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
What a beautiful site to see. Make sure to reserve tickets 2 days or so before when it opens up (free) so you don’t have to wait long in the queue.
So much history for everyone of any faith to see in one place.
Beautiful job restoring it. Worth the time to see and there’s a separate museum of artifacts on the inside (€12 euro fee). Also a small gift shop. For a min €2 donation you can light a candle.
rumbayly - in the last week
My brief visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was awe-inspiring, with its majestic Gothic architecture and intricate facade leaving a profound impression. To ensure a smoother entry, I strongly recommend obtaining tickets in advance, as walk-up lines can be lengthy and vary, often exacerbated by inclement weather. Inside, the serene atmosphere demands respect, so visitors should wear appropriate attire and maintain a quiet demeanor. I highly suggest purchasing tickets to the treasury, where historical and exquisite artifacts, including sacred relics, offer a deeper appreciation of the cathedral’s rich heritage. Even a short stop here is unforgettable.
Richard Cotton - a week ago
Wow, even though there were tons of tourists making their way through, still had an awesome.inspring feel about it. The architecture was amazing, very high roof with stained glass windows. Everywhere there is money to spend to light candles. Money to spend to see the Treasury. Not sure it really is a church or a tourist trap to spend money. Still a very very nice place to visit, keep the pocketbook at home.
Von Neilson - 2 weeks ago
The newly renovated Notre Dame de Paris re opened in December 2024
Opening hours are
Sat Sund 8:15-19:30
Mond Tues wed frid 7:50-19:00
Thursdays 7:50-22:00
You can book in advance to get into the fast lane but you can absolutely visit without any reservations. This is totally free of charge. It is fluid so the queue is not as bad as I expected. It is crowded as I went on Sunday before Easter. But don’t hesitate to go and queue. It is a must see if you are in paris. A small gift shop is located inside on the right near the front door. This is a free activity and fantastic historical monument. 10/10
carine - a month ago
Anyone visiting Paris must visit the renovated cathedral. Its beauty speaks for itself. The magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral looks even more breathtaking now, fully restored to its original glory.
It was also the first time I had the opportunity to explore the interior during a regular Mass led by a priest—a truly unique and touching experience.
Don’t be discouraged by the long line outside — it moves quickly. Within just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself inside the cathedral, able to admire its beautifully refreshed interiors after the renovation.
Highly recommended — truly, truly worth it!
Janusz Potoczny - a week 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 -
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Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
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