A visitor’s guide to planning your Notre-Dame experience

Visitor information at a glance

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral exterior with tourists on a guided walking tour, France.

What are the Cathedral’s opening hours?

Monday through Friday from 7:45am to 7pm and until 10pm on Thursdays.

Notre Dame Cathedral view from Seine River cruise, Paris.

Where is the Notre-Dame Cathedral located?

Notre-Dame Cathedral is located at 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral facade with tourists on a walking tour in Paris.

How many entrances does the Notre-Dame Cathedral have?

There are 3 main entrances on the west facade.

How many visitors does the Notre-Dame Cathedral see per year?

14 to 15 million visitors per year.

Notre-Dame opening hours

Monday to Friday: 7:45am to 7pm
The Cathedral closes at 10pm on Thursdays
Saturday and Sunday: 8:15am to 7:30pm
The last entry is 30 minutes before the closing time

Notre Dame Timings

Notre-Dame Interior English Guided Tour with Reserved Entry

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 30 min.

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Notre-Dame Exterior Guided Tour with Reserved Entry

Book now, pay later

1 hr. - 3 hr.

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Archeological Crypt of Île de la Cité Entry Tickets

Extended validity

Flexible duration

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Notre-Dame Secret Food Tour

Free cancellation

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3 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

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Notre-Dame Archeological Crypt timings

Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Closed on Mondays and certain holidays like May 1 and December 25.

All you need to know about the Crypt

Best time to visit Notre-Dame

Early mornings or late afternoon, are the best times to visit the Cathedral. Arriving early, right when the Cathedral opens, allows you to experience the beauty of the space before the crowds arrive.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, so you’ll have more time to explore without feeling rushed.
If you’re visiting during the peak tourist season (April to September), it’s advisable to avoid midday hours, as that’s when the cathedral tends to be busiest. Visiting during off-peak times, such as late afternoon, can offer a more peaceful experience, and you'll also get to enjoy the stunning light filtering through the stained glass windows.
Additionally, consider visiting on a weekday in the shoulder seasons (autumn or early winter) to enjoy a more serene experience with fewer tourists.

Where is Notre-Dame located?

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France.

Find on maps.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the middle of the Seine River. This iconic landmark is centrally situated and easily accessible from various parts of Paris.

Closest landmark: Sainte-Chapelle (650m)

For easy navigation, use Cité station on Metro Line 4, just a short walk away.

Pro tip: Combine your visit with nearby landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle and enjoy a scenic walk along the Seine.

Getting to Notre-Dame by public transportation

By metro

Line 4: Get off at Cité station, just a few minutes walk from the Cathedral.
Line 1 or 11: Get off at Châtelet or Hôtel de Ville stations and walk across the Seine.

By RER (Regional Train)

RER Line B or C: Get off at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station.

By bus

Bus lines 47 (160m, 2-minute walk), 75 (400m, 6-minute walk), or 87 (500m, 7-minute walk) have stops near the Cathedral.

By Vélib’

Station 4001: 10 rue d’Arcole (80m, 1-minute walk)
Station 4002: Place Louis Lépine (350m, 3-minute walk)
Station 4003: 1 quai aux Fleurs (300m, 3-minute walk)

Guide to getting to Notre-Dame

Parking facilities near Notre-Dame

Lutèce – Cité Parking, Boulevard du Palais: 300m, about a 4-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral and the cost is around €3.40 per hour.
Lobau – Rivoli Parking, Rue Lobau: 500m, approximately a 6-minute walk from the cathedral. The hourly rate is approximately €4.60.
Place Saint-Michel Parking, Rue Francisque Gay: 600m, around a 7-minute walk from Notre-Dame. The cost is about €4.59 per hour.
Lagrange Parking, Rue Lagrange: 400m, about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. The hourly rate is around €4.70.

Know before you visit Notre-Dame

Notre Dame de Paris cathedral facade illuminated during golden hour.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral is open and free for all.
However, you can schedule free online access a few hours or days before your visit to cut down on the amount of time you have to wait at the entry. This feature is completely optional and is just intended to expedite entries and reduce needless waiting.
By **making a reservation, avoid standing in line, particularly during busy times and gain quick and easy access** to the Cathedral.
As soon as your reservation is made, you will receive an email with your digital ticket for an instant confirmation.
Making a reservation guarantees you entry to the cathedral within your allotted period, cutting down on waiting time.
You can still enter without a reservation, but you might have to wait longer, particularly during peak times.

