More than five years after being extensively damaged in the notorious April 15, 2019 fire, Notre Dame has been cleaned and renovated, with its formerly dark walls now almost seeming to glow. But that’s not all that’s changed. Here’s what to know about visiting Notre Dame in 2025.
When Notre Dame officially reopened on December 7, 2024, and then to the general public a day later, I couldn’t wait to go and see it. I’d wept when I saw it burning on live TV all those years ago, and have eagerly followed the news of the renovations ever since. But massive crowds and long wait times, as well as having to reserve a time slot, made me decide to wait.
Now that the crowds have thinned (relatively speaking—Notre Dame is almost always somewhat crowded) and it’s not absolutely necessary to make a reservation, I went to visit Notre Dame on a Tuesday in mid-February.
Here’s what I discovered.
When is Notre Dame Open?
As of this writing, Notre Dame’s opening hours are 7:50 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays, with a special late closing time of 10:00 pm on Thursdays. Notre Dame’s weekend opening hours are 8:15 am to 7:30 pm.
But before you go, as with just about anywhere, it’s a good idea to check the cathedral’s official website for any potential schedule changes or closures.
Is it Free to Visit Notre Dame?
As of now, it’s free to visit Notre Dame, although you may have heard that some French government figures, including French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, have proposed a small entry fee for people who aren’t going there to attend religious services.
So far, this hasn’t come to pass. But what is a little confusing is that there’s an optional time slot reservation system in place. This is just to help visitors to avoid long wait times, and doesn’t have to do with a paying ticket.
You may come across some websites or ads that are selling tickets for Notre Dame. These are a scam. If you want to make a reservation or find out any other legit information about visiting the cathedral, visit Notre Dame’s official website.
Do I Need a Ticket to Get into Notre Dame?
You don’t need a ticket to get into Notre Dame. As it was before the fire, you can just walk in (although at crowded times this may mean waiting on line for a while).
If you’re concerned about wait times, though, you can opt to reserve a time slot to visit Notre Dame.
Do I Need to Reserve a Time Slot to get into Notre Dame?
Good news for those of us who hate having extra things to do, or don’t know our schedule down to the minute: You don’t have to reserve a time slot to visit Notre Dame, but it is an option.
When the cathedral first reopened, I remember hearing that it was mandatory to reserve a time slot, or at least highly recommended. This is totally understandable, especially in those first few weeks, when the cathedral was drawing massive crowds.
Reserving a time slot to visit Notre Dame helps you avoid a long wait, since you’ll have priority entrance. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll skip waiting on line entirely, but it does mean you’re unlikely to wait very long.
You can reserve a time slot (for free) to visit Notre Dame on the cathedral’s official website.
Since you can only reserve about two days in advance, I’ve heard that the time slots often fill up quickly. But if you can’t reserve a time slot to visit Notre Dame, don’t worry. It seems like now that things have calmed down, you’re unlikely to wait to get in very long, unless you’re visiting during peak tourist season (late May through September), or on a religious holiday. Even then, it might be worth just heading over there and giving it a try.
When I went, at around 11:30 am on a Tuesday in February, I didn’t have a reservation. I’d figured that since it wasn’t high tourist season or a French school vacation period (although it was a strike day, which is why I brought my son with me), it was unlikely that there would be huge crowds.
I’d also read on several Paris blogs that visiting Notre Dame on a weekday morning made it even more unlikely there would be a long line to get in. But when I got my first look at the area just in front of the cathedral, I wondered if I’d made a mistake.
There was a pretty long line leading from the cathedral to nearly midway down the parvis (the large square in front of the church). It looked like my son and I would be waiting outside in chilly winter weather for a while. But that actually turned out to not be the case.
Even with a security check at the doors, the line moved really quickly, and we were inside in less than 5 minutes.
So, all of this to say, if you feel more comfortable making a reservation, go for it, but unless it’s peak tourist season, you can probably visit Notre Dame without a reservation and get in quickly. And if you don’t make a reservation, and the line seems long, don’t panic—just get on it and see how fast things are moving.
Is Notre Dame Crowded?
Unsurprisingly, Notre Dame has been drawing massive crowds since its reopening. In an article published on January 17, Catholic news site Rome Reports shared that 860,000 people had visited Notre Dame since December 8, averaging 29,000 people per day, and National Geographic reports that experts estimate 15 million people will come to see the cathedral over the course of this year.
But don’t let that scare you. I can tell you from years of living in Paris that Notre Dame has always drawn crowds. According to the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris website, before the fire, the cathedral drew nearly 12 million people every year.
Three million more is still an impressive number, of course, but it’s not incredibly far off from the pre-fire average.
When I was there, the crowd in the cathedral was a bit larger than what I used to experience during my regular visits before the fire, but it was manageable. People were also respectful and in good spirits, which helps a lot, too.
