Notre-Dame does not only belong to the companions, to the patrons, to the “ambulations” of President Macron, to the mitres and hexagonal crosiers… It belongs “to everyone” as the Archbishop of Paris, Mgr Ulrich, likes to remind us.
After the official ceremonies for the reopening of the cathedral on the weekend of December 7 and 8 until the beginning of the afternoon, the general public from around the world will be authorized to enter under the nave of the jewel of Gothic art. But the first days or even the first weeks, the places, free, will be very expensive as the demand will be strong. So in an attempt to regulate flows, Notre-Dame, via the diocese of Paris, is launching, this Tuesday (at a time which has yet to be defined), a new mobile application to block a visiting time slot. The availability of these applications through iOS and Android systems could even take place as early as this Monday at the end of the day.
Online registration is also possible this Tuesday directly on the official Notre-Dame website which has the reservation platform. Once the reservation is made, a digital ticket will be sent by email.
Beware of network saturation
For the diocese of Paris, this “new facilitated access system” should make it possible to “offer a pleasant and fluid experience to all”.
The experience could, however, turn out to be less “pleasant” than initially expected. Because under the weight of the “rush”, it is “possible”, according to a source close to the matter, that the reservation platforms “saturate” and therefore that it will be difficult to find a slot for the first few hours. “It might be complicated,” she explains to us.
Called “Notre-Dame de Paris”, the application, free to download via iOS and Android systems, is developed by the digital agency Mazedia based near Nantes (Loire-Atlantique). It aims to be “easy to use”, “general public” and “very ergonomic”. In addition to allowing reservations, it offers users “content” on Notre-Dame, thus becoming “a visiting companion” by offering architectural or spiritual tours, practical information on the concerts of the master of Notre-Dame or the office agenda.
Reservation is not obligatory but strongly recommended, it guarantees “reduced waiting time” and therefore avoids having to wait for a long time in lines on the square. The turnover promises, with record attendance, to be slow. Because those who are inside will not be in a hurry to get out and give their place to others. “Before the fire, the visit duration was 15-20 minutes on average. When it reopens, it will be more like 40-45 minutes. We don’t have an hourglass, we’re not going to put people out,” explains Sybille Bellamy-Brown, responsible for the public at Notre-Dame. At any given time, between 2,500 and 2,600 visitors can stroll through the aisles of the building.
Attendance expected to increase in 2025
Before falling prey to the flames, Notre-Dame welcomed 12 million visitors each year, making this monument the most visited cultural site in the capital, ahead of the Louvre museum. With restoration, this figure could rise to 15 million.
Only a few thousand lucky people will be able to discover the cathedral from Sunday evening, December 8. Initially announced from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., this first slot should be shorter than expected for logistical reasons and end at 8 p.m. The following week, marked by numerous masses linked to the reopening, the emblem of the Île de la Cité will be accessible to visitors at specific times, from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday 9 to Friday 13 December, then from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15. From December 16, return to classic operation, with opening from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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