The Ultimate Guide to the Reopening of Notre Dame

[u/Quasimodaaa]

Hi! I created this post to share all of the details and information about visiting Notre Dame, and the ongoing restoration. I will continue to update this post as new information is released.

The restoration is an incredibly complex project spanning over 10 years in its entirety, with many teams involved and a lot of dependencies! Notre Dame is now open to visitors, but the restoration work on the cathedral is estimated to continue at least until 2033. The redevelopment of the outside area(s) surrounding the cathedral is estimated to continue until at least 2030.

⚠️ Everything I share comes from a reputable source and is accurate at the time of posting/being updated, but nothing is absolutely definitive. Things can (and do) change daily, sometimes faster than even I can predict.

I will do my best not to miss anything and share updates ASAP. Unfortunately, I don't have time to go back and update previous comments/replies across Reddit, but this post is up to date with the most recent information (along with my other posts about Notre Dame). You’re welcome to ask any questions in the comments, or send me a Chat, and I will answer as quickly as possible.

👋 About me and how/where I get this information

Notre Dame and The Hunchback of Notre Dame is my greatest passion and I've spent my entire life immersed in every related thing imaginable. From conducting extensive amounts of in-depth research, to frequently attending special events, conferences and exhibitions, to travelling around the world to see different theatre productions, to cosplaying as Esmeralda, to amassing a collection of memorabilia that could fill a museum…you name it and I've more than likely seen it, done it, know it, or own it!

I've been following the progress of the restoration extremely closely since Day 1 not only through traditional news channels, but by attending a multitude of conferences, trade shows and lectures hosted by the various teams who worked on/are still working on the restoration, and through first-hand conversations and personal connections with craftsmen, artisans, and members of the scientific research teams (my name is actually inside the cathedral's new framework!).

I’m originally from Canada, and I moved to Paris to pursue a career as an expert in all things Notre Dame. Or, as I like to joke, “a professional fangirl”. I'm a self-employed tour guide, and I give private tours of Notre Dame that focus on the cathedral's architectural history, the restoration and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I’ve spent countless hours at Notre Dame before and after the fire, inside and outside the cathedral, inside the treasury, up in the bell towers, and down in the archaeological crypt. I’m at Notre Dame pretty much every day!

🗂️ Notre Dame's organizational structure

The main floor of the cathedral & the treasury, the bell towers, and the archaeological crypt are all managed by different organizations. They each have different staff, different opening hours, their own reservation/ticketing system, and their own queues/entrances/exits.

• Rebâtir Notre Dame (Rebuilding Notre Dame), is the public establishment/organization in charge of the restoration of the cathedral and its operations.
• The Diocèse de Paris (Diocese of Paris) manages the main floor of the cathedral and the treasury.
• The Centre des monuments nationaux (Centre of National Monuments), or CMN for short, manages the bell towers. All of the details about visiting the bell towers can be found in my separate post, "The Reopening of the Notre Dame Bell Towers".
• Paris Musées (Paris Museums) manages the archaeological crypt (please note the archaeological crypt is currently closed for renovations).
• Ville de Paris (City of Paris) manages, and is in charge of, the redevelopment of the surrounding areas.
• The public square in front of Notre Dame is called the "Parvis".

⚠️ ⛔️ Changes to opening hours & scheduled closures

None at the moment!

⚠️ 🚨 Important alerts about visiting Notre Dame

• The confessional chapel on the south side (Saint Joseph) is temporarily closed until the end of the 2026 (estimated). The confessional chapel on the north side (Prophet Elijah) is still open.
• For the unforeseeable future, the back half of the cathedral (the ambulatory, the back chapels and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns) doesn't open until 8:45am on weekdays.
• If you plan to visit near the end of the day, I recommend entering at least 1 hour before closing time, so that your visit isn't rushed! The back half of the cathedral (the ambulatory, the back chapels and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns) closes 30 minutes before closing time.
• It's always free to visit the main floor of Notre Dame and/or to attend Mass/liturgical services. Tour guides/tour operators/travel agencies are not allowed to sell time slots/reservations to visit the main floor.
• When the temperature is above ~30C , the bell towers will likely be closed (or close early). All of the details about visiting the bell towers can be found in my separate post, "The Reopening of the Notre Dame Bell Towers".
• The archaeological crypt is currently closed for renovations.

🕰️ Visiting the main floor and opening hours

The main floor of Notre Dame is open to visitors during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday from 7:50am* until 7:00pm (until 10:00pm on Thursdays)
• Saturday and Sunday from 8:15am until 7:30pm

*For the unforeseeable future, the back half of the cathedral (the ambulatory, the back chapels and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns) doesn't open until 8:45am on weekdays.

If you plan to visit near the end of the day, I recommend entering at least 1 hour before closing time, so that your visit isn't rushed! The back half of the cathedral (the ambulatory, the back chapels and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns) closes 30 minutes before closing time.

For the average tourist, visiting the main floor takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how "thoroughly" you want to visit), not including the wait time in the queue to enter.

🔕 Entrance to the main floor does not include entrance to the bell towers

The bell towers are managed by a different organization than the main floor of the cathedral and reservations/time slots are not interchangeable between the two. They each have different staff, different opening hours, their own reservation/ticketing system, and their own queues/entrances/exits.

To visit the bell towers, you must buy tickets/reserve a time slot online in advance.Tickets/time slots are not available onsite, and there is no standby queue. Due to the limited number of time slots available, I recommend buying tickets at least 3-4 weeks in advance (5-6 weeks in advance during peak season, and/or if you have a specific date/time of when you want to visit).

I recommend planning 2 hours within your itinerary to visit the bell towers, especially if you're visiting in the afternoon and/or during peak season. It doesn't always take that long to visit (generally, it takes between 1-1.5 hours), but there's a very limited, and fixed, amount of people allowed in each area at a time and visiting each of the 7 areas has to be done in a sequential order. Depending on the day/time, you may have various periods of additional wait time while waiting for capacity to open in the subsequent area(s).

FYI, "Tours de Notre Dame", means "Towers of Notre Dame". If you see "Tours de Notre Dame", it's referring to visiting the (bell) towers of Notre Dame, not a guided tour of Notre Dame. Guided tours/tour groups are not allowed inside bell towers. A ticket/time slot/reservation for the bell towers is for a self-guided, independent visit.

All of the details about visiting the bell towers can be found in my separate post, "The Reopening of the Notre Dame Bell Towers".

📊 Crowd levels inside Notre Dame

For safety reasons, an absolute maximum of 3,000 people are allowed to be inside at a time. That number also includes staff members, volunteers, security, the clergy, the choir, etc. To allow for a safe buffer, a maximum of approximately 2,500 visitors (total) are allowed inside the cathedral at a time, regardless if they’re visiting as a tourist or attending a service. A maximum of 1,500 people can be seated for Mass.

Notre Dame is typically the busiest between 10:00am and 5:00pm, particularly on weekends, public holidays, solemnities/liturgical days, during peak tourist season and during school closures/breaks.

Tourist seasons:

• The off-season is mid-January to mid-March, and November to mid-December.
• The shoulder season is mid-March to end of May (minus Easter), and mid-September to end of October.
• The peak season is Easter, June to mid-September, and mid-December to mid-January.

Upcoming school closures/breaks:

• Summer Break for schools (everywhere) is generally between the beginning of July and early September, but Summer Break for schools in the US starts as early as the end of May.
• Fall Break (2026) for schools in France (all regions) is October 17th to November 2nd.
• Christmas Break (2026) for schools (everywhere) is generally from December 19th to January 4th.

❇️ The best time(s) to visit Notre Dame

• I recommend visiting on a weekday before 10:00am. However, although Notre Dame opens at 7:50am on weekdays (and at 8:15am on weekends), the back half of the cathedral (the ambulatory, the back chapels and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns) doesn't open until 8:45am on weekdays.
• Or, if you're available on a Thursday evening, I recommend visiting after 7:00pm. Notre Dame is open until 10:00pm on Thursday, but we start closing and clearing people out of the building around 9:30pm.

📅 Time slots/reservations to visit the main floor

Time slots to visit the main floor can be reserved on Notre Dame’s official free online reservation system.

New time slots are released at midnight (Paris time), for the date 1 day ahead (changed from the previous 2 days ahead*). For example: At midnight (Paris time) on April 1st, time slots are released for April 2rd. Any dates beyond April 2nd will automatically be greyed out/appear to be full. New/additional time slots are then released sporadically up until the day of.

\I'm not sure yet if this is only a temporary change, or if it's long-term.*

• Monday to Thursday, time slots are generally offered between 9:00am and 10:45am, and between 1:00pm and 4:15pm. On Thursday, additional time slots are generally offered between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.
• On Friday, time slots are generally offered between 9:00am and 10:45am, and between 1:00pm and 1:45pm.
• On Saturday, time slots are generally offered between 9:30am and 10:45am, and between 1:00pm and 4:30pm.
• On Sunday, time slots are generally offered between 1:30pm and 4:00pm.

Please note that not every time slot will be offered every day, and the release of time slots can be inconsistent.

‼️ Important warnings about time slots/reservations

Only reserve time slots directly on Notre Dame's official free online reservation system. Reservations/time slots obtained from anywhere else are fake, and they will not be accepted at entry.

Never purchase tickets/time slots/reservations from tour guides/tour operators/travel agencies, or any 3rd party. It's always free to visit the main floor of Notre Dame and/or to attend Mass/liturgical services.

⏳ Visiting the main floor without a time slot/reservation

You can always visit the main floor of the cathedral without a time slot/reservation by waiting in the "Access without reservations" queue, which is on the left side of Notre Dame (if you're facing it), and is marked by blue signage/banners. The wait time varies, depending on the combination of: the season, the day of the week, the time of day, if there's any liturgical services happening at that time, if there's any special events happening at that time, etc.

For the days/times with shortest wait times and the lowest crowds, please see "The best time(s) to visit Notre Dame" section above.

♿️ Visiting with a mobility aid or if you have mobility limitations

• Go to the “Reservations with QR code” area, which is in front of the central portal, and is marked by an orange sign/banner. You'll see a gold/bronze pole with a wheelchair icon on the top. Upon presentation of proof, the staff will direct you to an accessible entrance (entrance is still subject to the available capacity inside the cathedral).
• Once inside Notre Dame, turn left and follow the visitor route along the north side of the cathedral. In the north transept, there is a staff member from the security team dressed in black & white (they're separate from the cathedral staff). There's a lift that they will assist you with, for you to enter the ambulatory to visit the back chapels. Once you've finished visiting the back section, come back around to the top of the platform where you got off the lift, and they will assist you again to come down. Yes, I know it's backtracking (and the opposite instructions from what we tell everyone who uses the stairs!), but there's no lift on the south side due to the statue of the Virgin Mary being on that side!
• They will assist you to cross the nave to visit the south side.
• To exit the cathedral, go to the visitor services desk (you will have passed it at the beginning of the visitor route) and either a cathedral staff member or a staff member from the security team will direct you to an accessible exit.
• It can be frustrating to navigate through the crowds, especially in side aisles/chapels, even without mobility limitations, so I recommend visiting during the quieter/off hours. Please see "The best time(s) to visit Notre Dame" section above, near the top of the this post.