How Long Does it Take to Visit Notre Dame?
Once you’re inside the cathedral, you have an unlimited time to visit (well, until the cathedral closes for the day), so you can take your time. How long your visit takes really depends on you.
Personally, I stopped often and admired the fantastic renovation work, reminisced about the past, and was glad to see just how many artworks and stained glass windows and little touches that I’d always loved were still there. I took lots of photos, lit a candle, and even sat down for a minute or two to admire the completely restored vaulted ceilings. With all of this, as well as the time it took to sometimes wait for the crowd to dissipate so that I could get closer to certain objects and artwork, it took me about 45 minutes to have a fulfilling visit at Notre Dame.
I would say it’s best to leave yourself 45 minutes to an hour to visit Notre Dame, maybe more if you use the audio guide or app. Even if you don’t plan to be inside the cathedral long, factor in a margin in case you have to wait on line to get in, or if you have to wait for crowds to move so that you can see or get close to particular spots inside.
What Does the Inside of Notre Dame Look Like Now?
I have to admit, I was a little nervous to visit Notre Dame. I was a big fan of the way its interior used to look, with its walls darkened by centuries of candle and incense smoke. It made me feel connected to so many generations of people who were there before, and it was a constant reminder of the cathedral’s history.
I also liked the ambiance. It felt more authentic to me than bright, clean-looking church interiors like, say, the Sacré-Cœur’s. I loved that there were even certain chapels towards the back whose dimly lit, nearly life-sized sculptures sort of looked like ghosts in the shadows.
And yet, there were sights that made me experience true grace and light, as well. The magnificent rose windows, for one. I also personally always felt touched to look up at the dark, impossibly high ceiling and see a little round painting of the Virgin Mary, right where the spire would be outside the church. I think the painting must have “only” dated to Viollet-le-Duc’s mid-19th century restoration of the Notre Dame, but its simplicity and medieval style was something I always found charming and comforting amid all the grandeur of those soaring Gothic arches.
When I saw the spire fall in flames, I thought of that little painting, which must have been destroyed. As the cathedral was being restored, I wondered if anyone would bother repainting it.
Walking through the large doors of the cathedral, I wasn’t sure what exactly the visit would hold for me. But one thing was sure: The renovations, carried out by some of the most skilled artisans in France, are stunning, and look perfect from the first glimpse you get of the church’s interior.
And I have to admit, while I sort of miss the church’s former gloomy atmosphere, seeing it bright and clean made for an equally impressive experience, just in a different way. The newly clean (and in some places entirely replaced) stones are so much lighter than before, and the restored frescoes and wall decorations (most of which also date to the 19th century renovation) are, frankly, beautiful. The light from the chandeliers glows more noticeably. And when the crowd I was walking among came through an aisle to the transept and saw one of the famous rose windows, many of us actually gasped. The now light-colored stone walls set off the stained glass in a way that’s absolutely spectacular.
The ceiling is also breathtaking. The workers and artisans who restored it did such a brilliant job that it was hard to believe that so much of it, and everything above it, had not so long ago been in ruins. And I was so touched and surprised to see that the restoration team had recreated the painting of the Virgin Mary all the way up there, below the spire. She looks just as she did before.
What Can I See Inside Notre Dame?
Just like before the fire, Notre Dame is full of artwork, medieval-inspired patterned wall frescoes, and beautiful stained glass windows, including its two famous, massive rose windows. Now, everything is exquisitely set off by the clean white stone that makes the interior seem to glow.
Much of the art you’ll see miraculously survived the fire and ceiling collapse, including the striking Pietà in the choir, the 14th century wooden choir screen with depictions of the life of Christ, and the brilliantly restored Notre Dame de Paris (Virgin of Paris) statue, a mid-14th century depiction of Mary holding a young Jesus. Brought to the church in the early 19th century, it’s become so iconic that a model of it is even on display in the square outside.
You’ll see some new artwork, as well, in more modern and contemporary styles. Many of these pieces make for an interesting contrast with the centuries-old paintings, statues, windows, and frescoes around them. There’s also a massive new baptismal font whose sober style surprisingly works rather well with all of the opulence and drama around it.
For me, the most impressive new addition to Notre Dame is a little stand in one of the chapels behind the altar that honors the workers and donors who helped bring Notre Dame back to life. The bronze rooster that was at the top of the old spire and was found in the wreckage, warped by the heat of the flames, is on display beside it in a glass case.
What is Happening with the Windows at Notre Dame?
The stained glass windows in Notre Dame somehow also survived the fire. Dating to different eras, they look great today (although you can still see what seems to be traces of smoke stains on the stones around some of the windows in the gallery on the second floor). In fact, the restored and cleaned chapels reveal a real harmony between the painted medieval-style motifs on the walls and the patterns and motifs in the windows.
