Notre Dame Paris

The Cathedral is open all year round, every day of the week from 7:45am to 7pm on the weekdays and 8:15am to 7:30pm on the weekdays.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	08:00–18:45
Tuesday	08:00–18:45
Wednesday	08:00–18:45
Thursday	08:00–18:45
Friday (Today)	08:00–18:45
Saturday	08:00–19:45
Sunday	08:00–19:45

Best time to visit the Notre Dame Paris

Weekday vs Weekend

From Monday to Friday, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, the Cathedral tends to have fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the intricate architecture, stained glass windows, and other features without feeling rushed.
Weekends, on the other hand, are typically busier as they attract both tourists and local worshippers, particularly on Sundays when mass services may limit access to sightseeing.
However, weekends can also offer a more vibrant atmosphere with nearby street performers and bustling cafés around the Île de la Cité.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

During the peak season, which spans spring and summer (April to August), the weather is pleasant, and the long daylight hours allow for extended exploration of the Cathedral and its surroundings. However, these months attract heavy crowds, leading to longer queues and a busier atmosphere.
In contrast, the non-peak season, which includes fall and winter (September to February), offers a quieter and more serene experience. With fewer tourists, you can fully immerse yourself in the Cathedral's grandeur, particularly in winter, when Notre-Dame’s interior feels especially magical during Christmas festivities.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

Notre-Dame Mass timings

Notre-Dame Mass can be attended by all and is free for all. Find out more here.

Eucharistic Adoration ceremony inside a historic church.

Monday to Friday

8am – Angelus and Mass
12pm – Angelus and Mass
3pm – Rosary
5:30pm – Vespers
6pm – Mass and Angelus
Thursday, 6:45pm – Eucharistic Adoration

Incense burner swinging during a church service in a historic cathedral.

Saturday

8:30am – Angelus and Mass
12pm – Angelus and Mass
3pm – Rosary
5:15pm – First Vespers
6pm – Anticipated Mass and Angelus

Priests conducting a ceremonial prayer in a church during mass.

Sunday

8:30am – Mass
9:30am – Lauds
10am – Gregorian Mass
11:30am – Mass
5:15pm – Vespers
6pm – Diocesan Mass

How long should I spend at the Notre-Dame?

Notre Dame de Reims, France, showcasing Gothic architecture and flying buttresses.

Quick visit

30–45 minutes

Walk around the exterior to admire the Gothic architecture, sculptures, and gargoyles.
Explore the plaza (Place Jean-Paul II) and take photos of the façade.

Visitors inside Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, admiring the stained glass windows.

Standard visit

1–2 hours

Admire the interior (when open), including the stained-glass windows, statues, and altar.
Light a candle or take a moment for quiet reflection.
Walk around Île de la Cité for views of the Seine and the back of the Cathedral.

Notre Dame archaeological crypt entrance in Paris with historical artifacts displayed.

Extended visit

2–3+ hours

Explore the Archaeological Crypt below the plaza to learn about Paris's Roman and medieval history.
Stroll along the Seine or relax in the nearby Square Jean XXIII garden behind the Cathedral.

Archeological Crypt opening hours

Inside underground archeological crypt, Notre dame, Paris

The Archaeological Crypt of Notre-Dame, located beneath Place Jean-Paul II in front of the Cathedral, typically has the following 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.
Most visitors spend around 30-45 minutes exploring the Crypt, which contains artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history of Paris from Roman times through the Middle Ages.

Book tickets to the Crypt here

Frequently asked questions about Notre-Dame Cathedral hours

Why should I reserve my time slot?

Since Notre-Dame Cathedral is open to all and free of entry, it could get crowded. To avoid the long wait line, reserve your time slot on the official website for a hassle-free entry.

Is it compulsory to reserve the time slot?

Reserving the time slot is completely optional. It would be beneficial to reserve your time slot to avoid spending time in the long wait lines.

When do I need to reserve my time slot?

You can reserve your time slot on the day of your visit or as early as 2 days before your visit.

What happens if I miss my reserved time slot?

You may need to rebook, as reservations are typically non-flexible for specific time slots.

Can I visit Notre-Dame at night?

Yes, Notre-Dame can be admired at night, but interior access is limited to its operating hours.

Are there special hours for religious services and special events or holidays?

Yes, Notre-Dame holds regular religious services, which are open to the public. Services are usually held in the morning, midday, and evening. Special masses may occur on Sundays and religious holidays. Notre-Dame often extends hours for special events like Christmas or Easter.

When is Notre-Dame closed?

Notre-Dame Cathedral and its associated sites may close on certain holidays, such as January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Unscheduled closures can also happen due to restoration work or events.

Can I access the Crypt or tower during regular Cathedral hours?

Yes, but the Crypt and tower have their own specific schedules within the Cathedral’s hours.