Notre-Dame Cathedral facade with tourists using audio guides in Paris.

There are broadly 3 main entrances to the Notre-Dame Cathedral

Main Entrance (West Portal): The primary entrance, featuring the iconic three Gothic doors adorned with intricate carvings, leads into the Cathedral’s nave.
Side Entrance (North and South): These smaller, less crowded entrances provide access to the sides of the Cathedral and are often used during mass or special services.
Back Entrance (Via the Garden): This entrance is accessible from Square Jean XXIII behind the Cathedral. Visitors who want a quiet path to the cathedral’s rear typically use it.

Notre Dames entrances

Welcome desks: Desks are present at the Cathedral entrance where the hosts and volunteers answer your questions and guide you for an enriching visit. There is also a welcome desk at the treasure entrance where you can get direct information specific to the treasure spaces.
Sales desk: These desks are located at the south exit of the Cathedral and offer exclusive products offered by Notre-Dame and gift ideas for special occasions.

Refrain from using your phone inside the Cathedral.
Refrain from bringing scooters, suitcases, backpacks, or bulky item.
Any kind of weapon, knife, scissors, or other potentially dangerous object is prohibited inside.
Products that are prohibited also include alcohol, aerosols, and narcotics.
Smoking, eating, drinking, and bringing animals (except for medical assistance animals) are prohibited.
Please wear modest clothing suitable for a place of worship. Men are asked to remove their hats.
The Cathedral serves mostly as a space for introspection. Please respect the devotional mood and refrain from having loud conversations.
All visitors will undergo security checks upon entry.
Please limit your personal belongings to facilitate these checks.
Luggage and large bags are prohibited.

Square Jean XXIII park with view of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Notre-Dame by attending a religious service or a classical music concert, which may resume post-restoration.
Pack a small picnic and enjoy it in Square Jean XXIII, behind the Cathedral, while taking in the views of the Seine and Notre-Dame.
Take a walk along the Seine and snap a picture of Notre-Dame reflecting on the river’s surface—especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.The best spot is the left bank, particularly near the Pont de l'Archevêché or Pont Saint-Louis.
Plan your visit around holidays like Christmas or Easter. During Christmas, the Cathedral is beautifully decorated with festive lights, a grand Christmas tree, and a stunning nativity scene, creating a magical atmosphere. The Easter Sunday Mass is one of the most important services, drawing pilgrims and visitors to celebrate the resurrection of Christ in a deeply spiritual setting.

Conciergerie Paris exterior with tourists exploring the historic site and Sainte-Chapelle in the background.

Sainte-Chapelle (750m, 7-minute walk): A stunning Gothic chapel known for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes in vibrant colors.
Conciergerie (450m, 7-minute walk): Once a medieval palace and later a prison, it held Marie Antoinette before her execution.-
Pont Neuf (800m, 12-minute walk): The oldest standing bridge in Paris, offering beautiful views of the Seine and Île de la Cité.
Shakespeare and Company (300m, 2-minute walk): A historic English-language bookstore, a favorite haunt of literary greats like Hemingway and Joyce.

Notre Dame Cathedral view with duck confit dish in foreground, Paris.

Le Petit Châtelet: A 2-minute walk from Notre Dame, this charming spot is known for its rustic ambiance and authentic French dishes like duck confit and escargot.
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole: Famous for its romantic, flower-covered exterior and traditional Parisian cuisine, visit this restaurant situated just 2 minutes away from Notre-Dame.
La Brasserie Île Saint-Louis: Located on Île Saint-Louis and an 8-minute walk from the Cathedral, this restaurant offers iconic dishes like steak-frites and crème brûlée.

Accessibility at Notre-Dame

Access: Individuals with disabilities can enter through the main central entrance (Portal of the Last Judgment). There is an option for fast-track entry to bypass long wait times.
Informed personnel: Personnel are trained to understand particular needs and provide helpful, respectful support.
Readable signs: Clear pictograms and straightforward directions help visitors navigate the cathedral with ease.
A companion is permitted to join during the visit to both the cathedral and the treasury.
Easy-to-understand booklet (FALC): Notre-Dame provides a booklet written in easy-to-read French (FALC), ensuring an inclusive visitor experience. It covers the spiritual, historical, and architectural aspects of the Cathedral. An English version will soon be accessible on the website.
Mobile application: A complimentary mobile app, compatible with both Android and iPhone, offers guided tours in French, English, or Spanish.
Tactile booklets and three-dimensional models: Tactile booklets depict the cathedral’s layout, façade, rose window, choir screen, and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns. In addition, three 3D models enrich the visit (the cathedral, the baptistery, and the statue of Our Lady of Paris). These materials can be requested at the reception desk.

