Mass
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Notre-Dame de Paris?
Notre-Dame de Paris is in Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe. GPS coordinates: 48.8530, 2.3499. The nearest airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), 25 km.
What is the best time to visit Notre-Dame de Paris?
Weekday mornings year round
Is there an entry fee for Notre-Dame de Paris?
Free; towers about 16 EUR Opening hours: Usually open daily from 7:50 to 19:00, later on Thursdays
What should I wear when visiting Notre-Dame de Paris?
Respectful clothing
Which religion is Notre-Dame de Paris sacred to?
Notre-Dame de Paris is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