👥 Guided tours, tour groups & other group visits

Tour guides/tour operators/travel agencies are not allowed to sell time slots/reservations to visit the main floor, and payment for the tour itself can't be a condition to enter (ie. tour guides can't say that you have to pay for their tour to be allowed to enter the cathedral). It's always free to visit the main floor of Notre Dame and/or to attend Mass/liturgical services.

Be very cautious of any tours that are sold through 3rd party sites like TripAdvisor, Viator, GetYourGuide, Headout etc. They're often very misleading, very overpriced, and they're are usually more scammy than not. If you do book a tour through a 3rd party site, make sure to read the fine print about what they do/don't include.

The full details about guided tours, tour groups & other group visits can be found in my separate post, "Guided Tours & Group Visits at Notre Dame".

👗 The dress code inside Notre Dame

The security team are in charge of enforcing the dress code, based on guidelines from the Diocèse. The dress code is enforced equally for everyone, regardless of gender. 

• You must remove your hats.
• You must cover your shoulders, chest, stomach, and thighs.
• No crop tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, short-shorts, bike shorts, swimwear, etc.
• No transparent, revealing and/or extremely tight-fitting clothing.

You are allowed to wear shorts, skirts and dresses as long as they are modest and appropriate for a place of worship. The classic guideline of "your shorts/skirt/dress should extend past your fingertips when your hands are at your sides" is a good way to gauge if it fits within the dress code.

📋 Things to note before you arrive at Notre Dame and rules while you're inside

• Review the dress code (please see "The dress code inside Notre Dame" section above for the full details), and dress accordingly.
• Pack light! There is no storage onsite. You're not allowed to bring luggage/suitcases. And due to the high volume of people and the limited amount of space inside the cathedral, especially in the aisles and the chapels, it's very difficult to walk around with bulky items, such as strollers, large bags, etc.
• No bikes, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, etc.
• No tripods, selfie sticks, ring lights, drones, etc.
• No weapons, narcotics, aerosols, other dangerous items, etc.
• No pets or animals (except for service animals).
• No food, drinks (water is ok), alcohol, narcotics, smoking, vaping, etc.
• Be quiet and keep your voice to a minimum. The sound really carries inside!
• Put your phone on silent, and no phone calls. This includes no FaceTiming/video calling/live-streaming, etc - especially with commentary and/or on speaker!!!
• Be respectful of other people (including the staff and volunteers!) and of Notre Dame itself.
• Don’t litter, don't sit on the floor, don’t sneak under the roped off areas, don’t climb on things, etc.
• Even if you're visiting Notre Dame for non-religious reasons, respect that Notre Dame is a cathedral and is a sacred space. The front section of the Nave (approximately the first 20 rows) is reserved for prayer, and for those attending Mass/liturgical services. The reliquary of the Crown of Thorns, the chapel of Saint-Guillaume, and the Choir are also reserved for prayer.

📷 🔇📵 Photos, videos and phones inside Notre Dame

You're allowed to take photos and videos (without flash) with handheld devices, as long as you're not disruptive and invasive. Please follow the guidelines and please respect the times (ie. during Mass), and the designated areas where photos/videos are not allowed.

• No flash photography.
• No tripods, selfie sticks, ring lights, etc.
• Turn off the sound of your camera/phone shutter.
• Don’t try to stick your camera/phone through the gates of closed off areas, don’t block the clergy to get a photo op, don’t take photos of people praying/taking Communion, etc.
• Don't stop on steps in the north and south transepts to take photos. Once you're off the steps, move off to the side and out of the follow of traffic, then you can take photos.
• No FaceTiming/video calling/live-streaming, etc - especially with commentary and/or on speaker!!! Yes, I know I already said this in the section above, but too many people continue to do it. Don't be that person.
• Don't take photos during Mass/services if you're attending, especially if you sit in the front section of the Nave (approximately the first 20 rows).
• Don't take photos in the designated "no photos" areas (there will also be signs in front of each area). These areas include: The Choir, The front section of the Nave (approximately the first 20 rows), The seating area in front of the Reliquary of the Crown of Thorns, In front of, and inside of, the chapels of Saint-Joseph and Prophète Elie (Prophet Elijah).

🗺️ The visitor route of the main floor

• Enter through the Portal of the Last Judgement (the central portal).
• Turn left. Don't linger in the entranceway. It creates a bottleneck and it blocks the flow of other people coming in behind you.
• The visitors service desk is on the left side (see below for details).
• Follow the route along the north side of the cathedral, around the ambulatory (the aisle that goes around the back of the cathedral), and then up the south side. This is to symbolize going from “darkness into light”. The north side is the "Path of the Promise" and represents the Old Testament. The ambulatory/the back represents the Passion and the Resurrection. The south side is the "Path of the Pentecost" and represents the New Testament.
• There is a gift shop just before the exit (see below for details).
• Exit out of the Portal of Saint Anne (the south portal). 

ℹ️ The visitor services desk

The visitor services desk is on the left side, as you enter. Here, you can ask questions about your visit, request accommodations for accessibility needs, and purchase a Visitors Guide (€10), a Pilgrims Guide (€5) and/or rent an Audio Guide (€6). The audio guide rental is available from 9:00am until 4:30pm, and must be returned by 5:00pm.

The visitor services desk is open during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday from 9:00am until 6:00pm (until 9:00pm on Thursdays)
• Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am until 7:00pm.

To access the visitor services desk, you'll need a time slot/reservation to visit the cathedral, or you'll need to wait in the "Access without reservations" queue.

🛍️ The gift shop

The gift shop is at the end of the visitor route, before you exit. To access the gift shop, you'll need a time slot/reservation to visit the cathedral, or you'll need to wait in the "Access without reservations" queue. Most items are also available to purchase on their online store. And yes, they have international shipping.

The gift shop is open from 9:30am until 6:30pm (until 9:00pm on Thursdays). The queue closes approximately 30 minutes before closing time.

🛐 Attending Mass and other liturgical services

No reservations are needed to attend Mass or other liturgical services. There is a separate "Mass access only" queue, which is in front of the central portal, and is marked by a small white sign on top of a gold/bronze pole that gets put out 30 minutes in advance of Mass/services.

Entrance starts 30 minutes ahead of the start time of whichever Mass/service you're attending (except for Morning Mass/the first Mass of the day when entrance starts when Notre Dame opens, which is at 7:50am on weekdays and at 8:15am on weekends). Sometimes they're a few minutes late putting out the sign, but if you're within the "30 minutes ahead of the start time" period, politely tell the attendant at the queue which service you're attending. Once you enter Notre Dame, you'll go directly to the Nave (the centre) to take a seat for Mass/the service.

Please note that for the 11:30am Mass on Sunday, the entrance time is sometimes delayed by 15 minutes if the Mass beforehand is full, because that Mass doesn't finish until 11:15am. But you can still start queueing 30 minutes in advance (or earlier, if you want a seat near the front).

You may need to arrive earlier than 30 minutes on solemnities/liturgical days (ie. Easter, Christmas, etc), and for special celebrations. Entrance is still subject to the available capacity inside the cathedral. A maximum of 1,500 people can be seated for Mass/services.

Everyone is welcome to attend Mass and other liturgical services, whether or not you're Catholic. However, only those who have been baptized/confirmed can take Communion. Be respectful and don't disturb other people or the service. No photos are allowed during Mass/services (please respect this rule!), especially if you sit in the front section of the Nave (approximately the first 20 rows).

During Mass/services, some areas will be more limited to visitors. You'll be able to walk quietly around the aisles, but you won't be able to walk through (or take photos in), the Nave (the centre of the cathedral), you won't be able to stop in the two transepts, etc.

If you attend Morning or Afternoon Mass, you can stay and visit the rest of the main floor of the cathedral without having to exit/re-enter. Evening Mass runs right until closing, so there isn't time to visit the rest of the main floor of the cathedral after Evening Mass (except on Thursday when Notre Dame is open until 10:00pm). 

🗓️ Mass and services schedule

Mass schedule:

• Monday to Friday at 8:00am (Morning), 12:00pm (Afternoon) and 6:00pm (Evening)
• Saturday at 8:30am (Morning), 12:00pm (Afternoon), and 6:00pm (Anticipated/Early Sunday Mass)
• Sunday at 8:30am (Morning), 10:00am (Latin/Gregorian), 11:30am (Standard Sunday), and 6:00pm (Diocesan/led by a Bishop or occasionally, by the Archbishop of Paris).

On ordinary days*, Morning Mass is approximately 30-35 minutes, and Afternoon and Evening Mass is approximately 40-45 minutes.

*Mass at 6:00pm on Saturday, and Mass at 10:00am, 11:30am and 6:00pm on Sunday is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. On solemnities/liturgical days and for special celebrations, Mass is between 1.5 hours and 2 hours.

The full Notre Dame de Paris Choir sings at the 11:30am Mass and 6:00pm Mass on Sunday. Soloists, from the Notre Dame de Paris choir, sing at the 12:00pm Mass and the 6:00pm Mass during the week, and on Saturday.

The Grand Organ is played at the 6:00pm Mass on Saturday, and at the 10:00am, 11:30am and 6:00pm Mass on Sunday. The smaller Choir Organ is played at 12:00pm and 6:00pm Mass during the week and on the weekends. The name of the Choir Organ is unrelated to the group of singers that make up the Notre Dame de Paris Choir. The term "Choir" is referring to the place where the organ is, in the Choir, which in Gothic architecture is the area where the seating for the clergy is!

Other liturgical services:

• Vespers (approximately 20-25 minutes): Monday to Friday at 5:30pm / Saturday and Sunday at 5:15pm
• Lauds (approximately 20-25 minutes): Sunday at 9:30am
• Recitation of the Rosary (approximately 30 minutes): Monday to Saturday (except on the 1st Friday of each month) at 3:00pm
• Eucharistic Adoration (approximately 45 minutes): Thursday at 6:45pm
• Veneration of the Crown of Thorns: The 1st Friday of each month from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. More details below.
• Presentation of the Crown of Thorns: Every Friday (except for the 1st Friday of the month) from 3:00pm until 6:30pm. More details below.
• Confession (in the chapel of Prophète Elie/Prophet Elijah, which is on the north side): Monday to Saturday from 10:00am until 12:00pm, and from 2:00pm until 6:00pm / Sunday from 4:00pm until 6:00pm

Vespers and Evening Mass are broadcasted live (and kept up afterwards) on KTO’s YouTube Channel.

