Since its reopening in December 2024, Notre-Dame de Paris has been full. With more than 800,000 visitors welcomed in one month, the restored building attracts impressive crowds. Are reservations easier? Can we still access it without a ticket? is the wait important? We tested it and we tell you.
It's already been more than a month since Notre-Dame of Paris is once again accessible to visitors. If you are one of the people who tried in vain to get entry tickets reserved or who preferred to wait for the excitement to die down a little, you are probably wondering whether to go straight there and queue up on site , is now a good plan or not to visit the monument.
How to book an entrance ticket to Notre-Dame?
You can try booking via the cathedral's official website. Launched by the diocese of Paris, the application “Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral” is also at your disposal for reservations. Available for free on iOS and Android, it allows you to reserve slots, while offering enriched content on the history and architecture of the cathedral. There you will find guided tours, the agenda of religious services, as well as practical information on the concerts of the Master of Notre-Dame. This application, designed by a French agency, guarantees an intuitive and accessible experience for everyone. In one month, it has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times, demonstrating its success with visitors.
For those who reserve a slot, entry is organized seamlessly. All you need to do is show up five minutes before the scheduled time with proof of identity and printed or digital confirmation. Access is guaranteed up to 20 minutes after the indicated time, an appreciable flexibility for visitors.
Although 10,000 to 15,000 places are offered each day via the site or apps, we admit, we have tried on several occasions to reserve entry tickets at different times of the week and day, the slots are going out at breakneck speed and we have failed at each attempt.
Is access without a ticket possible?
For reminder or information, it is always possible to visit Notre-Dame de Paris without ticket. A dedicated queue is set up for those who have not reserved.
Do you have to pay to visit Notre-Dame de Paris?
Since its reopening, access to the cathedral remains free for those who wish to admire its interior architecture, its stained glass windows and its nave. This reflects its religious and cultural vocation, allowing everyone to discover this jewel of French heritage. However, some specific areas, such as the treasure of Notre-Dameare chargeable. This treasure, located in a side chapel, houses religious objects of great historical and artistic value, such as chalices, relics and the crown of thorns, a precious relic of the Passion of Christ.
To access the treasure, you have to pay a price of €5 per adultwith discounts for children, students and job seekers, upon presentation of proof. Audio guides or guided tours are also offered, allowing you to discover the fascinating stories surrounding these sacred objects.
How long is the wait ?
The wait varies depending on the day and time. We tried this Thursday morning during the week at 10 a.m. and at night during the holidays, there was practically no waiting time. While the ticketless entry line seemed to fill up quickly from time to time, visitors were inside in less than a minute. It is possible that on weekends, due to the greater availability of people, the wait will be a bit longer, but the site is now fully accessible.
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What do we discover once inside?
Notre-Dame of Parisa masterpiece of Gothic architecture, offers a unique visiting experience. Upon entering, the light passing through the stained glass windows casts vivid colors on the centuries-old stones, creating a mystical ambiance. The famous rosette south, a true jewel of the 13th century, tells biblical scenes through its thousands of pieces of glass. The eye is also drawn to the slender vault, an impressive technical feat which testifies to the genius of the medieval builders. The tour also leads to remarkable works, such as the carved high altar and the cathedral treasury, where precious relics are hidden.
By exploring the interior of Notre-Dame of Pariseach alcove reveals a fragment of history and religious art. These side chapels, nestled along the walls, offer spaces dedicated to prayer and devotion, often decorated with frescoes, statues and meticulously crafted altarpieces. There we discover works representing biblical scenes, lives of saints or key moments in Christian history. Some alcoves house delicate Marian statues, while others highlight more modest stained glass windows, each telling a unique story. As you wander around, you stop in front of commemorative plaques or ancient tombs, silent witnesses of past centuries. Every corner of the cathedral invites attentive exploration, where the details of the sculptures and ornaments echo the spiritual and artistic richness of this timeless place.
You will have understood, the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedralwhose return we have long awaited, is now completely accessible. We invite you to take advantage of it while it's free and (re)discover this strong emblem of the capital that we thought was lost forever. This visit is an opportunity to explore the spiritual and artistic soul of Paris.
