Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
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Due to the tragic fire that has destroyed portions of the Notre Dame Cathedral, it will be closed to tourists and worshippers until further notice. Tours listed on this page may go past, but do not enter, Notre Dame Cathedral.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
About
The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral Paris—meaning ‘Our Lady of Paris’—is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Built back in the 12th century, the important monument has witnessed many historical events. It has also inspired Victor Hugo’s story of the Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Outside the cathedral, you can admire its grand exterior which is framed by an elegant pair of bell towers, stained glass windows and an ornately decorated facade with grand statues. You can also enter the cathedral for a small entrance fee to view Nio-Gothic artwork and furniture as well as join their weekly sessions. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ile de la Cité
Two islands sit in the middle of the Seine at the very heart of Paris. The more majestic one, Ile de la Cité, sparkles with history. This is the birthplace of Paris, the home of the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, and the site of the prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. Tourists flock to see the iconic Notre Dame and the beautiful bridges that straddle the Seine. Ile Saint-Louis, the more provincial island, welcomes you with cozy traditional eateries, small boutiques, and what some people say is the best ice cream in the city. This is essential Paris from its very beginnings to its modern appeal.
How to get there
  • Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame • 4 min walk
  • St-Michel – Notre-Dame • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • David
    Lille, France1,910 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best of luck with the restoration!
    Whislt I don't feel able to give a 5* review whilst Notre Dame is inaccessible, I look forward to visiting again one day whilst the hard work on the restoration is complete. There is so much scaffolding and closure right now that it's difficult to see a lot of the building. It feels consumed!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 7 October 2023
  • Joel Digby
    Australia17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderfull Place
    Because I was in the area, I decided it would be irresponsible of me to miss the chance to check on the progress of the renovation. The cathedral is still a magnificent and reassuring sight, and there were large numbers of people there to observe the continuing restoration work, take photographs, and take in its splendour and beauty, which were unaffected by the scaffolding and cranes that surrounded it. I'm sure that I'm not the only person who is looking forward to visiting Notre Dame after it has been restored to its previous glory.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 November 2023
  • Colleen C
    Troy, New York2,518 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Still under construction!
    (Nov '23) Since April 2019 Norte Dame has not been open to the public and it still the case ~ they are hoping to be open for the Paris Olympic Games 2024! With that said you can still go to the Cathedral for free and watch the progress from the exterior. They even have large bleachers to sit on to watch. There is a Huge Fence surrounding the Cathedral but you can see from about 8' and up ~ and still great views of the gargoyles.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 November 2023
  • AlbertSalichs
    Manresa, Spain22,459 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful cathedral! I hope to visit again in a near future, when it was totally reconstructed
    Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is the most important religious building in Paris. It is located in the Cité Island, just in the center of the city. We came to the square, which is located just in front of the cathedral and we could see it. Really it is fantastic and I hope it will be repaired totally in few years after the big fire. We only could walk around the building ansld I could explain to my 7 years old daughter, what happened (in fact, she remembered to see the big fire on TV some years before). Wonderful building! I have visited it sometimes in the past, and I hope to enter again in a near future!
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 November 2023
  • Steph
    Toronto, Canada234 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful outside, I'd like to go in once their renos are done
    Only saw the outside since it's still under renovation due to the 2019 fire, but it was beautiful to see from outside. I went on the free, volunteer run tour by CASA volunteers, which was a nice way to hear info on the church for like 40 mins. I'd recommend going, take in the neighbourhood, buy a crepe from the vendors nearby and make an afternoon of being in the area. If I'm ever in Paris again, I'd like to go in once they're done renos.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 December 2023
  • Esther K
    Sheffield, United Kingdom4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Majestic Beauty
    I recently visited the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris and was in awe of its grandeur. The beautiful rose windows, intricate architecture and soaring columns are a sight to behold! A must-see for anyone visiting the city of love.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 December 2023
  • Anne C
    New Jersey852 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Notre-Dame!
