Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world
Paris's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral reopened its doors on December 7, 2024, following a devastating fire that nearly destroyed the beloved Gothic landmark on April 15, 2019. The blaze, which began in the early evening, ravaged the cathedral's roof and caused the collapse of its iconic spire. The exact cause of the fire was never determined.
The Restoration Effort
The restoration effort has been monumental. Over the past five years, an estimated €700 million has been poured into the project, with donations from well over 300,000 contributors across 150 nations. The painstaking work involved 2,000 skilled artisans, including sculptors, glassmakers, and carpenters, who meticulously cleaned, repaired, and rebuilt various elements of the cathedral.
This is not the first time the Notre Dame has been damaged. It was also ravaged during the French Revolution, and was beautifully restored after that as well. It is a shame that the statues and stained glass windows destroyed during that time are lost forever.
Visiting the Notre Dame
As Notre Dame prepares to welcome visitors once again, the reopening will be marked by a series of special masses and events throughout December. While the restoration has slightly altered the cathedral's mystical atmosphere, those involved believe the work will preserve Notre Dame's integrity for generations to come.
Visitors to Paris can also enjoy seeing the outside of this magnificent structure from many vantage points on the surrounding streets and bridges and from the left bank of the Seine.
Interesting Facts and History
The Notre Dame Cathedral is a name that most people will immediately recognize. Notre Dame de Paris, meaning Our Lady of Paris, is its full name. The cathedral was built in the Gothic style and, up until the fire in April of 2019, it was actively used as a Roman Catholic church. It is considered by many to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world.
The Notre Dame received much notoriety from the famous novel 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' by renowned author Victor Hugo which was published in 1831. Today it attracts over 13 million visitors and pilgrims each year. In holding with the view that worshiping the Lord should be open to all, there is no entrance fee to the cathedral. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and to be as quiet as possible so as not to disturb those who come to worship in its hallowed halls.
A number of significant events have taken place in the Notre Dame Cathedral. Some of those events include the coronation of Henry VI as king of France, the marriage of James V of Scotland to Madeleine of France, the coronation of Napoleon I, as well as the beautification and canonization of Joan of Arc.
The Notre Dame Cathedral was built on the exact site of the first Parisian Christian church, Saint Etienne basilica. The basilica was built on the site of a Roman temple to Jupiter. Thus the Notre Dame Cathedral symbolizes the victory of Christianity over the pagan Roman gods to some pilgrims.
Nearby attractions: Sainte Chapelle and The Latin Quarter
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No.Notre Dame Cathedral Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:50 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:50 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:50 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:50 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 7:50 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:15 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:15 AM – 7:30 PM
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Phone: 01 42 34 56 10
Official Website: Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral Reviews
Rated out of 5
An absolute must-see when visiting Paris. Even though parts of Notre-Dame are still under restoration, the cathedral remains one of the most stunning examples of Gothic architecture in the world. The level of detail in the stonework, the flying buttresses, and the iconic twin towers are breathtaking.
You can walk around the outside and admire the building from multiple angles, including from the Seine riverbanks — which offer some of the best photo opportunities. The atmosphere is peaceful and deeply historical.
As of now, interior access is limited due to ongoing renovations (following the 2019 fire), but the progress is impressive, and you can still appreciate the grandeur of the structure. There are also information panels around the site explaining the history and reconstruction process.
👉 Tip: Visit early in the morning or around sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.
👉 Nearby: Don’t miss Square Jean XXIII behind the cathedral — a quiet little garden with a beautiful view.
David - 2 weeks ago
If you’re in Paris, you can’t miss this place. Notre-Dame Cathedral is over 850 years old and one of the most iconic examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction started in 1163 and took nearly 200 years to complete. It has witnessed many key events in French history, including the coronation of Napoleon and Victor Hugo’s famous novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame that helped save the cathedral.
When I visited in the morning, I was honestly surprised by how crowded it already was. But despite the people, the stunning architecture completely mesmerized me. The details of the facade, the giant rose windows, and the impressive scale are unforgettable.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, architecture, or photography!
Douglas Shin - 2 months ago
What a place!! Absolutely stunning!! A definite must to see. Get your free entry ticket online to avoid waiting in a long cue. Would have been nice if there were nice music played in the background. It would suit the place and eliminate having to listen to those noises by so many people. I also thought it was nice that the most expensive candle to light was €2 and not €15 as we saw on occasions. Well done Paris!!
Michael Hartzsch - 2 weeks ago
Its been 8 years since I was here. I was able to see this beautiful church before the fire. The church is looking great after the restoration, not finished yet. The team working in it is doing a good job to keep its history and beauty alive.
Cris Ortiz - 2 weeks ago
My first stop at Paris. It opens at 8 Am which is suitable for all the early birds. I visited on Saturday and I was lucky enough to witness a prayer ceremony. It was so beautiful. I was amazed by everything inside. I wanted to stay longer time but it was so crowded. Entrance is free but there's a room of trophies and treasure when you have to pay extra fee. Staff were strict with people who wore cropped tops and very short shorts so it's important for visitors to adhere to their rules and remain respectful.
nora shoieb - 3 weeks ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | Saint-Michel | 7 minutes |
| M10 | Cluny - La Sorbonne | 6 minutes |
| M1, 7, 11, or 14 | Châtelet | 12 minutes |
| RER B or C | Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame | 6 minutes |
How to get to Notre Dame Cathedral by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 4 exit at Saint-Michel Station and cross the road to your right and walk north straight across the Saint-Michel Bridge. You will already see the Notre Dame to your right as you are crossing the bridge. From Metro Line 1,7,11, or 14 exit at Châtelet Station and follow Rue Saint-Denis south and cross the bridge over the Seine. Keep walking south on Blvd du Palais and go left just before the next bridge. The Notre Dame is straight ahead. From Cluny - La Sorbonne Station exit and go east to Rue Saint-Jacques; then left (north)continuing across the bridge.
By RER: Take RER B or C to Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame Station and cross the Saint-Michel Bridge. Notre Dame is visible on your right.
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Photo Gallery
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View of the Notre Dame from the River Seine cc licensed photo by Lynette Chea -
Photo Credit: philip.mallis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: philip.mallis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: philip.mallis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: philip.mallis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: philip.mallis - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