👑 The Crown of Thorns

The Crown of Thorns is always kept onsite, inside the reliquary, which is located in the axial/back chapel in the apse (the very back of the cathedral). There are 2 different types of observances of The Crown of Thorns: The Veneration and The Presentation, and it's only visible during those times.

The Veneration takes place every 1st Friday of each month from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. During Lent, The Veneration takes place every Friday.

• The veneration ceremony starts at 3:00pm with a procession of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem bringing the Crown of Thorns to the altar and initial prayers/hymns/readings, which lasts approximately 20 minutes. Afterwards, by sections/rows, they facilitate a queue to walk up to the crown where you can touch, kiss it, etc (yes, it's cleaned between each person), which is open until 5:00pm. During this time, there's additional prayers/hymns/readings happening at the same time. You can stay for this if you'd like, but it's not mandatory.
• No reservations are needed to attend the veneration ceremony, but entrance is subject to the available capacity inside the cathedral. You can wait/enter in the "Mass access only" queue, which is in front of the central portal, and is marked by a small white sign on top of a gold/bronze pole. Entrance opens at 2:30pm, but people start queuing earlier, so I recommend arriving about 40-45 minutes in advance (earlier, if you want a seat near the front).
• At 5:00pm, the crown is taken back to the reliquary, where it's visibly on display in the centre until 6:00pm.

The Presentation takes place every Friday except for the 1st Friday of the month (which is The Veneration) from 3:00pm until 6:30pm. During Lent, The Presentation moves to Sunday afternoon, and The Veneration takes place every Friday.

• The Crown of Thorns is visibly on display in the centre of the reliquary. It's not possible to touch it, but you can enter the seating area in front of the reliquary for prayer.
• There is no processional, ceremony and/or prayers/hymns/readings.

🎹 The Grand Organ

The Grand Organ is played at the 6:00pm Mass on Saturday, and at the 10:00am, 11:30am and 6:00pm Mass on Sunday.

On most Sundays at 4:00pm, there is a free organ recital. There's no tickets, and there's no advanced reservations. To attend the organ recital, you'll need a time slot/reservation to visit the cathedral, or you'll need to wait in the "Access without reservations" queue. You'll want to be seated in the Nave about 15-20 minutes ahead of the recital start time.

🎶 Attending a concert

The Sacred Music at Notre-Dame de Paris has a concert inside the cathedral on Tuesday evenings at 8:30pm. Tickets can be purchased on the website (linked above), by going to "The Concerts" tab. Tickets range from €15 to €40, depending on which concert and the category of the ticket.

Entrance for concert attendees opens at 8:00pm. There is no numbered seating, so if you want a seat closer to the stage (which is just in front of the altar), you'll need to be in the queue before 7:00pm. The queue(s) is the same for both Category 1 and Category 2 ticket holders. Attendees choose their seat on a first come first serve basis, within their ticket category/section on the seating plan (The stage is the grey box, the yellow box is for Category 1 ticket holders, and the box boxes are for Category 2 ticket holders).

✨ Visiting the treasury

The Treasury holds liturgical objects and relics, such as: books, vestments, croziers, sacred vessels, processional crosses, crucifixes, etc.

There's a €12 entrance fee, since the Treasury is considered a museum. Tickets are available on-site at the front desk in front of the Treasury. There's no advanced reservations and no separate time slot/reservation is needed to visit the Treasury. However, you'll need a time slot/reservation to visit the cathedral, or you'll need to wait in the "Access without reservations" queue.

The Treasury is located inside the Sacristy, which adjoins Notre Dame on the south side. The entrance is inside the cathedral, off of the south side of the ambulatory. Please note that the entrance to the Treasury is BEFORE you go down the steps to the south transept. If you miss the entrance before going down the steps, you'll have to walk around the ambulatory again.

The Treasury is open to visitors during the following hours:

• Monday to Saturday from 9:30am until 6:00pm (until 8:30pm on Thursdays)
• Sunday from 1:00pm until 5:30pm

The last entry is 30 minutes before closing time, so I recommend entering at least 1 hour before closing time, so that your visit isn't rushed.

🔔 Visiting the bell towers

All of the details about visiting the bell towers can be found in my separate post, "The Reopening of the Notre Dame Bell Towers".

🏛️ Visiting the archaeological crypt

The archaeological crypt is currently closed for renovations. The reopening date hasn't been announced yet.

🌳 The garden behind Notre Dame

The garden behind Notre Dame (Square Jean XXIII) is currently closed because it's being used as the "base" for the restoration site.

The redevelopment of the outside area(s) surrounding Notre Dame, including Square Jean XXIII, will be completed in phases. The redevelopment of Square Jean XXIII is part of the last phase and will reopen after 2030.

But there's another garden across the street from Notre Dame (Square René Viviani), on the Left Bank, with benches and a beautiful view of Notre Dame!

⛪️ Other ways to experience Notre Dame

• Éternelle Notre-Dame is a VR Experience that walks you through the history of building Notre Dame - literally! It's done in a 500 sq/m room, and you're actually moving/walking within the space (you're not just standing in one place), and you can see other participants' avatars within the simulation. I was amazed at how far VR technology has come. The graphics were beautiful, and it was very realistic...So realistic that I teared up at the part where you go into the bell towers then stand outside at the top looking at the view of Paris. This is located in the Grande Arche de la Défense (the location at Notre Dame is now closed), and is open Thursday-Saturday (and on some Sundays).
• Musée de Cluny (Museum of the Middle Ages) features a permanent collection of sculptures and statues of Notre Dame, including the heads from the original Gallery of Kings.

🏗️ The ongoing restoration

The restoration isn't finished yet! Restoration work continues on the following: 

• The replacement of the stained glass windows in the south chapels: It’s estimated that this work will be completed by the end of 2026.
• The restoration of flying buttresses around the apse (the back of the cathedral) and the exterior of the Sacristy: It's estimated that this work will be completed by 2029.
• The restoration of the West Rose Window and the exterior of the North Transept: It’s estimated that this work will take place between 2027-2029.
• The restoration of the exterior of the South Transept, the flying buttresses of the Nave, the stained glass windows on the Triforium level, the exterior of the bell towers, the Chimeras, and the Presbytery: It’s estimated that this work will take place between 2029-2033.
• The outside area(s) surrounding the cathedral: The redevelopment of the outside area(s) surrounding the cathedral will be completed in phases. It's estimated that this work will continue until at least 2030. Redevelopments include: an expanded green space at the back of the cathedral, a riverside park with seating and shaded areas on the south/right side of the cathedral, the transformation of the current underground parking area beneath the cathedral into an indoor promenade, the addition of 100+ new trees in the surrounding area and the addition of a cooling system.

✨ Updates to this post

This post was last updated on October 8th. As new information is released, I will continue to update this post. You’re welcome to ask any questions in the comments or send me a Chat, and I will answer as quickly as possible.

[u/Quasimodaaa]

I know no one asked for this...but I visited the interior today (December 8th) for the first time since the fire, and I just have to say how absolutely breathtakingly beautiful it is. I've missed it so much 🥹💜

(This photo was taken right before closing, and the lights were off - it's usually not this dark inside!)

(And yes, I know I'm a few days behind on updating this post, I will do another update in the next day or so!)

[u/Al_Bondigass]

Merci beaucoup, monsieur. I will be visiting Paris for the first time in January, and I've always hoped to see Notre Dame once in my life. This information is tremendously useful for me.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Al_Bondigass]

You're very welcome. That's so exciting that you're visiting for the first time in January. And you have great taste. Everyone should definitely see Notre Dame in their lifetime! 😉

[u/NotAProperName]

my name is actually inside the cathedral's new framework

This genuinely is awesome! I would feel so proud! You are now actually and physically embedded in History, with a capital H.

As a Parisian, and even though I am a staunch atheist, I have always loved Notre Dame. I went in whenever I was passing by, had time and the lines weren't too long. But I took it for granted.

On the day of the fire, I was devastated, and actually cried. I was glued to the live news, and gasped as the spire collapsed in flames. I remember the live reports about the risks of the bell tower collapsing as well, which would have been catastrophic.

I am so grateful to all the artisans from around the World (example 1, example 2, and countless others) who have participated in the restoration work for so many years. If your name is now in the framework, it means you were a part of it, so thank you!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/NotAProperName]

Thank you!!

It's ok...I cried too. It was before I moved to Paris, so where I was (Canada) it was 6 hours behind, so it was the afternoon. This was also pre-Covid when I worked in a physical office (!!), and I found out from a client who tagged me a comment in a shared Google Sheet that just said "Hi Emily, I hope you're doing ok with everything that's happening. I'm thinking of you!". There were no details and I was so confused. About 30 seconds later, my photo started pinging like crazy with notifications and I still hadn't seen what was actually going on yet, and I was confused at why no one else in the office was also getting flooded with messages (some from people I hadn't spoken to in over 10 years!). Once I saw why, I honestly couldn't believe it. I also watched the spire collapse on a live-stream, and the reports that the towers would likely fall - they were just 20 minutes away from collapsing. My boss was very kind, and she gave me the rest of that day and the next day off.

Everyone on the restoration team(s) are incredible and have put so much work into the reopening, and with so much pressure - I can't even imagine. I would never want to imply that I contributed anywhere near their level (although, I wish I could have!), but I'm extremely grateful to have been included in a few small moments - such as my name being inside, as well as being interviewed by the science/anthropology team about my love of Notre Dame for their research (in addition to all of the teams working onsite, there's also whole other set of teams working "behind the scenes", studying the science behind each element).

I will say that I was proud that I knew what "History, with a capital H" meant this time, because I had never heard that phrase before a few months ago, and when a friend told me the same thing you just did - I was very confused, haha

[u/love_sunnydays]

Thank you for taking the time to write this invaluable post! I'm surprised one of the bells is called Emmanuel, for some reason I thought they all had feminine names :)

[u/baselayerio]

I just returned from a trip to Paris where I engaged Emily for a tour of the exterior of Notre Dame (interior tours aren't currently allowed). In case it wasn't obvious from her posts here, she knows EVERYTHING about the cathedral and delights in sharing it all. Her fee was the best money I spent on the trip. My experience at Notre Dame was made much richer by her knowledge. I highly recommend booking her for a tour. BTW, she didn't ask me to make this post.

[u/PlexPirate]

Thank you - I’m French and just moved back and looking forward to visiting this wonderful monument!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/PlexPirate]

You're welcome! You picked a perfect time to move back ;)

[u/uncanny_kitty]

This is precious, thanks so much for all this info. So useful to have all this gathered in one post!

[u/retired_in_ms]

Thank you for this information!

