Notre Dame Cathedral — History, Storyline, Tours & Visitor Info
Explore the heart of Paris at Notre-Dame de Paris. See its Gothic façades, chapels and stained glass, hear restoration stories, and walk the Île de la Cité with an expert guide.
Interior & Exterior Guided Tour from €66.58Why Visit Notre-Dame?
One of the world’s great Gothic cathedrals, Notre-Dame blends faith, art and French history. From sculpted portals and flying buttresses to luminous chapels and treasured relics, every stone tells a story.
Iconic West Façade
Sculpted portals, Kings of Judah gallery, and twin towers that frame Paris’s skyline.
Stained Glass & Chapels
Symbolism and craft unfold as guides reveal meanings behind windows, altars and carvings.
Quick Timeline
- 1163 — Cornerstone laid under Bishop Maurice de Sully.
- 1345 — Cathedral substantially completed after centuries of work.
- 1804 — Napoleon Bonaparte crowned Emperor inside Notre-Dame.
- 1844–1864 — Viollet-le-Duc leads major restoration, adding the famed spire.
- 2019 — Fire damages roof and spire; international restoration effort begins.
- 2024–2025 — Interior reopens with renewed craftsmanship and guided access.
Top Experiences
Intro + Skip-the-Line Entry
Timed entry plus a concise orientation—breeze past queues and explore with confidence.
Interior & Exterior Guided Tour
Deep-dive storytelling outside and within; restoration highlights and hidden details.
Priority Guided Highlights
Fast-track flow and a focused route—ideal for short stays in Paris.
Reserved Access & Interior Visit
Smaller groups and pre-reserved slots for a smoother entry experience.
Architecture & Storyline
Gothic Engineering
Pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses channel weight and light skyward.
- West façade portals narrate Biblical scenes.
- Nave and transept frame chapels rich in symbolism.
- Restoration teams revive stone, wood and glass using heritage craft.
Legends & Moments
From medieval processions to literary fame in Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the cathedral has shaped Parisian identity for centuries.
Look For
Portal carvings, rose window tracery, choir screens, and artisanal details revealed by guides.
Insider Tips
Choose Early or Late Slots
Weekday openings or late afternoons are calmer; weekends and holidays are busiest.
Security & “Skip-the-Line”
Priority tickets speed access checks, but airport-style security still applies—arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Make It a Combo
Add a Seine cruise or Eiffel Tower visit for a classic Paris day.
Visitor Cheatsheet
Opening Hours
Typical daytime hours; check calendar for special services or events affecting access.
Ticket Options
Intro + Skip-the-Line €28+ | Interior & Exterior Guided €66.58+ | Priority Guided €79.90+ | Reserved Access €39+
What to Bring
Light day bag, modest attire, comfy shoes; large items may be restricted at security.
How to Get There
Métro 4 to Cité • RER B/C to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame • Buses and taxis along the Seine.
Ready to Experience Notre-Dame?
Secure your preferred time, add a guided tour, and see Paris’s Gothic icon up close.
Book Guided Access from €66.58