Following the devasting fire that swept through Notre Dame back in 2019, the Cathedral has recently completed a €700 million programme of refurbishment. Now open to the public once more, Notre Dame is a firm favourite for all those visiting Paris. Whether you are looking for the Best Views of Paris from the Towers of Notre Dame or simply securing FREE tickets to the cathedral itself, we have it covered.
Follow our Notre Dame guide packed with information to help you get the most from your visit.
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Notre dame
Notre Dame; FREE Entry, (book in advance)
Whether you are visiting Paris On A Budget or simply looking to bypass the queues, the easiest way to secure access to Notre Dame is by way of advance ticket. For anyone who’s witnessed the lengthy queues snaking around the square, you’ll quicker wonder if there’s an alternative to bypass the queues. Thankfully, there is an easy method to avoid the queues simply by booking in advance.
Notre Dame releases timed-entry tickets up to 2 days in advance of any visit. Tickets are FREE of charge that offers you a quicker access into the Cathedral. Simply reserve your complimentary ticket & present alongside photo ID to staff on the day of your visit. Head for the online booking entry point located directly outside Notre Dame rather than joining the lengthy queues reserved for those without an advance ticket.
TO BOOK GO To Notre Dame FREE Timed-Ticketed Entry.
Notre Dame; Best Time To Visit
Notre Dame remains FREE of charge for all to visit whether you are attending a service or there as a tourist. The draw back is that the cathedral is packed throughout the day making it challenging to enjoy the experience. There is a one-way route around the Cathedral which puts us more in mind of an Ikea experience rather than a place of reflection. Continually moving along a path at pace, there is seemingly little space to stop and admire your surroundings.
We visited mid-February and, perhaps naively, were expecting queues to be minimal. However our mid-afternoon visit already felt it had reached capacity with lengthy queues remaining outside. Seemingly as queues build throughout the day, we would suggest visiting as the Cathedral opens for the day for a quieter experience.
Follow our tips & tricks to make the most from your visit plus how you can climb 424 steps up to the top of Notre Dame to enjoy views over Paris!
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Notre Dame; Tips & Tricks
Audio Guide; once within the Cathedral, you can make your way to the information desk to pick up an audio guide. There is a charge in place for these self-led guide but it does offers you a more in-depth understanding of Notre Dame.
Restrooms; there are no available toilets within the cathedral but you’ll find facilities directly outside the main entrance within the square.
Concerts; an alternative to experience Notre Dame away from the crowds would be to attend one of their weekly evening concerts. This option comes with a surcharge but does allow you to sit back & relax within the walls of the Cathedral. With a wide ranging programme of musical concerts throughout the year find out more information over at Notre Dame Concerts.
Towers of Notre Dame; you can now take the staircase up the top of the South Tower of Notre Dame to enjoy spectacular views over the city. There are entrance charges in place but well worth the visit, (more information below)
View from the South Tower at Notre Dame
The Towers of Notre Dame
All destinations within France are measured from their distance from Notre Dame ensuring it remains the focal point of the city. It’s also true to say that the heady Towers of Notre Dame dwarf its surroundings, offering visitors spectacular views from the top. You can now climb the 424 steps up the south tower of Notre Dame to be rewarded with a birds eye view over Paris. From here you can take in the sights including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur, the Louvre & along the River Seine.
For those with a head for heights, climbing one of the Towers of Notre Dame can be the pinnacle of your trip. We are always a firm fan, for those that can, of engaging with your surroundings to earn your view. Here’s an unique experience to enjoy 360 degree views over the city with Paris at your feet. Whilst access to Notre Dame remains free of charge, there are charges is place to access the tower. In our book, this is worth the additional spend for a unique way to enjoy this iconic attraction.
Follow our guide below packed with tips & tricks to help you get the most from a visit to the Towers of Notre Dame.
Climbing the South Tower of Notre Dame
Climbing South Tower of Notre Dame
As demand is likely to remain fierce, coupled with limits on visitor capacity numbers, we suggest booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Currently there is no ticket office on site, (opening September 2026) so all tickets must be booked in advance.
You will need a level of fitness to enjoy this experience as there are 424 steps to the top & no lifts. Staircases narrow the higher you climb so not for those that are uncomfortable with cramped environments. There are a small number of breaks factored into your journey, where you can take breath, before continuing your climb.
From the outset, it’s worth understanding that all tickets offer timed-entry where access is managed at pinch points during your journey. Once you’ve successfully navigated the path to the top, you will be limited to a 5 minute walk around the perimeter to take in the views. With notable physical constraints along your journey, this allows fairer access for all, by keeping queues to a minimum.
For those wishing more time to peruse the sights, you may wish to consider Alternative Views Over Paris.
Inside the South Tower of Notre Dame
Towers of Notre Dame; More Information
Notre Dame has worked hard to ensure visitors ascending & descending won’t be using the same staircase at the same time. This will mean at times, managed by staff on hand, you will need to wait to use the stairs. Of particular note is the cleverly engineered double wooden spiral staircase that encases 2 walkways in one, (illustrated above).
Space is at a premium, so whilst there’s limited signage at the top, this attraction works best for those that know their sights. Your reward awaits you at the top where you can walk the full way around the top of the South Tower allowing you 360 degree views over the city. Encased within security wire fencing, there’s no room or time to open an umbrella, so worth having a coat to hand for inclement weather.
More information available over at Towers of Notre Dame.