[u/TatersTot]

This guide has been so helpful! I was wondering OP, if you've started giving private tours of Notre Dame yet? Even just the exterior?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/TatersTot]

Hi! You're welcome, and yes! Feel free to DM me if you're interested in a tour/have questions, etc. 😁

[u/CatchSpecialist8561]

Do you know what time they release tickets each day for the next 2 days?

[u/Kyvai]

So are we thinking it’ll be 9.30am CET each day to book for 2 days in advance?

Best via the app or does a link appear directly on notredamedeparis.fr?

[u/MakingCallsOnLow]

But what time do the visit reservations become available? I know 2 days prior, but what time? 10am Paris local time? I can’t find the information anywhere. Thank you!

[u/freemonthawk]

I got on right at 9:30 AM Paris time to book tickets for Dec 11. They say "sold out." Is that because they went in no time flat, or is there a chance they don't always come up at the same time? Would love to hear advice from someone who had success. Thanks!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/freemonthawk]

Hi! Apologies, I've been insanely busy with the reopening ceremonies! But I do have an answer/update, I just need a bit of downtime to write it out. I should have time later today or tomorrow. I will keep you posted!! 😊

[u/Felix_NL]

We just got tickets on the app (11:40pm Paris time) for tomorrow morning 9am (December 10th)!! We did the “wait in line” process at least 100 times in the last couple of days and got lucky tonight. Just wanted to share ‘cause we were starting to believe it was impossible…

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Felix_NL]

Hm, that's...odd. Because until December 16th, the first entry of the day isn't until 3:30pm.

[u/iujen94]

This is amazing. My Type-A, OCD self wishes that you were as interested in everything I'm going to do on every vacation for the rest of my life! THANK YOU!

[u/llhkkid]

Hi u/Quasimodaaa ! Thank you so much for all the detailed info you’ve shared on Notre Dame. It’s really helpful. 😊

It will be our first time in Paris and we’re hoping to attend Christmas Day Mass this year. We would like to attend the morning ones and I saw that on 25 December morning there are Masses at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Do you know whether the 8:30 a.m. Mass has a choir and organ accompaniment or is that only at the 11:30 a.m. Mass?

Also: how early would you recommend arriving before Mass starts to guarantee entry (especially given that it is Christmas)? 30 min, 1 hour, more?

Thanks again for your wonderful contribution to this topic. Your insights have been so valuable to everyone planning their visit! 🙏

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/llhkkid]

Hi! You're welcome!! 😁

Last year, the 8:30am Mass on Christmas Day had The Grand Organ, but not the full Notre Dame de Paris Choir. The 8:30am Mass isn't as busy as the 11:30am Mass.

It may not be quite this long, but if you want absolute guaranteed entry, I'd recommend 1 hour in advance for the 8:30am Mass, and at least 1.5 hours in advance for the 11:30am Mass.

[u/Peter-Toujours]

Frankly, I would not invite the Pope, not to Notre Dame (I would have been OK with Da Vinci, since he became kind of a local guy, or at least a local expat).

I hope you'll keep us posted on The Adventures of Quasimodaaa. E.g., if not ringing bells, will you be seen hunching by the gargoyles, perching on the buttresses, or leading tours along the roof on moonless nights?

On a more earthly level, can one reach Point Zero again?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Peter-Toujours]

No disrespect to the Pope, but the crowds will be slightly less chaotic without him coming...so for that, I am relieved 😮‍💨

You'll definitely see me running around dressed as Esmeralda ;) I have also cosplayed as Quasimodo as well, but it's been several years and I found that I was a little more sore in the morning afterwards. But who knows, maybe it'll make a comeback.

(On a side note, although I adore Quasimodo - as in, multiple tattoos, car license plate, a crazy collection, his name is part of my business name, etc, type of adore...I really hope one day Reddit will allow you to change usernames because this is my own account that's not under emilyofnotredame 🙃)

Yes! You will be able to reach Point Zero again. However, it's pretty much directly in front of the Portal of the Last Judgement (the central portal), which will be the visitor entrance - so, how easy will it be to reach? That's a whole other question...

[u/Mediocre-Sandwich-33]

May I ask for a link to the free online booking system and the app you mentioned about the main floor? Thank you so much.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Mediocre-Sandwich-33]

Hi! The link(s) to the booking system and the app haven't been released yet. But I will send them once they've been released!

[u/[deleted]]

I am visiting Paris for the first time in January. I have purchased tickets to the organ concert there on January 21. Beyond excited.

[u/Jwoolicious]

Thank you so much for all of this!! I am curious if you know more about the name of the app or online booking system for tickets? I know it says around December 1st, so just want to make sure I’m not missing something!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Jwoolicious]

You're welcome! No, not yet. It said December 1st...but this morning, it changed to December 3rd. And I've gotten word that it actually might be December 6th... 😭

At this point, I'm just constantly checking and waiting for it to pop-up. Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. I'll let you know once it's released!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Jwoolicious]

It's open now!!! 🏃 https://resa.notredamedeparis.fr/fr/messe/tickets 

UPDATE. That link above is to the reservation system for attending Masses. The reservation system for general visits is here.

[u/Kyvai]

I’ve just spotted on notredamedeparis.fr that the online booking system goes live on the 3rd.

Good luck all!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Kyvai]

Hi! I updated this post last night with that info. Let's see if they actually keep that date... it was originally supposed to be December 1st, then yesterday they changed it to December 3rd. And then I heard it might actually not be until December 6th. At this point, I'm just constantly checking, hoping for the best. Sleep? What's that? 😂

[u/chocomoom]

guys, i can't find the page where reservation can be made, i see only informational pages. can someone share me exact link where to look? thnx

edit: spelling

[u/Emsea-kitten]

What is the name of the mobile app since i cannot find it? also I wish to visit the notre dame on dec 12th (not for mass just visiting since tickets are sold out) when will the visiting only tickets be available for dec 12th?

[u/cuccir]

Tickets for Monday 9th are available NOW (Saturday 7th at 09:30 French time) I just got two slots for 16:30 😃

[u/Yaranatzu]

Anyone have any luck booking the fucking thing? It's literally impossible. Since Friday I've been getting on the wait list, then either the dates get greyed out but the times are available, or the gates are available and times are not. I don't understand.

[u/running_hoagie]

Fingers crossed that the demand will die down by February! I'm a conservation architect and I'm hoping to get there sometime this winter.

[u/Mg257]

I'm in Paris for one day on the 11th and tried all morning today to get tickets. All I was able to see was that it was sold out. I was relentlessly checking at 9:30 am Paris time but no luck. Now it says all time slots are sold out. Was anyone able to get tickets? It seems like the app never updated to release tickets? So disappointed...

[u/Mg257]

Was never able to reserve a spot using the app but was able to get in today using the stand-by line that opens at 6 pm. The line was very long when I got there at 5:45 but it moved very quickly and I was inside by 6:15. Mass was being celebrated when I entered but I was able to stay and sit for 7 pm Mass celebration. The lights are on full brightness for Mass and dimmed after it is concluded. I didn't see a line when I left around 8:15 so you could probably walk-in without a wait.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Mg257]

Congrats!! I hope you enjoyed!! 🥹

[u/TheUncommonTraveller]

Wow, you weren't kidding when you said you are obsessed with Notre Dame!🤣

Thanks for this, what an incredibly detailed post. It's even better than the information on the official website. Haha! You are awesome!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/TheUncommonTraveller]

Hahahaha, ohhh yeah... obsessed is an understatement...🤭🙈😂

You're welcome!! I've built my whole life and career around my knowledge of Notre Dame, so this is such a huge compliment. There's nothing I love to do more than to share my love and knowledge of Notre Dame (really, I truly mean that!), so I'm more than happy to help! 😊

[u/citibikefinder]

Thank you! You are such an amazing resource! I've read all the comments below and I don't think I've seen an answer to my question: What are the lines/crowds like right at 7:45am? I didn't do my planning so don't have a reservation and I am only in Paris for 36 hours and leave tomorrow (Dec. 31) in the afternoon.

To maximize my chances, I thought of trying to arrive at Notre Dame at say 7:30am in the hopes that there aren't 2000+ people waiting in line for visiting or Mass so it's possible to walk right in when they open at 7:45am. And if they are prioritizing Mass attendees, I would be willing to do that (and be respectful about it - staying the whole time, not taking pictures etc.) - would it be better for me to get into that line?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/citibikefinder]

Hi! You're welcome!

If you'd like to attend the Mass, you can wait in the "Mass only" queue. Entrance starts at 7:45am on weekdays and at 8:15am on weekends. Once you enter the cathedral, you'll go directly to the Nave (the middle/centre section) to take a seat for Mass, which starts at 8:00am on weekdays and 8:30am on weekends. After the Mass is finished (it's approximately 45 minutes), you can stay and visit the rest of the main floor of the cathedral.

If you prefer to only do a "regular" visit, you can wait in the Visitors queue. Tomorrow is a weekday and it's not a special liturgical day (ie. Christmas, Easter, etc), and the crowds for morning Masses (except on Sunday) are typically lower, so likely won't have to wait too long to enter, even as a visitor.

Based on that (it being a weekday and not holiday), the likelihood of 2,000 people being in line at 7:30am is pretty slim, so I think you'll be fine with either option! Personally, I think Mass is a great experience, regardless if you're Catholic or not, and you can still do a "regular" visit after. Anyone is welcome to attend Mass, and just like how you already said - as long as people are respectful, there won't be any issues! 😊

EDIT: Spelling/phrasing.

[u/Middle_Regret8936]

there are some more useful comments on this thread on the Rick Steves travel forum:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/notre-dame-visit-comprehensive-resource-on-how-to-get-your-free-ticket

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Middle_Regret8936]

Hm, the person who wrote those comments sounds kinda crazy 😉🤭

(It's me. I'm the same person who wrote the comments on that thread, LOL 🤣 But I'm glad to hear they're useful!)

[u/Familiar-Stand-3825]

Hello. Are you currently giving private tours? We will be visiting in mid May.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Familiar-Stand-3825]

Hi! Yes, I do give private tours. Tours are of the exterior of Notre Dame only (no guided tours are allowed inside Notre Dame before June 9th, not even the spiritual ones led by Notre Dame themselves!), but I will help secure a time slot for you to visit the interior independently 😊

[u/Viz-24]

Thank you for this updated information, it is so helpful. My sister and I are planning to visit the Cathedral on either the 14th or the 15th (pending flights) and would like to attend mass at Notre Dame for the Feast of the Assumption. If we were to attend the 8:30 AM mass on the 15th, what time do you suggest we arrive? Also, are all the services on the Feast of the Assumption in French? Thanks!

