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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
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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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Ile de la Cité / Ile Saint-Louis
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
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10,000 within 3 miles
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4,247 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- osnoopy13Lilburn, Georgia289 contributionsEven From the Outside Notre Dame is Awe InspiringThis is my second time visiting Notre Dame. Last time we got to go inside and see the stain glass windowns, relics and historical artwork. It's still a magnificant structure but it brings tears to my eyes to see it now half-destroyed by the fire. They say it will return to it full glory in 1-2 years. I took a few pictures and said a silent prayer for all those working on it now and those who still worship at the facility.Visited April 2023Written May 5, 2023
- biw766Henderson, Nevada49 contributionsInteresting to see what’s happening with the reconstructionKind of sad to see the cathedral gutted after the fire. We’ve been before, so went back to see the damage. It was a lot worse than we thought. It’s still worthwhile to go, but don’t plan on tours any time soon. There are bleachers outside so people can watch the repair work going on.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 12, 2023
- FedoraOnTourSidcup, United Kingdom211 contributionsMANIFIQUE!Following the fire some years ago ND has been closed to the public. However, do go and have a close look at it from outside the perimeter. A magnificent building - well worth the visit. Hopefully it will be open again in 2024Visited May 2023Written May 31, 2023
- T.FoxRoubaix, France3 contributionsOur ladyUnfortunately the Notre Dame has not reopened after the devastating fire in 2019, but still it´s a work of art to see from the outside. They told us they will reopen in 2024 for the Olympic games, but looking at all the work to be done, we have our doubts. Let´s see if they can make it in time.Visited June 2023Written June 9, 2023
- Ben FBloomington, Indiana1,546 contributionsRestoration In Progress as of Summer 2022 (and 2023)Even though the cathedral is still under restoration due to the massive fire, I really enjoyed and appreciated viewing it from outside. Doing so still gives you a great sense of how grand and gorgeous the building is, both before and after the blaze. Such icons like this will never be forgotten. I can’t wait to go back after restoration and enter the amazing place.Visited July 2022Traveled soloWritten June 12, 2023
- Debbie M13 contributionsStill worth the tripThere is a fence, of course, around the Cathedral given the ongoing renovations. It is, nonetheless, worth the effort to go see it. They've done a really nice job with photos and posters on the fence to explain what happened in the fire and what is being done for the renovation work.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 21, 2023
- Rooftop_BeachLondon, United Kingdom904 contributionsNot to be missedMust visit when you are in Paris. Even it's been closed but still looks amazing from outside. Direct train from here to Paris CDG Airport and Gare du Nord train station tho. Highly recommended.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 23, 2023
- Paul Philpott17 contributionsNot even the most impressive Paris church...but lives up to the hype!Paris is full of amazing Catholic churches, and this is the most famous...but perhaps not even the most impressive, which is really saying something about the grandeur of Paris' population of churches. Be sure to visit the statue of Charlemagne & his two guards sitting beside to the church. They look like you would imagine the Vikings raiders who traversed the river and seized the city at one point!Visited June 2023Written June 25, 2023
- XSki007New Jersey1,370 contributionsAlways MajesticStill very much the tourist attraction and place to visit. Semi-permanent bleachers have been constructed to allow for seating and better traffic flow. A large tent has also been add for food and pastries. It was terrible to look at all of the damage the fire did. Thankfully the church will be saved.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 1, 2023
- Trina NFort Worth, Texas112 contributionsBeautiful building, I came close to the inside.Because of the fire no one is allowed in yet, BUT...do the 3-D experience under Notre Dame. It was excellent. I feel like I did see the inside, and the story of the fire and repair are amazing. Also go to the Architecture Museum to see all the items removed from Notre Dame.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 3, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
71,655 reviews
Excellent
49,278
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4,031
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507
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224
nnuch
Portland, ME69 contributions
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 February 24, 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, WI874 contributions
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.
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 March 25, 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, NE134 contributions
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 March 3, 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, Australia1,220 contributions
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!
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 April 12, 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
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 June 30, 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, UK179 contributions
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 January 13, 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
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 April 4, 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, UK272 contributions
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 October 4, 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, SC2,043 contributions
Jun 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 May 20, 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
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 February 13, 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.
Would the crown of thorns be on display Friday Oct. 6, 2023? Thank you.
Lainie L
New York City, NY225 contributions
Good question! I doubt it since the Cathedral is not officially open until next year.
cuales fueron las medidas de control que se le dio al suceso de incendio el 15 de abril ??
Michael H
Kornwestheim, Germany555 contributions
Ich war nicht im Gebäude
when was it built?
bama74
Columbus, GA145 contributions
Sorry that it was started in 1163
Marina R
Cairo, Egypt32 contributions
Is the cathedral still opened for tourists to visit?
Bryn Heather Johnson
Draper, UT153 contributions
No, but they do have some information about the restoration posted along the barriers. It was interesting to walk around the cathedral and read about the fire and the plans to rebuild.
SaraAdkison
Houston, TX
Is mass still being held at Notre Dame? We are visiting in October, and I heard there are English masses, so we really wanted to go. Thanks in advance!
etoileparis
Paris, France83 contributions
Notre Dame will be closed for renovation and repair. Mass will be held at St Germain d'Auxerrois, near the Louvre museum, with the Archbishop presiding Sunday evening, I couldn't find information about the mass in English. concerts will also transfer to this church,
Ethan M.
Ashburn, VA81 contributions
We are looking to visit Paris around the end of August. Will it be open to the public and for tours by then? Or will only some parts (or none of) Notre Dame be opened?
2019 Europe trip
Palos Heights, IL62 contributions
It is a definite NO. You can take a river cruise and see the back of the building from the river but it will take YEARS to renovate. There are plenty of other things to visit. Take a hop on hop off bus tour, there are several routes and you see a lot.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris:
- Paris Top Sights Half Day Walking Tour with a Fun Guide (From $69.71)
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- Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise (From $43.94)
- Latin Quarter Le Quartier Latin Guided Walking Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max (From $79.35)
- Hotels near Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris:
- (0.04 mi) Unique 1BR Flat Next to Notre Dame and La Seine
- (0.15 mi) Hotel le Notre Dame
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- Restaurants near Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris:
- (0.03 mi) La Creperie du Cloitre
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- (0.00 mi) Aperture Tours
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