Notre Dame's immense interior—with its fluted columns, ribbed vaults, and prismatic windows—is a fantastic example of French Gothic architecture. Guided tours that include skip-the-line entry are the best way to visit the cathedral; not only will you avoid long lines, but your guide's expertise will ensure you notice even subtle details.
The cathedral can also be visited as part of a full-day Paris sightseeing tour—itineraries typically cover places such as the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre, or include a Seine River cruise, and provide insight into the history and culture of France.
The cathedral is set to reopen in December 2024.
A Paris museum pass covers skip-the-line entry to 50 top Paris attractions, including Notre Dame and Musée d'Orsay.
Climb the 387 steps of the north tower, braving gargoyles along the way, for panoramic views of Paris.
Notre Dame Cathedral is not fully wheelchair accessible, as there is a small step to enter and a few steps inside.
Notre Dame's central location makes it incredibly easy to reach by public transportation. Take the RER B or RER C line to the St-Michel Notre-Dame station, or to Cité on Line 4 of the Metro. To walk there, follow the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower for a 1-hour stroll brimming with Parisian highlights and hidden gems.
The cathedral is not set to reopen until December 2024. If visiting Paris in the winter, head to Notre Dame right before closing to watch the sunset and see the City of Light twinkle. In the evening, the cathedral's square comes to life in a riot of music and performance. Watch street performers juggle fire, grab a bite from a vendor, or simply admire Notre Dame illuminated by night.
Notre Dame Cathedral may be one of the most famous examples of French Gothic architecture in the capital, but it's far from the only one. Explore more Parisian Gothic at the Cluny Museum, home to half a dozen impressive wall hangings; head to Saint Chapelle to admire some of the most beautiful medieval stained glass; or stop by the Church of Saint Severin in the 5th arrondissement.