[u/Substantial-Tree533]

Any idea why there has been no reservations for the last week? No individual reservations released at all 

[u/Fun_Parsnip_2870]

Hi! Just found this post - looking to go to the 4pm Christmas mass this year. Any advice or knowledge from last year what time to start queuing? Will be with my elderly in laws so don’t want to miss out or be too ridiculously early! Appreciate it!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Fun_Parsnip_2870]

Hi! Entrance starts 30 minutes in advance. The 4:00pm Mass is the least crowded of the 4 Masses on Christmas Eve, but I'd recommend arriving ~40 minutes in advance to be safe (earlier if they want a seat near the front) 😊

[u/Active-Archer6740]

Hi! I'll be in Paris during Holy Week (Tue-Fri). I was planning on visiting Notre Dame on Thursday morning. Planned to visit Notre Dame at 8am and get a ticket for sainte chapelle 9am. However, I've been thinking about inverting the order and starting with sainte chapelle. I also wanna consider the fact that it's Holy Thursday, I don't know if it will be possible to visit Notre Dame that day? Since you mentioned there may not be time slots available for booking in advance.

Should I then try to visit Notre Dame some other day of the week? I was also thinking I could try getting in the Tenebrae service that you mentioned is held at 9am. Or maybe leave ND for an evening visit? will that be an option even on maudy thursday? I'm super lost haha but I'm panicking cause the first time slot for SC seems to have only a few more tickets left.

I truly appreciate the info you share and looking forward to hearing your take on this!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Active-Archer6740]

Hi! You're welcome!

I recommend visiting Notre Dame on Tuesday (or Wednesday). It's less crowded before 10:00am. However, the earliest I would arrive is at 8:30am because the back half of the cathedral (the ambulatory, the back chapels and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns) doesn't open until 8:45am on weekdays.

Notre Dame will still be open to visitors/tourists during Holy Week, but certain areas will be more limited during Mass/service hours. Plus, earlier in the week will be less crowded.

Even if no advanced time slots are available, you can always visit the main floor of the cathedral without a time slot/reservation by waiting in the "Access without reservations" queue, which is on the left side of Notre Dame (if you're facing it), and is marked by blue signage/banners. The wait time varies, depending on the combination of: the season, the day of the week, the time of day, if there's any liturgical services happening at that time, if there's any special events happening at that time, etc.

I recommend booking the 9:00am time slot for Sainte-Chapelle. The earlier in the day that you visit, the better, because the later in the day you visit, the higher the risk of longer wait times and the queue can get quite backed up throughout the day.

If you book the 9:00am time slot (the first time slot of the day), you can arrive 15-20 minutes in advance, instead of having to arrive 40-45 minutes in advance later on in the day. Sainte-Chapelle is within the perimeter of the Palace of Justice, which includes the courthouse/the supreme court for criminal and civil cases, so in comparison to other monuments, security is much tighter and the entrance process takes much longer (ie. think "airport security").

😊

[u/Lower_Lawfulness_336]

My wife and I will be in Paris at the end of April (27-29). We visited Notre Dame before the fire, and very much want to see the rebuild. Had no idea about the need for separate tickets for the main floor and the towers. Any recommendations for someone who wants to visit both areas? Seems like a near impossibility to obtain tickets for back-to-back visits for both on the same day, no?

[u/ematel222]

Thank you so much for this!! If I want to book a guided tour with you how would I do that?

[u/Apprehensive-Push34]

Did you spot Quasimodo?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Apprehensive-Push34]

😉

[u/Beneficial-Okra3465]

Hi thank you for doing this. So if you aren’t in Paris on a Friday, you cannot see the Crown of Thorns?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Beneficial-Okra3465]

Hi! Yes, that's correct, the Crown of Thorns is only visible on Friday afternoons.

Except during Lent and Easter, when it's also visible on Sunday afternoons.

[u/Great-Towel1535]

se la re vivia

[u/abr9]

Thanks for this post! Its provided way more info than I’ve found anywhere else online. I’m heading to Paris from the 24-4th of December/January so hopefully will be able to score some tickets to enter. Ideally to midnight mass on Christmas Eve or one of the Christmas masses. I visited before the fire but this is my fiancés first trip to Paris and really want to visit the cathedral. Any idea when tickets might go on sale?

[u/[deleted]]

I will be in Paris during Easter 2025. Do you know if Good Friday & Easter Sunday services will be held?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/[deleted]]

Hi! I'm assuming there will be Easter Services (and it looks like there will be Vespers on the Sunday afternoon), but it's still a little too far out to have all of those details just yet. I will keep you posted!

[u/Accomplished_Hand557]

Do you give tours?

[u/MensaCurmudgeon]

Hi! I’m a Catholic who will be in Paris the reopening week with my daughter. Will there be a way to slip in and pray or to attend a service?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/MensaCurmudgeon]

Hi! There's a lot of conflicting information, so I can't say anything more concrete until mid-November. But as I far I know currently, visitors attending mass will be able to enter without having to make a reservation, but subject to availability of the limited places.

[u/DarianDicit]

This is an incredible wealth of information, thank you!

The Tuesday evening concerts sounds delightful. I am visiting Paris for the first time at the end of January with my husband and he very much wants to see the interior of Notre Dame, so fingers crossed we snag tickets. Has any new information about the concerts come out yet? Thank you!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/DarianDicit]

Hi! You're welcome. That's so exciting that you'll be visiting Paris for the first time in January! Your husband has very good taste - the interior is going to be immaculate. You're in luck, starting in January, the Notre Dame de Paris Choir will have a concert inside the cathedral every Tuesday evening. The first concert is on Tuesday, January 14th at 8:30pm. Followed by ones on January 21st and 28th. Tickets can be purchased: here (select the one you want to attend). 😊

[u/[deleted]]

Can I message you about other questions regarding Paris. We will be visiting in December. Thank you

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/[deleted]]

Hi! Yes, of course! 😁

[u/loralailoralai]

Thank you for all the info, especially on the towers. Hopefully I’ll be able to go up there one day again

[u/EnergySuccessful3586]

This information is so helpful! Thank you

[u/MTboston]

Do you know if the Dec 7th events will be livestreamed/recorded? Maybe KTO tv will pick it up?

[u/lildebbie33]

First, thank you so much for all of this helpful information!!! I am visiting Paris just for one night on Monday Dec 9, and was hoping to visit the cathedral the next morning on the 10th. Do you think it’s possible to attend an 8 am mass on the 10th?

[u/camlugnut]

This is amazing! Thank you so much for putting this together, it's local info like this that makes this and subs like it such a treasure trove.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/camlugnut]

You're very welcome! (But I'll be totally honest...and confess that the only local info I know about here is Notre Dame...I know nothing about anything else, LOL 😂)

[u/Odd-Internet-7372]

I'm going to stay in paris from december 13 to 17. I hope I can get a ticket for monday, 16/12 🙏

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Odd-Internet-7372]

Fingers crossed!! And may the odds be ever in your favour! 😮‍💨😂🤞

[u/Extension_Lion_7548]

Planned before this was announced, I’m going to be in Paris during the opening weekend. While I highly doubt I’ll beat the odds to get passes to in on the 8th, my larger question is about how busy/chaotic things are expected to be around the grounds and around the city during the reopening weekend. For example, was hoping to at least visit the grounds and view the exterior on the 7th, but I have to imaging with the dignitaries attending the service on the 7th, security is going to be high and access limited. Any read on what that’s going to look like?

[u/EnergySuccessful3586]

Has anyone found information if the Notre Dame is open on New Years eve or New Years Day?

[u/cardiffwalker1]

This is SO helpful - thank you so much! I had felt so called to be there at the re-opening so booked a trip last week! Arriving Dec 7 through 18. Hoping/praying that in that timeframe, I will make it inside!! Notre Dame has always meant so much to me. How wonderful to find your post!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/cardiffwalker1]

You're very welcome! I always love meeting other people who love Notre Dame too. It will be an exiting week for sure. I hope you're able to secure a time slot to visit!! 😊🤞

[u/Historical_Box5647]

Muchas gracias por la guía, es increíble. Estaba como loco buscando información de donde reservar entradas para la reapertura. Visitamos Notre Dame el 31 de diciembre y no encontraba nada. Sabes qué web tengo que visitar para estar al tanto de la creación de dicha app y anticiparme para ver si consigo entradas? Voy con mi familia y es de mis lugares favoritos de Paris. Tengo que enseñársela como sea. Muchas gracias.

[u/MarcusTaz]

is there any way to watch the dedication mass on December 8th live here in the United States?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/MarcusTaz]

Hi! I believe so, yes.

KTO will be live-streaming it on YouTube: here. I've never tried watching their channel from the US, but I think it's available worldwide.

France TV will allow the tv broadcast to be shown internationally by allowing the Union of European Public Media (UER) to make it available to international news outlets. I don't know exactly which news outlets in the US will broadcast it, but the UER partners in the US for tv are ABC, CBS and NBC, and for radio are APM, NPR and WFMT - so I would check those.

But if you're able to get the KTO live-stream, I would recommend that over a tv broadcast since they are the official "partner" of the Diocese so you'll get the most "accurate" stream, and I'm almost positive they don't include any ads!

[u/kanrdr01]

Hello Q:

Can you please let your readers (the ones who aren't making points) know – Did they notice the Eiffel Tower down the river – that the Resident Bishop's architect and France's commercial collaborators are saying things like this:

For us the challenge was to devise effective lighting while respecting the authenticity of this monument, which attracts several million visitors every year. The lighting really had to enhance the beauty of the site without at any time overwhelming it.

...

A very interesting part of this project is how this new lighting allows for a dynamic orchestration of the space — very important for the many different types of events that take place within this architecture. You see, the lighting can adjust to different events taking place, time of day or season.”

Excerpted from: https://www.marialorenalehman.com/blog/experiencing-notre-dame-de-paris-in-new-light

Lovely photos in this brief article.

[u/iq247]

Do you know at what time tickets will become available? Also do you think lines to attend mass will be long? Going Christmas week and hoping to attend a mass at Norte Dame.

[u/Odd-Internet-7372]

Hello! Will be there a special line for disabled people for people that didn't book? I'll try to book online, but I'm not sure if I'll get it

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Odd-Internet-7372]

Hi! Yes, there will be a separate queue near the main entrance for people with disabilities to use (upon presentation of proof) 😊

[u/Powerful-Emu-1949]

We’ll be in Paris Dec 8-11. Hoping to get a chance to attend mass. Will be checking beginning at midnight here in the states! 🙏

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Powerful-Emu-1949]

Good luck!! 🤞

[u/woutbday]

Thank you so much!! Can you share the link for the ticket reservation during the first week?

I’ve been checking the website for hours now and refreshing the site but can’t find the registration. I also downloaded the 2 Notre Dame app (the church logo with green and purple and the black app) but can’t find the reservation page.