    Although still under construction with plenty of scaffolding around it is still massive and a site not to miss. Convenient stop for the big bus hop on hop off. The scaffolding did obstruct your view of the arches and the wall surrounding it also obstructed your view, but you can still see plenty of it and worth the trip. They had stadium type seating for those that want to just sit and pray/meditate etc. You could not go inside, and you could see construction worker doing their thing. Their is alo places to place your love locks all around that area and the river to throw your key.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 December 2023
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, California17,731 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Re-Construction Continues
    The re-construction continues, but we are now in the last stretch and it is looking good. So happy that France and the world have committed to bringing the Cathedral back to its magnificence. Never get tired of gazing at its lovliness and can't wait to go back inside.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 January 2024
  • alejandra s
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
    Notre-Dame de Paris, built from 1163 to 1345, showcases stunning French Gothic architecture with intricate sculptures and colorful stained glass windows. It served as a symbol of French identity and religious devotion, attracting pilgrims and Parisians alike. Its significance lies in its historical importance, cultural influence, and as a hub for spiritual and secular gatherings.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 March 2024
  • Reservarlden
    London, United Kingdom1,303 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Still impressive even with limited access
    Still impressive to see the outside during the reconstruction since the 2019 fire. You can marvel at the exterior of parts of the building and see displays as to how the reconstruction work is progressing and the anticipated final result. Pretty busy area. The only downside to this venue is the traffic which is abysmal in this area. Best to take the Metro instead.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 20 March 2024
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4.5
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nnuch
Portland, ME57 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We walked slowly along the outside of the Cathedral and could see construction happening. Display along side the outside alleyway is tasteful and educational about the fire. Although it is sad, it was still magnificent to see.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tommy599
Two Rivers, WI863 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
On the way back to the hotel from the Louvre we stopped next to Notre Dame to view some of the ongoing work to rebuild / upgrade this grand structure following the fire.
The area is fairly well barricaded off but if you wait until they open one of the construction gates you can get a good look at the front of the building close up. The stone front bell towers of the building looks to be good shape and now there is an enclosure roof over the fire area. Lucky for us we visited the cathedral a few years back within one of our river boat trips.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kris M
Omaha, NE197 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Having been glued to the television, watching the fire, it was shattering to see it up close. From the outside, it actually looks pretty good at first glance. Then, when you look closer, you can see the stabilizers, the wood frames holding up the buttresses, etc. They have a wall surrounding the Cathedral showing some information about the fire, as well as how they are working to restore it. Let’s all send as much good karma as we can to add some positivity to the restoration efforts. We cannot lose such a world treasure.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

patrickperbkk
Perth, Australia1,181 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We visited Notre-Dame in Jan 20 when it's still under the construction, so could only see the exterior, it's Breathtaking. The Cathedral looked amazingly beautiful from the outside, no doubt, how beautiful the inside would look.
It's highly recommended to take a river Saine cruise as the tour takes you through the side of Notre-Dame, can see the side view and the back view of the building.
Will be back, definitely!
Written 12 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mjomidi
Tehran, Iran74 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Solo
Before the devastating fire in the Cathedral's roof in April 2019, Notre Dame de Paris was the most visited site with more than 14 million visitors a year. It is undoubtedly a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, with more than seven centuries of history. The rose windows, the treasury and the two bell towers are its highlights.
Written 30 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah D
Manchester, UK193 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Friends
We had planned Notre Dame as one of the destinations for our girls weekend in Paris and after watching the live news of the fire taking hold of this historic building, we felt more compelled to visit. Yes there’s a big fence around it now and you can’t get too close to the front of the building, but there is a section that you can look through and still appreciate it in all it’s glory. If you actually walk on to the bridge to the right of Norte Dame you can get a pretty good photo without the fence in the back ground. If you go down the next street to the right you will see how much restoration has already taken place. Keep up the good work.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alice Martin
Paris, France7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
On this visit, it was still closed and undergoing required repairs and restorations due to the significant fire damage. You have to see it from the outside. But good view from the front. And then we also had a good view from the Siene river cruise. Wish we had the opportunity to go inside.But awesome experience.
Written 4 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lara M
Cornwall, UK501 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Obviously since the tragic fire you can no longer enter the cathedral however it still is an iconic building in Paris. Surrounding the building are now boards (too keep people out of the building) showing photos of the fire damage & some information about the Cathedral (history). Would still recommend going to see it.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fred M
Summerville, SC1,991 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2019
We were fortunate to visit Notre-Dame in May of 2018. During an independent walking tour we took a bit of time to observe the reconstruction efforts of this wonderful chathedrale. Sad in so many ways, but also hope for the future. (Our actual visit was Late May 2019)
Written 20 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joe D
Ossining, NY31 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I got to see the inside years ago, long before the fire. I bought my wife and friends to view the outside which is very impressive but not nearly as impressive as it was. You should not visit Paris without going to see it. I truly hope they are able to restore it. What a Sin! It would be nice if there was a brochure made available outside the construction site that provided some history about this iconic edifice.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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