Notre Dame Reserved Entry Tickets

4.2(3,740)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Notre Dame Cathedral exterior with a group of tourists in Paris.

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame now requires free timed reservations for entry. Without one, waits can stretch up to 2–3 hours on busy days; even with a booking, everyone must clear security (10–20 minutes). Cathedral entry is free — but these official ticketed/hosted options can shorten the process and add depth:

  • Free timed reservation: Book online (2 days out at midnight, Paris time) to join the reserved-entry line. Slots are capped and disappear fast in peak season. Does not skip security.
  • Exterior guided tour + reserved entry (From €10) : A guide introduces Notre-Dame’s history and restoration from outside, then escorts you to the reserved entrance so you bypass the general walk-up line. Interior visit is self-guided. Opt for early bird entry to secure early morning slots, before peak hours — the smoothest way in if you want a quieter cathedral.
  • Interior guided tours with reserved entry (From €59) : For a deeper dive, join a licensed English-speaking guide inside the cathedral. Small-group options (max 7 guests) make for a slower pace and more personal storytelling.Entry remains free; what you’re paying for is the reservation handling + expert commentary.

See all your options to skip the queues at Notre-Dame de Paris ↓

What are customers saying?

Loved by 43 million+
Julieanne Marie Pierce

Julieanne

Sep 2025
5/5

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Wasn't that busy so we were able to really enjoy all the interesting exhibitions at the crypt. Truly incredible and very fascinating.
Barbara H Thomson
US

Barbara

United States
Aug 2025
5/5

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This was an amazing tour with Anthony. He had all of our names memorized before we even left the meeting spot! He concentrated on describing the highlights of the building and historic symbolism. Dates and names, not so much (although he knew them when asked). Questions and comments were always welcome and he was always gracious. I could not recommend this tour more highly. An iconic monument of Paris with no wait. Not to be missed on a trip to Paris. Worth every penny. Add Saint Chapelle (nearby) as well! Lovely morning!
Gregory D Williams

Gregory

Jun 2025
5/5

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+1 more

Our tour at Notre Dame was awesome, our tour guide, Antonio was excellent, really enjoyed the tour, would us Headout again
Simona Wiedermann
DE

Simona

Germany
Jul 2025
5/5

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Anna (guide) was very friendly, emphatic and told us great stories. Every question was answered and listened to. Absolutely recommendable!!!
Sukhwinder Kular-Houghton
GB

Sukhwinder

United Kingdom
Jun 2025
5/5

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Hi Raphael was great,as I was late,he called me and waited. He's really easy going and has a lovely way about him.Knowledgable about history. A really fun tour
Paul Jones
GB

Paul

United Kingdom
May 2025
5/5

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+2 more

The Eiffel Tower tour guide was excellent & a special mention to our guide "Hendrick" who was professional/ very informative & had a great sense of humour. I personally thought he helped to pass the time queing & made the whole experience a joy ***** 5 stars from me & my daughter. The hop on hop off Tootbus was again a great means to see all the treasures of Paris & with the audio information made it even better, again ***** 5 stars 👍 Thank you 🤩
BRIGITTE SCHMOLL-KOERNER
DE

Brigitte

Germany
May 2025
4/5

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+2 more

Everything was easy. No problem with the audio guide and immediate admission to the ND (only 3 people in front of us - a very long queue outside)
Prescott V Kelly
US

Prescott

United States
May 2025
5/5

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Ticketing and follow up was superb. Pepe even called us to check that we would be on time. We were late. He is a historian, a story teller, and a poet. Oh, very funny. Superb guide. Been to Paris 20 times and he taught us a lot that we never knew about Ile de la Cite. Just superb.

Book Reserved Entry Tickets to Notre Dame

Skip the long ticket lines and enter after a quick security check. These timed-entry tickets help you save hours during busy periods, so you can spend more time admiring Notre Dame’s architecture and history, not waiting in line.

























































What does "reserved entry" really mean for Notre-Dame Cathedral?

Reserved entry tickets let you bypass the ticket queue outside Notre-Dame’s archaeological crypt and towers - but not the mandatory security checks. Depending on the option you choose, you’ll either enter through the reserved timed-entry gate or the dedicated group entrance with a guide. Some tours also offer early access or hosted entry. On busy days, this can save you up to 90 minutes.

How long are the queues at the Notre-Dame entrance?