A female tourist using audio guide during Notre Dame Cathedral Audio Tour

Access: The primary entry point via the central portal (Portal of the Last Judgment) is accessible for wheelchairs. A priority access option is provided to skip the queue.
Hearing loops have been installed at the reception areas, in sales sections, and in designated parts of the nave to assist in following services or conferences, which are indicated by appropriate signage.
There is clear visual signage available in French, English, and Spanish located throughout the Cathedral.
A companion is permitted to join during the visit to both the Cathedral and the treasury.
Audioguides: These can be rented at the reception for €5, allowing visitors to explore the Cathedral independently in French, English, or Spanish. Hearing loops are accessible for those with hearing impairments when renting an audioguide.
Mobile app: A complimentary new mobile app, available for Android and iPhone, provides guided tours in French, English, or Spanish. Special attention has been given to improving accessibility, offering three different tour options and textual transcriptions of the audio tours.

Accessible entrance: The primary entrance through the central portal (Portal of the Last Judgment) is designed for wheelchair access. An expedited entry option minimizes wait times.
Elevator platform: Situated near the worship area in the northern transept, this platform facilitates access to the ambulatory and the chapels surrounding the choir.
Access ramps: Various chapels, such as those dedicated to Saint Joseph and Isaiah, feature fixed or portable ramps that can be requested through call buttons.
An accompanying person is permitted to join during the visit to the Cathedral and the treasury.
To enhance the experience for visitors with mobility challenges, seating at the front of the first row is reserved for them during Mass, lectures, or concerts.
Accessible signage: During the visit, informative signs and panels in French, English, and Spanish enhance visitors' understanding of the building and the artwork on display. They are placed at a height that is reachable for both wheelchair users and children.
Mobile application: A complimentary mobile app, available for both Android and iPhone devices, provides all visitors with guided tours in French, English, or Spanish. Particular care has been taken to ensure accessibility, with various tour options offered.

Notre Dame guide dog assisting visitor near cathedral entrance, Paris.

Entry: The primary entrance via the central portal (Portal of the Last Judgment) is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. A priority access option is available to bypass waiting in line.
Assistance from staff: Trained personnel can be requested to help visitors navigate the space and overcome obstacles.
Service animals: Guide dogs are allowed throughout the Cathedral.
Illumination: The steps in the chapel feature specialized lighting to emphasize the edges, aiding accessibility.
An accompanying individual is permitted during the visit to both the Cathedral and the treasury.
Tactile booklets and 3D models: Tactile and braille booklets (available in French) provide details about the Cathedral's layout, façade, rose window, choir screen, and reliquary containing the Crown of Thorns. Additionally, three 3D models (representing the building, the baptistery, and the statue of Our Lady of Paris) enhance the visit. These materials can be requested at the reception desk.
Mobile app: A complimentary mobile app, compatible with both Android and iPhone, enriches the experience for all visitors in French, English, or Spanish. It features an audio description tour accessible directly from the home screen, with other tours offered in large print. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own headphones to fully appreciate the content of the app.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Notre-Dame

How long should I plan to spend at Notre-Dame?

A visit to the cathedral typically takes 1-2 hours, including time to explore the exterior, towers, and nearby attractions.

Are there guided tours of Notre-Dame?

Guided tours are available outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral where you can gain context about the past, present, and future of this iconic landmark before entering the Cathedral and exploring it at your own pace.

Are there restrooms or storage facilities here?

Yes, restrooms and storage facilities are available near Notre-Dame, but not inside the cathedral itself.

Are there family-friendly activities near Notre-Dame?

Yes, nearby activities include exploring Square Jean XXIII, the Archaeological Crypt, and kid-friendly Seine boat rides.

How can I explore the Cathedral in a short amount of time?

Focus on highlights like the façade, interior nave, and rose windows, and use guided tours for quick insights.

Are there any special events at Notre-Dame?

Post-restoration, Notre-Dame is expected to host events like Christmas masses, Easter celebrations, and concerts, as it did before.