Controversially, the government has a plan to replace six of the windows in the southern chapels with stained glass by contemporary artist Claire Tabouret. Although these windows are on the “newer” side, having been created and installed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the mid-19th century, this is, understandably, an incredibly controversial move—after all, why change the windows when they survived such a catastrophe and look so great? A number of organizations, including the Ministry of Culture and the Académie des Beaux Arts, as well as public figures like popular historian Stéphane Bern, have spoken out against the choice. The organization Sites & Monuments has drawn up a lawsuit.
The new windows are supposed to be installed sometime in 2026, but who knows if it will happen? Still, if you’re able to visit Notre Dame soon, I’d say go and be sure to appreciate the windows that have been there for centuries, especially now that they’re set off so nicely by the restored frescoes.
Can I Attend Mass at Notre Dame?
Although I’m not a churchgoer myself, it was incredibly moving to see a mass start while I was visiting the cathedral. It’s great to see Notre Dame pretty much entirely back to normal and serving the purpose it was built for.
You can find the schedules for mass and other religious services on Notre Dame’s official website. Normally, several masses are scheduled every day.
Is Everywhere Inside Notre Dame Free to Visit?
You can visit most of the main floor of Notre Dame for free. As before the fire, the upper stories aren’t open to the general public.
If you want to see more art and religious texts and objects, you can visit Notre Dame’s treasury. A full-price ticket is 12 euros, with a discount price for certain visitors, including children under 12 and students with a valid student ID.
Some areas of the main floor, including a small chapel behind the choir, and the closest section of chairs to the altar, are only for people coming to pray or attend services. Still, if you need to sit, there are plenty of chairs behind them.
How Can I Set up a Group Visit to Notre Dame?
Group visits to Notre Dame won’t start up again until June 2025, but you can make an obligatory reservation for your group via Notre Dame’s official website, starting in March of 2025.
There will be some rules and restrictions for group visits, so be sure to check the cathedral’s official site for those, as well.
Can I Take a Guided Tour Inside Notre Dame?
As with group visits, for now there are no guided tours allowed inside Notre Dame. They should start up again sometime in the summer of 2025.
For now, the best way to learn about the cathedral on-site is to use an app, audioguide, or print guide.
Is There an Audio Guide for Notre Dame?
There is an official audio guide available at Notre Dame. As of this writing, it costs 6 euros.
You can also buy several types of print guides at the cathedral, for varying prices.
Another option is to download Notre Dame’s official mobile app for free on your phone, and use your own headphones or earbuds. Check out the cathedral’s official site for details.
Are There New Bag Restrictions in Notre Dame?
As before the fire, you shouldn’t bring suitcases or bulky bags into the cathedral.
Food and drink also aren’t officially allowed, but I heard guards at the security check telling people that they could keep their water bottles and food as long as those stayed inside their bags.
Can I Take Photos Inside Notre Dame?
You can take photos inside Notre Dame, but there are some areas where this isn’t allowed, or at the very least frowned upon, including the seating area closest to the altar, which is intended for worship and contemplation.
The photo restrictions aren’t just based on an honor system. There are guards in these areas who will gently tell you not to take photos. The “no photo” areas are clearly marked, so you probably won’t have to worry about making a mistake.
Are There Concerts at Notre Dame?
There are religious and classical music concerts at Notre Dame, but many of them are sold out through March 2025. With that in mind, if you’re planning on being in Paris after March, it’s a good idea to book early. Sortir à Paris currently features a list of concerts at Notre Dame scheduled through mid-August.
Can I Climb the Notre Dame Bell Towers?
As of now, you can’t climb Notre Dame’s bell towers. Heavily damaged in the fire, the bell towers won’t reopen till visitors until sometime in the summer of 2025.
Is Notre Dame Worth Visiting in 2025?
The answer is a resounding “YES!” There’s a reason why, even before the fire and restoration, Notre Dame was one of Paris’s most visited sites. The cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is full of art and history. And on top of that, at least for now, it’s free.
While it no longer has its gloomy, mysterious feel, the new cleaned and restored version of Notre Dame is undeniably stunning.
So, if you’re in Paris, plan to spend some time taking in a gorgeous, light-filled interior and beautiful art. Soak up the spiritual aspect, if that’s what you’re seeking, or simply marvel that this incredible monument survived the fire, not to mention so many other disasters in its 863-year history.
Alysa Salzberg is an American writer, worrier, teacher, travel planner, and cookie enthusiast who’s lived in Paris, France, for nearly two decades. Author of Hearts at Dawn, a historical fantasy novel set during the 1870-1871 Siege of Paris, she often shares things she loves about life and history in the City of Light on her blog at https://alysasalzberg.medium.com/ and on Instagram @lamarquisedecarabas.