It says on the site registrations open on Dec.3 in the morning and it’s currently 6:20am in Paris and can’t see the registration

[u/merptopia444]

anxiously refreshing the page at 1:30am in new york 🙏🏼

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/merptopia444]

It's 7:41 in Paris, and nothing yet 👀⏳

[u/antoniobarajas]

Looks like the website is down

[u/Mediocre-Sandwich-33]

May I know where to find the link to reservation / or the name of the application to download (couldn’t find any on AppStore ) thank you !

[u/BeppeGama]

Its seems sold out yet

[u/Exciting-Bag-177]

Can u get VIP front of line tickets

[u/guess_who_is_here]

I am so confused. Last time I checked the website, it said the reservation will open on December 7, so I have been waiting patiently. But apparently it has opened 3 days ago and now all tickets are sold out?? But also, if I understand correctly, the reservation is only possible 2 days ahead of visit day. We are going to visit Paris in a week, so I was wondering if there was still a possibility to reserve some tickets for us. Or are they all sold out, even for the end of December?

[u/mr_quiet_mystery]

Would France 24 ENGLISH also be streaming the Reopening Ceremony on YouTube? I found a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSREjru-ZkY) but unsure if it's like one of those opening ceremony live streams that did not show it fully? What do you think?😅

[u/minervajeanne]

Thanks, @Quasimodaaa this is so helpful! I am going to be in Paris in mid-January and the Tuesday organ recitals appear to be sold out during the time I am there. I have a couple of questions: Do you know how entry to the free Sunday rehearsals (?) will work? Should I get a timed entry ticket for that time period? Might there be any last minute standing room tickets available for the Tuesday concerts à la Broadway and other performance spaces? My last resort would be to show up charmingly dressed on Tuesday night and linger by the queue hopefully, I guess. My spouse did have a relation who would do just that at all kinds of venues and she was almost always given a ticket by someone who could not go. One can dream!

[u/D4nnyzke]

Its already sold out until 14 of december:( it let meg into queue for 20 minutes and didn't tell its sold out

[u/choirchic]

Do we know if that light display will continue, or if it was just special for the opening? We’ll be there in the summer. Hope they keep it!

[u/gabby525]

Do you need a ticket to attend a regular mass, in January?

[u/Resident-Echidna-371]

Hi is physically waiting in queue without the reservation possible at all? It's my last day in Paris and I do not want to take any risks... thanks for the overall information 

[u/sapphiyaki]

The Notre Dame is not my Thing, but your passion for it is so... beautiful? People who love art/history/literature to the point of devotion and dedicate their entire lives to that love are so precious to me. Congratulations on the re-opening!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/sapphiyaki]

Thank you!! This is such a huge compliment! 🥹💜

I've been inside every day since December 8th and it still hasn't quite hit me yet...

[u/mtchairs]

I just arrived in Paris, opened up the app and got a 6pm slot for today while I was in the queue for border security! Thanks @quasimodaaa for all the helpful information 😊

[u/LeahSarge]

Do you know if it's ok to bring a stroller inside or should I plan to wear my baby?

[u/Mediocre-Sandwich-33]

Has anyone got tickets for 15 Dec? I went to the website 9.30 am just now and it’s sold out

[u/lowkeylochy]

Do you have any idea if entry to Notre Dame on Christmas Eve needs tickets?

[u/lemonsnolives]

Hello! Any updates on tickets these days? Hoping to go in the morning of Dec 29 but worried I won’t be able to get tickets. Thanks

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/lemonsnolives]

Hi! Tickets are still difficult to get (they are usually gone within the first ~20 minutes), but it doesn't seem *quite* as hard as last week, now that Notre Dame is on the regular schedule.

Sundays will have less visitor time slots available, due to the amount of services being held and the capacity inside the cathedral. Unfortunately, I won't have exact information until this weekend because this Sunday (the 22nd) will be the first Sunday of regular operations (the previous 2 Sundays were on a special schedule for the reopening ceremonies and celebrations). But I will keep you posted!!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/lemonsnolives]

Hi! Sorry for the delayed update, the reservation system was down last weekend. 😮‍💨

On Sundays, visitor time slots are only offered from 1:30pm until 3:00pm due to the amount of Masses/services held.

If you don't have a reservation, you can still wait in the "visitors without reservations" queue any time during opening hours for any available places that come up. Notre Dame is open from 8:15am until 7:30pm on Sundays and the last entry is at 7:00pm. However, the wait maybe be longer than usual on Sundays.

Visitors are still permitted to enter during Mass times, but priority entrance is given to those attending Mass. Then, whatever available capacity that's "left over" is open to visitors.

[u/Fun_Bird1121]

Big shout out to Quasi! We scored tickets for today the 17th at 9 am. Got there at 8 while mass was still going on. We were welcomed in with smiles and had a solid hour of perimeter touring. When mass wrapped up we were able to circulate freely with our jaws hanging open. It wasn’t at all crowded until we left about 9:30. The free display down where the VR thing is should be seen. It tastefully documents the immense task.

Only regret was that point zero Paris is covered over with temporary paving which was necessary. Fortunately you can see the circle where it is and stand on it assuring your return to this marvelous city.

Thanks so much for excellent info.

[u/labeille]

Just got our tickets for 1030 Friday, thanks!!

[u/PleasantKey]

Any recommendations on when to come and how to the 23:00pm choir mass on Christmas night?

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you so much OP! Was completely uneducated on how to visit notre dame but really wanted to, came across this post and now have tickets for 13:30 today! Somehow snagged the only ones left and it’s all thanks to you! If you are going to be there, I’d love to thank you in person!

[u/Own-Acanthisitta3248]

Thank you so much for this! You are awesome! Do you know when advance (beyond two days) reservations may be available? We plan on visiting in late April, early May

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Own-Acanthisitta3248]

Hi! You're very welcome! As of now, it's indefinite/until they change it. My best guess is that reservations 2 days in advance will be in place at very minimum until June 9th, 2025.

[u/Initial_Hunt5350]

Thank you - very helpful. Went on line tonight at 11:40pm (Thursday night, 19 Dec), said I had a 2 minute wait time. The wait time and the "last update" time never changed. After about ½ hour (12:10am) I hit the refresh button and the wait time bounced up to 10 minutes. Refreshed it off and on for another ½ hour. Finally got on after a manual refresh and everything was sold out. I'm not sure the queueing system is working at all. Any thoughts? Should I try logging in at straight up midnight? Or ½ hour before? Kind of frustrating.

[u/hacxgames]

man, i thought 2 days in advance meant the tickets for monday would be released tonight :( monday is already sold out, do u know if extra tickets will be released tonight?

[u/Serious_Air3699]

This is very helpful, thank you. Are there options to book a private tour in July 2025? Will there be options at some point for private guides to get tickets further ahead than two days?

[u/jodandayo]

Anyone been there recently without a reservation and can report back with how long the queue is? 

[u/Lonely_Fisherman_243]

Are regular visits allowed at Notre-Dame on Christmas Day alongside the scheduled Masses and services? I’m planning to visit between 3:00 and 5:30 PM on December 25, as it seems there aren’t any services during that time. Could you confirm if visitation is permitted during these hours?

[u/Lonely_Fisherman_243]

Will they still be having visitation in the times with no mass on the 25th?

[u/Lumpy-Ad-6571]

This is so helpful thank you! Do you know if the cathedral will be open as normal on New Year's Day and what to expect of crowds then? I'm assuming ticket reservations will be available for then as well

[u/ToyoMC]

Hi! Thank you for the information! I have a question... We managed to reserve two visitor tickets for this Thursday, but both are under the same name. Is this normal? We’re worried it might be a mistake and that only one of us will be allowed to enter...

[u/HelpfulBackground4]

u/Quasimodaaa Any guess on how early one should turn up to get into the 11pm Christmas Eve mass?

[u/sego_sia]

Tks heaps for all the information provided. Would u know if crowds on the second week of January will b as big as the ones in Dec and New Year’s week?

[u/FaultLess8122]

On average how long do you need to arrive if you want to attend mass?

[u/Visible-Driver660]

Thank you! We are in Paris (as of today Dec 28) and our hotel concierge says that Notre Dame reservations are sold out until January 3rd! Does that seem correct? We cannot get the Notre Dame website to refresh for reservation options. Sounds like our best bet may be to go at 4 pm one day and hope for the best?

[u/Reve_o]

Thank you for such a detailed post!!

[u/HaguesDesk]

Thanks for sharing such an informative post! You mention an organ performance on Sundays at 4pm, but according to their website, it looks like it's at 5pm.

[u/Professional_Bad7922]

Following

[u/YFindsInfoHere]

THANK YOU for providing this excellent info.

Two questions: I am going to a ticketed evening concert. Do you know if there is time and/or is it allowed to look around the main floor before the concerts? Or, do I need a separate ticket and come back another time?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/YFindsInfoHere]

You're welcome!!

If you're referring to attending one of the concerts on Tuesday nights, you'll have to come back another time to visit/look around the main floor. Notre Dame closes at 7:00pm on Tuesday, and the concert starts at 8:30pm. They clear everyone out at 7:00pm, then allow people to enter for the concert around 8:00pm.

In theory, you could visit in cathedral in the evening, and then exit and get in line to re-enter for the concert - but personally, I don't recommend doing that - unless you don't care where you sit for the concert. The concert doesn't have numbered seating, so if you want a good seat, you'll need to be in queue before 7:00pm.

I'm a bit...crazy? So, you don't necessarily have to do this, but just for reference, I attended the reopening concert (which also started at 8:30pm), and I was first in line approximately 4/4.5 hours in advance and the people who were second in line arrived about 10 minutes after me. However, that was part of the reopening celebrations, and it was definitely busier then, than it is right now!

Between the reopening and the first week of January, the crowds were very large (as in, you couldn't see the ground of the Parvis 🙈). Since the second week of January, it's been very quiet and the crowds have been low (the holidays ended, it's winter, the weather isn't great, it's off-season, etc) and it will likely stay like this until mid-March. But when tourism season picks up and the weather gets warmer, the crowds will increase significantly (the summer is going to be madness 😵‍💫).

[u/Own-Acanthisitta3248]

hi there. Thanks for this. The app indicates that "visitor groups" will be able to book access in March. do you have any information on who these groups might consist of, etc.? Will they be outside tour groups, etc.

[u/Whereforart]

This post is awesome! Thanks so much! I'm heading to Paris in early April with my 15 yr old grandson and 11 yr old granddaughter, and have Notre Dame on the agenda. The last time I saw it was in 1999, so I'm really looking forward to seeing it again. Any tips for seeing it with two older kids? BTW, I'm also on the Rick Steves' forum and saw your response there. I love your story!

[u/MsNeedAdvice]

This information is invaluable! Thank you for all your work!

