How to Get a Ticket to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France ?

Did you know that entry to Notre-Dame de Paris is completely free?

Unlike many cathedrals in Europe, where visiting the monument requires an entry fee (like the Sagrada Família in Barcelona or the Duomo in Milan), Paris offers this heritage gem with free access. This is a unique French exception, allowing everyone - believers or curious visitors - to enter this place filled with history, faith, and emotion without spending a dime. A rare opportunity... Not to be missed!
However:
Although entry is free, it's necessary to book an admission ticket online to guarantee access - especially during peak periods.
Without a ticket, entry is still free but depends on a queue that is often very long, regardless of the season!

How to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?

You have three options to enter the cathedral:

Option 1: Book a ticket in advance (recommended)

This is the fastest and most convenient option. Tickets are available the day before, two days before, or on the same day of your visit. Between 10,000 and 15,000 tickets are released online daily.
Booking is easy:

1. Go to the official Notre-Dame Paris reservation page.
2. Select an available date and time slot.
3. Enter your name and email address.
4. Receive a free ticket via email (print it or show it on your phone).
5. Arrive at your scheduled time → You skip the line!
6. Show up at the designated queue on the forecourt (called parvis) with your confirmation (printed or digital) and ID, 5 minutes before your scheduled time. 
7. Your free access remains valid for up to 20 minutes after that time.

Pros: Quick access, no waiting, guaranteed time slot.
 Cons: Despite the high number of tickets available, getting one can be tricky. Each request is limited to 3 tickets.

Option 2: Come without a ticket and wait in Line

If you didn’t book a ticket via the official site:

• You’ll have to wait outside.

• Wait time can range from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day and season.
  Entry remains free, but access is not guaranteed when it's crowded.

Option 3: Take a guided tour

A great alternative to visit Notre-Dame de Paris with ease is to choose a guided tour.
It’s the perfect opportunity to better understand the history, architecture, and symbolism of this iconic monument, all with the help of an expert guide.

There are two main options available:

→ The Official Guided Tour (starting June 9, 2025):
Designed for groups of 7 to 25 people, accompanied by a certified guide (licensed tour guide, teacher, or cathedral-approved guide).
Booking is mandatory online through the cathedral’s official platform.
Audiophones are required (rental fees apply) to preserve the sacred and quiet atmosphere of the site.
>> Ideal for school, parish, or cultural groups.

→ Private Guided Tour via local providers:
Open to everyone—even if you're visiting alone or as a couple.
A small group tour, guided in English, with fast-track entry included.
Easy and flexible online booking.
>> Perfect if you're looking for a convenient, all-in-one solution.

Our tip for guided tours:
If you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, go with the Tiqets tour for maximum flexibility.
If you’re organizing a group visit, the official tour is the best choice for a structured and in-depth experience.

Good to Know:
No tickets are given out on-site. No other platform or individual is authorized to offer or sell these access passes.
Only online booking offers priority access.

So,  what's the best way to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?

Want to avoid the crowd? → Book in advance simple ticket via official website, even on the same day or book a guided tour in advance.
Feeling flexible or just curious? → You can try your luck without a ticket... but bring patience.

Tip:
Download the free official app, which includes a 35-minute audio tour of Notre-Dame in English, Spanish, or French.
The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris" app links to the same reservation page mentioned above.
Available on the App Store and Google Play.

What to expect during your visit

Notre-Dame welcomes worshipers and visitors from all over the world. The visit is free but follows an organized and secure structure.

1. Before you arrive

You’ve either booked a free ticket or decided to visit without one.

2. Arrival On-site

Go to the cathedral’s entrance on the Notre-Dame forecourt, facing the Seine.

• If you have a ticket, use the priority access line.
• Without a ticket, go to the standard line marked “Sans réservation”.

All visitors go through a security check (open bags, manual detectors).

3. Visit experience

The tour is done on foot, in silence, out of respect for this sacred place.

What you’ll see:

• The fully restored central nave
• Stained glass windows, side chapels, and choir
• The new altar, statues, and liturgical decorations
• Artworks and new features related to the restoration

Photos are allowed without flash in certain areas. Selfie sticks are prohibited.
Audio guides or mobile apps can accompany your visit.

4. During a mass

Visits are still possible, but some areas may be partially restricted.
If you want to attend mass, a separate line is available (no ticket needed).
Absolute silence is required during the service.

5. Average visit duration

• Self-guided: 30 to 45 minutes
• Longer if you use an audio guide

6. At the exit

You’ll leave through one of the side doors or the main entrance, depending on flow management by staff.

7. Notre-Dame shop

A shop located at the south exit offers:

• Exclusive items created for Notre-Dame
• Gift ideas for special occasions: birthdays, baptisms, communions, confirmations, weddings, and ordinations

Staff or volunteers are available to help and answer your questions.

Practical tips

• Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for a quieter experience.
• Follow the rules: dress appropriately, keep silent, no food or drinks.

The towers, crypt, and spire are not yet open to the public (check for updates).

Rules During Your Visit

Prohibited Items

• Dangerous objects: weapons, knives, scissors
• Banned substances: drugs, alcohol, aerosols
• Others: food, drinks, cigarettes, animals (except service animals)

Expected Behavior

• Proper attire: respectful clothing for a religious site; no hats for men
• Silence: no loud conversations
• Phones: calls not allowed
• Photos: allowed without flash in most areas – selfie sticks not allowed

Security & Access

• Security checks required at the entrance
• No large suitcases or bulky bags allowed
• Limit your personal items for faster access

Opening hours for visits

Notre-Dame Cathedral is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Thursdays.
Hours may vary for special events. Check Notre-Dame’s agenda.

Getting There – Access & Transportation

Adress and access

Entrance to the cathedral is via the forecourt, through the Portal of the Last Judgment.

6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II
75004 Paris, France

Located in the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame is easily reachable by:

Metro

• Line 4: Cité or Saint-Michel
• Lines 1, 11: Hôtel de Ville
• Line 10: Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny – La Sorbonne
• Lines 7, 11, 14: Châtelet

RER

• Line B: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
• Line C: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame

Bus

• Line 47: Cité or Saint-Michel
• Line 87: Hôtel de Ville
• Line 75: Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny – La Sorbonne

Vélib’ (Bike Share)

• Station 4001: 10 rue d’Arcole
• Station 4002: Place Louis Lépine
• Station 4003: 1 quai aux Fleurs

Tourist Bus

• Big Bus Paris: 3 rue Lagrange, in front of the park entrance, a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral
• Tootbus Paris: “Notre-Dame – Latin Quarter” stop, right next to the cathedral

Car

• Lutèce – Cité Parking, boulevard du Palais (4th arrondissement)
• Lobau – Rivoli Parking, rue Lobau (4th arrondissement)
• Place Saint-Michel Parking, rue Francisque Gay (5th arrondissement)
• Lagrange Parking, rue Lagrange (5th arrondissement)
• Maubert – Saint-Germain Parking, boulevard Saint-Germain (5th arrondissement).