Notre-Dame Cathedral: reviews, price and Exclusive Promo Code

+43
recos
4.8/5 10 reviews
Parvis Notre-Dame, place Jean Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Parvis Notre-Dame, place Jean Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Guided tours of Notre-Dame Cathedral and surroundings from $16*
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Notre-Dame de Paris
le jour se couche sur cette beauté
Notre Dame de Paris

Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral

Located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the French capital. Before its closure following a fire, it drew approximately 30,000 visitors daily.

History and heritage

Constructed between 1163 and 1345 and later restored by the famous Viollet-Le-Duc in the 19th century, this Gothic masterpiece served as the stage for major events in French history, such as the coronation of Napoléon Bonaparte. It has also inspired countless artists, most notably Victor Hugo, who used it as the primary setting for the turbulent emotions of Quasimodo toward Esmeralda, the central figures in his novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame". Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedral served as a primary model for the spread of the Flamboyant Gothic style.

After a fire in the spring of 2019, the spire and two-thirds of the oak roof structure have been undergoing reconstruction. Timelines for completion have fluctuated, with estimates ranging from 5 to 20 years.

What to see

Take rue de la Cité and turn left before the flower market, heading toward rue de Lutèce. Pass through square Jean XXIII (Jean XXIII Square) along the riverbanks to reach the plaza at place Jean-Paul II (Jean-Paul II Square). This is where you get the best view of the facade. Take in the three sculpted portals and the massive, intricate rose window framed by the two towers. Keep an eye out for the phantasmagorical gargoyles as well.

Notre-Dame houses a museum, an archaeological crypt, and a treasury. Two chapels exhibit the Mays des Orfèvres (Goldsmiths' Mays) collection, which includes paintings, watercolors, and engravings documenting the splendor of the Empire and the Republic.

Beneath the plaza, the archaeological crypt contains medieval ruins from what was once the cradle of the city. Finally, the treasury contains a series of relics, including the Crown of Thorns, a piece of the True Cross, and the Holy Nails.

For those up for the climb, the south tower offers a sweeping panorama of the city after a trek up 387 steps.

Guided tours of Notre-Dame Cathedral and surroundings from $16*Booking recommended
Exclusive Promo Code
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Opening hours

Closed since the fire of April 15-16, 2019, and currently undergoing safety and restoration work on the interior. Before the fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral was open year-round from Mon to Fri, 8:00 AM to 6:45 PM, and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 7:15 PM.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Notre-Dame Cathedral

Summary of 10 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+43
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.9
As a couple
4.9
With friends
4.7

Avygeo ranking

#14
in the world
#14
in Europe
#10
in France
#5
in Paris

A symbolic visit after its reopening

I visited Notre-Dame Cathedral a few months after its reopening, accompanied by a friend who came from Hong Kong.
We enjoyed the visit, but we didn't come away particularly impressed. The stained glass windows remain very beautiful both from the inside and the outside, especially the large rose window with its shades of blue and purple.
I highly recommend booking a time slot online in advance (the visit is free) if you want to avoid waiting in line for a few hours!

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Even more beautiful than before the fire!

My memories of Notre-Dame before the April 2019 fire are of a big, dark church, blackened by grime and candles. But since the restoration and the incredible work that was done to fix it up, the building is like night and day. On the outside, the Viollet-le-Duc spire has been rebuilt exactly as it was (which makes me so happy!). But the most stunning part is the inside. Notre-Dame de Paris is much brighter now, the light coming through the stained glass illuminates the whole nave, and it is a real pleasure to spend time there, just observing every little detail.

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A true masterpiece

I was lucky enough to see it a few months before the fire (who could have guessed?). It was in February, and I don't remember there being a huge line. It is a must-see in Paris, an incredibly romantic place. Even from the outside, the cathedral is stunning along the Seine. And the inside holds a lot of beautiful surprises. A unique and sacred atmosphere despite the crowds.

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Magnificent

I visited before its reconstruction, and I was blown away by the cathedral's incredibly detailed architecture. Whether you look at the outside or the inside, you will not be disappointed. Visiting the interior is free and attracts a lot of people. Even if the line looks intimidating, the tour is actually pretty quick. You won't have to wait too long.

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A masterpiece of Gothic art

Whether you are Catholic or not, Notre-Dame Cathedral always inspires fascination. Its extraordinary facade adorned with gargoyles, its two majestic towers, its arches, and its sumptuous spire take our breath away. After a long restoration, it is with emotion that you walk through its doors. Even if not all the artworks have returned to their places yet, the whitened walls have given the monument a new youth without undermining its sacredness. The three rose windows, with their magnificent colors and patterns, dazzle me every time.

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An icon of central Paris

I can't wait to go see how it has been renovated!
Seeing it stand proudly on its island is one of the most beautiful images of Paris. Plus, the interior is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.

On the other hand, I heard they wanted to change the stained glass windows... But why???? Are we allowed to repaint the Mona Lisa???

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A majestic (re)construction

History says it took 107 years to build Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Given the scale of the work, that seems completely justified to me. Whether looking at the big picture, the dimensions, or the details, finishes, and decorations, the structure is very impressive, both inside and out. Finding yourself on the banks of the Seine and getting a full view of the cathedral is without a doubt one of the most beautiful sights in Paris.

After the fire, it took years of renovation (for hundreds of millions?) to see this monument reopen. That should happen in December 2024. Not to be missed!

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Gorgeous but...

I think everything has already been said about this gothic masterpiece.
I personally find that the Amiens Cathedral is just as good, if not better. Since its renovation, it has regained all of its luster.
By the way, a little tip: I recently learned that Notre-Dame could actually fit inside the Amiens Cathedral, which has a very high vaulted ceiling.

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Sublime cathedral

I love Notre-Dame! This cathedral has something unique, something special. Its gargoyles are unique and very beautiful, grimacing protectors of the site. Its famous rose window is sublime. But the interior surpasses everything, those huge pillars, those chandeliers, that atmosphere... If you go during mass, it is even more impressive I think, the place has a very special vibe.

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Nice exterior

Very beautiful square, you can sit there to eat peacefully while watching the Seine flow by or let yourself get absorbed by this much stranger spectacle: this giiiiiiiiiiant line of tourists who all want to get into Notre-Dame. If you are patient, you might even be lucky enough to see it move, that line. If you have the courage to stand at the very end of it, you might be able to enter the cathedral. You have to arm yourself with patience (and remember a hat and to hydrate regularly in the summer), but it is worth it.

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