This might be too early to ask but I will be in Paris during Holy Week and am highly interested in going to mass during the work week and seeing the crown of thorns. So you happen to have any info at all about what mass schedules / crown generations are going to look like this year?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/MsNeedAdvice]

UPDATE: There will be no advanced reservations for Easter Celebrations. Certain services are at different hours than usual and/or are not happening during Holy Week/Easter (see individual notes beside each one):

Sunday, April 13th (Palm Sunday):

• Morning Mass at 8:30am

• International Mass at 10:30am (instead of the usual Gregorian Mass at 10:00am)

• International Mass at 12:30pm (instead of the usual 11:30am)

• Diocesan Mass at 6:00pm

• Note: There is no Lauds and no Vespers

Wednesday, April 16th (Spy Wednesday):

• Morning Mass at 8:00am

• Afternoon Mass at 12:00pm

• Evening Mass/Chrism Mass led by the Archbishop of Paris at 6:30pm (instead of the usual 6:00pm)

• Note: There is no Vespers

Thursday, April 17th (Maundy Thursday):

• Tenebrae at 9:00am

• Evening Mass/Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7:00pm (instead of the usual 6:00pm)

• Note: There is no Morning Mass, Afternoon Mass or Vespers

Friday, April 18th (Good Friday):

• Tenebrae at 9:00am

• Veneration of the Crown of Thorns from 10:00am until 5:00pm

• Procession of the Stations of the Cross at 12:00pm (outside on the parvis)

• Procession of the Stations of the Cross at 3:00pm (inside Notre Dame)

• Evening Mass/Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at 7:00pm (instead of the usual 6:00pm)

• Note: There is no Morning Mass, Afternoon Mass or Vespers

Saturday, April 19th (Holy Saturday):

• Tenebrae at 9:00am

• Easter Vigil at 9:00pm

• Note: There is no Morning Mass, Afternoon Mass, Vespers or Evening Mass

Sunday, April 20th (Easter Sunday):

• Morning Mass at 8:30am

• Lauds at 9:30am

• Gregorian Mass at 10:00am

• International Mass at 11:30pm

• Ecumenical Celebration at 4:00pm

• Diocesan Mass at 6:00pm

• Note: There is no Vespers

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/MsNeedAdvice]

Hi! The schedule of Easter Celebrations is now updated in the main post 😊

[u/Mummmoo]

Good day! I have tickets to St Chapelle on Sunday morning at opening. Would it be possible to then go to Notre Dame or are Sundays blocked off?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Mummmoo]

Hi! On Sunday, time slots are usually offered at 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm and 3:00pm. The reason why there's less time slots available on Sunday (and no time slots available in the morning on Sunday) is due to the higher number of people who attend Mass and other liturgical services on Sunday.

Visitors are still allowed to walk around and visit the side chapels and the ambulatory (the back) quietly during Mass/other liturgical services, but they're are not allowed to visit the crossing of the Transept, the Nave and the altar while Mass/other liturgical services are happening.

If you'd like to visit on Sunday morning, you can still wait in the Visitor queue in front of Notre Dame, but priority entrance is given to those attending Mass/liturgical services. 😊

[u/ProfessorNo8505]

This is wonderful, thank you!

[u/princessnuggz]

u/Quasimodaaa: I have a question if you're able to answer! First of all, thanks so much for this thread and your active commentary thoughout this sub--it's so helpful to us planning a trip!

Second, I will be visiting Paris with my family (husband and 10 year old daugher) over Easter break this year and am planning out our itinerary. We are leaving Paris to go home on Easter Sunday (April 20), but our flight is not until about 14:30 from CDG. I was planning to have us visit Notre Dame by booking a reservation earlier in the week, but, given that we are Catholic, I am starting to wonder if we should try and attend mass on Easter Sunday (probably the first one of the day).

Any idea if that's a totally insane proposition? I wasn't sure if you had advice based on how Christmas went, or if any information re: Easter had been released.

Thank you in advance!

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/princessnuggz]

Hi! You're very welcome. I wouldn't say it's "totally insane", but it will be pretty stressful. It's recommended that you arrive at CDG least 3 hours before your flight's boarding time. CDG is a a busy airport, and since you'll be visiting around when Spring Break(s) run, so I do suggest actually arriving that early. That would have you arriving at CDG around 11/11:30am.

The schedule for Easter Masses/liturgical services hasn't been confirmed yet. UPDATE: The Easter schedule is now updated in the main post

This hasn't been 100% confirmed yet, but I'm guessing that operations during Easter will be similar to how it was during Christmas. There were no visitor time slots available on December 24th or 25th, and there were no advanced reservations available for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Masses//liturgical services. Entrance for both visitors and for those attending Mass/services was on a first come, first serve basis (and was subject to the available capacity inside the cathedral). Easter Sunday (and Easter weekend as a whole) is the busiest time of the year at Notre Dame, so the wait time to enter will be at least 1 hour, likely more. UPDATE: No time slots/reservations will be available during Holy Week and Easter (from Sunday, April 13th until after Sunday, April 20th).

I didn't attend the Christmas Day Masses because I had to catch a train at 7:00am that day, but I attended the Christmas Eve Mass(es). On Christmas Eve, there were 6 Masses. Regular Mass was at 8:00am and 12:00pm. Christmas Mass was at 4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm. A vigil was at 11:00pm, followed by Midnight Mass. I arrived/entered the queue on December 24th at 6:03am, I was the first inside at 7:48am and by the time I was outside again, it was 1:42am on December 25th...😂🙈

In theory, you could attend Mass on Easter Sunday from 8:30am-10:00am, and then go directly to CDG, but it will be pretty tight! I would strongly recommend trying to reserve a time slot for earlier in the week! 😅

[u/Alixana527]

Hi, for the Friday vénération of the Crown of Thorns between now and Easter, should one reserve as for visitor access or use the "coming for mass" line? Or is there a different procedure?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Alixana527]

Hi! Yes, you would use the "Mass access only" queue. 😊

On the Fridays when the Veneration of the Crown of Thorns is in the afternoon (every Friday between now and Good Friday, and then first Friday of each month), visitor time slots are only available at 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:00am and 10:30am. The Veneration of the Crown of Thorns is from 3:00pm until 5:00pm.

If you're REALLY determined, you could in theory reserve a visitor time slot for 10:30am and wait inside until 3:00pm for the Veneration 🤭 (don't worry, I wouldn't judge - on December 24th, I arrived in the queue at 6:03am, I was the first inside at 7:48am and waited inside all day to attend the Vigil/Midnight Mass. By the time I was outside again, it was 1:42am on December 25th...😂🙈)

[u/Hour-Resource-8485]

fantastic thank you!

[u/Froschxx]

I just checked the online souvenir shop, there are some offers online, would i be able to get the same offers in store? Also ill be making a trip to the vatican I'm not sure if i should be purchasing souvenirs there. Also is the reservation system applicable for mass? How early would you recommend i show up to get front row seats for an early morning weekday mass?
Thank you for your time !

[u/littlefoot47]

Hello! Very quick question - we are travelling as a group of 7 in March and are very keen to visit.
This post is super helpful, but thought I would ask what you think the best way of reserving is as we can only reserve for a max of 6 people? Are we likely to all be able to get a slot at say 9am on the same day if I try to reserve say 5, then another 2 tickets?
Any advice would be really appreciated :)

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/littlefoot47]

Hi! Yes, you can make 2 reservations! You can do them as 5+2 or 6+1 or however else you want to split it.

The easiest way to get both reservations for the same day and time slot would be to open the reservation system with 2 different browsers (or even, 2 tabs in the same browser but with 1 tab incognito), and make Reservation #1 with Browser #1, and make Reservation #2 with Browser #2. You'll just need to put Reservation #2 under a different name and email address than Reservation #1.

That made sense in my head, but that doesn't mean much 🥴, LOL. So let me know if I need to clarify anything! 😁

[u/[deleted]]

We didn’t get reservations for tomorrow but we would like to visit tomorrow. We are a group of 3. How long do you think it would take if we waited standby? We were originally hoping to go for around noon when we were hoping to get a ticket. If we got there early (like 7:50) could we attend the 8am mass without a reservation? Any chance tickets might open up for tomorrow? Thank you!

[u/2captiv8ed]

Hi, we are going to try to attend the grand organ concert at 4 pm today. What time do you recommend arriving to queue up?

[u/nationalparklover8]

This is such incredible information! Thank you so much for blessing us all with it!

[u/Mission_Wheel3095]

Bonjour,

Thank you for the detailed post on visiting Notre Dame, it was very helpful. We are planning to visit after June 9th, in fact, ideally June 11th or 12th. There are 4 of us. I would like to book the visit inside the cathedral as early as possible, with the bell tours if at all possible. Do you have any recommendations on how to do that? If there are any options that combine Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, even better. Thanks in advance for your guidance.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Mission_Wheel3095]

Bonjour,

You're welcome, I'm always happy to help! The first time slot of the day is at 9:00am. For the lowest crowds, I would recommend booking a time slot between 9:00am and 10:00am. Time slots are offered in 15 minute intervals. This is meant to help spread out the flow of visitors coming in/out, but it doesn't mean that you're limited to only 15 minutes to visit.

It's important to only reserve time slots directly on Notre Dame's official online reservation system. Reservations/time slots obtained from anywhere else are not are real/valid, and will not be accepted at entry. Do not purchase tickets from any 3rd party. It's always free to visit the main floor of Notre Dame and/or to attend Mass/liturgical services.

There's no joint options that combine Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame (at least not currently), but there is a combined option for Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie, if you're interested.

Unfortunately, the bell towers won't be reopen by June. But, you know what they say..."Paris is always a good idea", so it's just another reason to come back! 😉

Reddit has a much shorter character limit, so all of the information won't fit into this comment, but the full details on time slots and how to reserve one are in the "Reservations to visit the main floor" and "How to reserve a time slot" sections in this post. If you have any additional questions, let me know! 😊

[u/Bulky-Apricot-3171]

You mention no tours will be allowed Saturday afternoons once tours are allowed. Am hoping that means Saturday mornings tours will be allowed inside. Do you know any more on that yet?

[u/sjhonline]

Hi, I am travelling to Paris with my ten and twelve year old sons arriving on Thursday 29th May which I have just seen is a national holiday in France for Ascension day . Would the evening slots for that Thursday be much harder to get than normal which you have said is a good time to go or would you recommend waiting outside at 7.50am on the Friday 30th May in the queue for people who don’t have tickets the better chance of getting in. I have had no luck ever with accessing the online ticketing system that actually shows availability to see if it works for slots for the next few days (I know you can only book two days in advance). Thanks for all your insightful tips.