Notre-Dame is one of the most visited attractions in Paris, drawing over 12 million visitors annually. Since the 2019 fire, entry has been restricted to the underground crypt and tower areas - both of which now attract queues due to limited capacity.

From April to October, general admission queues often stretch over 60–90 minutes, especially between 10am and 1pm. Even in the quieter months, visitors without reserved entry usually face 30–45 minute waits.

Lines form at:

  • Parvis de Notre-Dame (for the crypt)
  • Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame (for tower access)

Expect queues to build well before opening time, with slow-moving lines due to limited timed entries and tight security screening.

Types of queues you’ll encounter at Notre-Dame

There are multiple queues you’ll face at Notre-Dame, and knowing which ones reserved entry lets you bypass can save you a lot of time.

Tour guide with tourists in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris.

Ticketing Queue

  • Location: Parvis de Notre-Dame
  • Who is it for? Walk-in visitors without pre-booking
  • Average wait time: 60–90 mins (peak)
Tour participants observing architectural details on Notre Dame islands, Paris.

Security check

  • Location: Entry gate
  • Who is it for? Mandatory for all visitors
  • Average wait time: 10 - 25 mins
Guide talking with tourists in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris.

Group Entrance

  • Location: Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame
  • Who is it for? Guided tours and hosted ticket holders
  • Average wait time: 5 - 15 mins
Why lose time at the entrance? Get inside with reserved access

Ticket availability is limited, and during busy periods, waits can stretch up to 60–90 minutes. With reserved entry, you’ll head straight to the timed-entry or group gate, where most visitors are inside within 15–25 minutes, ready to explore the crypt, towers, and Gothic architecture.

All your options for reserved entry at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Even with reserved entry, your experience depends on your timing and ticket type. Here’s how to choose smartly:

Visitor on Notre Dame balcony overlooking Paris rooftops, using audio guide.

Book reserved entry tickets in advance

Secure a timed-entry ticket online and walk past the general admission queue. You’ll enter through a separate gate after a short security check. These tickets sell out fast in peak season.

Guide speaking to tourists in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris.

Choose a guided tour

A licensed guide not only explains Notre-Dame’s history but also gets you fast-track entry through the quieter group entrance.

Guide leading a tour in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France.

Use a hosted entry

A local rep meets you near the entrance, handles your ticketing, and walks you through security. Ideal for stress-free visits or first-timers.

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral facade with visitors in the foreground, France.

Visit during quieter hours

Arrive after 3pm or before 9:30am to avoid peak queue times. Mornings between 10am and 1pm are the busiest.

Visitors on a Notre Dame walking tour examining historical displays along a Paris street.

Avoid free days and holidays

Avoid visiting the day after major holidays or on first Sundays of the month (free days), when crowds spike and reserved slots sell out early.

Frequently Asked Questions about Notre-Dame reserved entry

Why book reserved entry tickets?

They save you 60–90 minutes during peak hours and guarantee a timed slot. You'll avoid the stress of walk-up lines and get quicker access, especially on busy days.

Do I still have to go through security?

Yes. All visitors must clear security, regardless of ticket type. However, reserved entry reduces the wait at other checkpoints.

Can I buy reserved entry tickets at the gate?

It’s unlikely. These tickets sell out online at least 2–3 days in advance, especially during summer and holiday seasons.

Is Notre-Dame reserved entry accessible?

Yes. The crypt is wheelchair-accessible via ramp. Staff can assist at the entrance—just let them know.

Can I choose a time slot with reserved entry tickets?

Yes. You’ll pick a specific time when booking online. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to clear security in time.

What happens if I don’t book reserved entry tickets?

You may spend over an hour waiting in line and risk missing your preferred visiting window, especially if you arrive late in the day.

Do reserved entry tickets include access to the cathedral interior?

Full access to the cathedral's interior will depend on restoration status. Most reserved entry tickets include crypt and tower entry, with guided tours offering deeper insights.

Can I re-enter Notre-Dame with my ticket?

No. All reserved entry tickets are valid for single entry only.

Is reserved entry available on free entry days?

No. Free Sundays attract heavy crowds and reserved entry options are often unavailable. Best to visit on a regular day for a smooth experience.

Are reserved entry guided tours worth it?

Absolutely - besides faster entry, you’ll get fascinating stories and details you might miss otherwise.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.