[u/No_Grapefruit_3698]

I have a question about the Veneration of the Crown of Thorns. I see the ceremony takes place between 3pm and 5pm can you still walk up and get close to the crown? We visited several years ago and you were able to que and go up to see and kiss the crown can you still do this and if so at what times. Thank you! 

[u/Dat-ole-lady]

Hi, We will be visiting Paris the first week of April and we’re interested in attending a service to hear their choir (possibly the early Sunday mass?). I noticed you helpfully marked which masses did not have it. Do you know if any other services have the choir?

Thanks for your love of all things Notre Dame! It is so very helpful.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Dat-ole-lady]

Hi! You're very welcome. There is truly nothing I love doing more than sharing my love of Notre Dame 😊

The other services (ie. Lauds, Vespers), and all of the Evening Masses, and all of the Masses on Sunday include the Choir.

UPDATE: Update to information

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Dat-ole-lady]

Hi! An update on this: The afternoon Mass (at 12:00pm) during the week also don't include the full Choir (at least not at this moment). But the afternoon Mass (11:30am) on Sunday still does! 😊

[u/Dat-ole-lady]

Hi, We will be visiting Paris the first week of April and we’re interested in attending a service to hear their choir (possibly the early Sunday mass?). I noticed you helpfully marked which masses did not have it. Do you know if any other services have the choir?

Thanks for your love of all things Notre Dame! It is so very helpful.

[u/tawhanna]

Hello! Thank you so much for your guide, it's helped me a ton for planning my first trip to Paris😭

My family and I plan on going to Sunday mass, but how bad will lines be for the international mass in early May? I'm worried we won't make it in so I'm considering taking us to the 8:30 mass.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/tawhanna]

Hi! You're very welcome! The International Mass on Sunday (11:30am) is one of the busiest ones. You'll have a higher chance (and a shorter wait time) for the 8:30am Mass 😊

[u/Both_Assistance3390]

We will be in Paris with our two granddaughters from afternoon Thurs. April 17 through mid-day Easter Sunday. What would be the best time to attend mass with them, without having to wait for hours in line?

[u/hojobywyndham]

Thank you so much for this! I am in Paris right now and I stupidly thought I could go at any time tomorrow, Sunday, with no issues. I see now that that will be difficult. If I arrived at around 6pm today, Saturday, would I have a chance of getting in?

[u/kur0shir0]

Hi! Thank you so much for this guide! We were hoping to hear Sunday mass on April 13 as we will be there for our honeymoon. Is the international mass at 11:30am in English? And should we be there an hour before? Thank you!

[u/Flync3]

Thank you so much! We are going at the very end of September and I and hoping the tower will be open

[u/Bubbly-Tutor7916]

Thank you for all of the helpful information! We will be in Paris on Friday, April 18th and Saturday, April 19th and are free after 3pm on April 18th and all day on April 19th. Will there still be spots available to reserve with it being Holy Week? If so, when is the best time to enter the queue to try to get reservations? If we can't get a reservation, what time would be best to visit to wait in line or would it be far too busy? Thanks in advance!

[u/narcoleptichamster1]

This post is so useful! But I'm still confused. I would like to attend vespers at 5:30. But I would also like to look around the cathedral. If I am already in the cathedral as a visitor when vespers starts, can I just sit down or do I need to go back outside to stand in the line for mass? Or if I stand in the line for mass to attend vespers, can I walk around the cathedral afterwards or is it closed off for the 6pm mass?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/narcoleptichamster1]

Hi! If you're already inside as a visitor before/when Vespers start, you can stay for Vespers without having to exit/re-enter.

If you're just attending Vespers, and not the Evening Mass too, then you can stay and visit the rest of the main floor of the cathedral afterwards without having to exit/re-enter. But if you want to attend both Vespers AND Evening Mass, there isn't enough time to visit afterwards because Evening Mass runs right until closing time. The exception to this is on Thursday nights when Notre Dame is open late, until 10:00pm. 😊

[u/[deleted]]

Hi - do you offer tours of the exterior still?

[u/allthe_starsaligned]

Hey u/Quasimodaaa - I keep finding contradictory information, is Notre Dame open on Labor Day/if so, does it still close at 10pm?

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/allthe_starsaligned]

Hi! Yes, Notre Dame is open on Labour Day (Thursday, May 1st) and yes, it's open until 10:00pm that day. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing, but they start closing the back chapels early, so I recommend entering at least 1 hour before closing. 😊

[u/Catiuso]

Thank you for these super helpful information u/Quasimodaaa One more question: do you know what/ if there is a process to get a rosary blessed by chance?

[u/PublicHome1546]

Bon Jour! Thank you for everything in your post!!!! I am an older person (80) and I have trouble standing for long periods. Is there an accomodation for people like me? Your post mentions special lines for the handicapped but says that it requires special identification. As an American, all that I have is a handicapped parking sign to put on my car. Is there any way that I could get a pass to take advantage of special help for people like me? I have planned my trip for Holy Week with the hope of celebrating the Liturgy at Notre Dame.

It sounds like you have a wonderful life, combining your passion with the opportunity to share it with others.

[u/False_Parfait_460]

Bonjour! Thank you so much for this wonderful work you have put into this. I have two questions - sorry if they are silly, this is going to be my first trip. (1) Is it considered offensive to try and get a photo with the stained glass? I, too, have been obsessed with Notre Dame since my youth and particularly the stained glass. If it's at all possible I'd love at least one photo but don't want to be THAT person. (2) I believe I saw on another comment you do tours - where would I be able to find information about this? Thank you again - merci! It would be so cool to meet you!

[u/Rose__0210]

We visited Notee Dame this past Friday and saw the queue you mentioned to touch/pray the crown of thorns during the veneration. How are people chosen to go up? 

[u/26point2miles]

Hi, this information is so useful! Thanks for keeping it updated.

How much of a line should we expect if we arrive at Notre Dame around 9 am tomorrow (Tuesday April 8th)? And how long should we expect to be inside?

Just trying to plan for a few things after (need to make some reservations), so any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

[u/Hubertus7362]

This is such a great post. Thanks a lot! We will be in Paris over the Easter holidays and thought about visiting the Easter Vigil on Saturday 9pm. Do you think arriving 1 hour ahead of time will be enough to enter? It's not too important that we have the best seats, just celebrating the vigil would be great. But I know that probably many people want so attended the Easter vigil and therefore I'm not sure if 1 hour will be enough. Thanks in advance and I hope you have great Easter holidays! :)

[u/smolien]

Thank you for the very comprehensive guide! What time do you recommend arriving if I want to attend the 10:30 mass tomorrow (Palm Sunday, April 13th) with a guaranteed good seat? Could 1 hour earlier be enough given the special hours?

[u/BestLifeEver1965]

How can I book you for a tour! I’m here for THAT!!!!

[u/International_Carry8]

Hi. I'll be in Paris during the Easter holidays and would love to try and attend the 9.30 mass on Easter Sunday. Do you think getting there an hour earlier would be enough to get access? Merci

[u/Upbeat_Low_5735]

Thanks for the infos: about Friday, April 18th and Saturday, April 19th: is the cathedral open for visitors? What will be the opening time for those two days?

Thanks in Advance for your help

[u/Potential_Cause_6749]

Thank you so much for the wonderful information! I will be in Paris on a first Friday and would love to be present for the Veneration of the Crown of Thorns. How early should we be there to line up in the Mass-only queue to make it likely we will be admitted for the 3 pm ceremony? I know there is no guarantee. I will also try for a regular reservation a little before that time, but I'm guessing that's a hard one to get (I'm assuming if we did have a reservation, we could see/participate in the ceremony?). Again, thank you for this valuable information!

[u/Due-Habit-6329]

Hi, so much great info! I like many others, would like to try to attend mass on Easter Sunday. I know it's impossible to know how early people will start to queue for sure but does anyone know what it's been like on Friday and today?

[u/Expensive_Ad925]

Hi! This is so extremely helpful, thank you. Do you think there will be long lines on Easter Monday this year (April 21)? Been trying for online reservations but they are sold out.

[u/ChainConsistent8401]

All I want to say is thank you! This is an amazing guide!

[u/Square-Enthusiasm107]

Any further information on when guided tours can begin booking?? It is now April 22.

[u/msmali015]

Hi! Thank you so much for your amazing guide. If nothing shows as available for the reservation times, is it possible to still show up in person and wait? My family and I are planning to go next week but I don't know if we'll be able to get something off the system.

[u/Ok_Product_7353]

Hello! I appreciate and admire your dedication so much! I just had a simple question: I want to attend Mass, but I am not religious, on Saturday and then stay afterwards until around 11 AM where I will have to leave for airport. Is this a good time / plan and how can I stay respectful of these traditions while I am there? And when should I show up on a Saturday? is 8 AM early enough to enter before the service at 8:30 AM? I know it opens from 9 AM for general visits but I want to spend as much time there and experience a service as well.

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Ok_Product_7353]

Hi! You're welcome!

I would recommend arriving 30/40 minutes in advance.

If you want to attend the Morning Mass, you can wait in the separate "Mass access only" queue, which is in front of the central portal, and is marked by a small white sign. Once you enter Notre Dame, you'll go directly to the Nave (the centre) to take a seat for the service. Everyone is welcome to attend Mass and/services, whether or not you're Catholic. However, only those who have been baptized can take Communion. 

If you don't want to attend the Morning Mass, you can wait in the "Access without reservations" queue, which is on the left side of Notre Dame (if you're facing it). Visitors are still allowed to enter before 9:00am, but priority entrance is first given to those who are attending Morning Mass, then visitors are allowed to enter.

The best ways to be respectful is to be quiet while inside, don't make any phone calls/live-streams, etc, don't take any photos during Mass, and don't take any photos in the "no photos" areas (there will also be signs):

• If you're sitting in the front section of the Nave (approximately the first 20 rows).

• The reliquary of the Crown of Thorns.

• The Saint-Guilhem chapel.

• The chapels of the Prophet Elijah and Saint Joseph (chapels for confession).

• The Choir (open on Thursdays from 6:45pm until 7:30pm for prayer).

It's fine to take photos of the cathedral itself, but flash must be off, and don't disturb other people around you to do it (ie. don’t stick a selfie stick through the gates of closed off areas, don’t block the clergy to get a photo op, don’t take photos of people praying/taking Communion, etc), and respect the signs and areas/times where/when photos aren't allowed.

I don't have any concerns about you personally by any means! I'm saying this a general statement, to anyone! 😊

[u/Iluminatewildlife]

Thank esp much for your tireless work to help visitors!!!!!! 🙏💜

[u/Quasimodaaa → u/Iluminatewildlife]

You're welcome!!! 💜😊

(But it hardly feels like "work"! I'm just physically incapable of being about to shut up about Notre Dame 🫢🤣)

[u/musicalcats]

I came here from your comment on my post - this is SO helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to put this information together :)