Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris: dates, bookings, news, what you need to know

With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Announced for December 8, 2024, its reopening is eagerly awaited. From reservations to the transformation of the forecourt and the proposed visitor itineraries, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome 15 million visitors a year.

Victor Hugo immortalized it brilliantly in one of the most emblematic novels in French literature... Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's most beautiful jewels, and probably one of the most visited monuments in the City of Light. Every year, no fewer than 13 million visitors stroll through the aisles of the nave and other apses of the building.

Construction of the edifice began under the impetus of Bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163, and was completed several hundred years later, in the mid-14th century. A building that has seen history unfold before its eyes, from the coronation of Napoleon I in 1804 to the funeral of François Mitterrand in 1996, via the Magnificat sung for the liberation of Paris on August 26, 1944.

Nearly five years after the fire in April 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris is finally back in the public eye this December 2024, a date that coincides with the feast of the Immaculate Conception. This reopening is accompanied by a number of new features: a completely redeveloped forecourt, free reservations to limit visitor flows, and a tour route to discover the restored treasures. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit.

When will Notre-Dame reopen?

The reopening is scheduled for December 8, 2024, with a series of religious and cultural ceremonies throughout the week. On Sunday, a first mass will mark this historic event, followed by celebrations throughout the year up to June 2025, in connection with the jubilee year for pilgrims.

How do I book a visit?

A free reservation system will be set up via a dedicated app, accessible from the end of November. The 30-minute slots will be available only a few days before the visit, to avoid scheduling bottlenecks. For those wishing to pray or attend mass, a specific queue will be organized, although waiting is possible depending on attendance.

Is there a charge for admission?

For the time being, admission is free. Access to the Treasury, a separate area housing liturgical and historical objects, will require a ticket. However, there is a possibility that admission will be charged. The French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, expressed her intention inan interview with Le Figaro newspaper. " Charging admission to Notre-Dame would save all the churches in France", she said in the interview. The announced rate would be €5. However, the minister specifies that it would not be a question of charging for masses and services. If admission to Notre-Dame were to be charged, access to these religious ceremonies would have to be free of charge.

What's new on the forecourt?

The forecourt has been redesigned to offer a more welcoming, plant-filled space, with facilities for visitors and worshippers alike. This transformation aims to make the Notre-Dame experience more soothing and spiritual, allowing everyone to enjoy the renovated setting around this must-see monument.

What can we see on the tour?

Visitors will be able to admire Viollet-le-Duc's restored spire, as well as the roofs of the nave and choir. Three themed tour routes will be offered, each enabling visitors to discover different facets of the cathedral, from religious heritage to works of art. Full guided tours and group access will be available from June 2025.

The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is eagerly awaited. December 8, 2024 will mark not only the rebirth of this architectural masterpiece, but also the perseverance and determination of all those involved in its restoration. A date to remember for all lovers of culture and heritage. A landmark building in Paris, just like its forecourt, which houses the archaeological crypt of the Ile de la Cité, preserving the remains of a Paris of the past, testimony to the history of one of the world's most visited cities.

What to do around Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis: Our tips and addresses
Out and about near Notre-Dame de Paris, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis? Follow our guide to find out more about the history of the area, and find out what's going on around here! [Read more]

Parvis de Notre-Dame de Paris: the former underground parking lot transformed into an indoor promenade
With Notre-Dame Cathedral due to reopen in December 2024, the area around the building is to be redeveloped, with work scheduled to start in autumn 2025. While the creation of a large square is on the agenda, the City of Paris also reveals that the underground parking lot, located beneath the forecourt, will be transformed into an "interior promenade". We tell you all about it. [Read more]

Paris Notre-Dame 2024 Christmas Market
Notre-Dame's Christmas Market is a special one this year, with the Cathedral reopening in early December. From November 29 to December 25, 2024, visitors will flock to Square Viviani to find French crafts and gastronomy, as well as free entertainment for children, including the presence of Santa Claus. [Read more]

Making stones speak, the exhibition on Notre-Dame's medieval sculptures at the Musée de Cluny
To mark the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Musée du Moyen-Âge is presenting an exhibition based on its sculpted decor and the stones recovered, providing an opportunity to imagine the monument in medieval times, from November 19, 2024 to March 16, 2025. [Read more]

La Nouvelle Seine: the restaurant-bar, terrace and shows opposite Notre-Dame
The La Nouvelle Seine barge, located at the foot of Notre-Dame in Paris, offers a beautiful restaurant on the water, as well as a terrace bar where you can soak up the sun. Then continue on to the theater section for a comedy show, one-man show or cabaret. [Read more]

Notre-Dame de Paris: date and schedule for the cathedral's reopening in 2024
After the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a date of 2024 was announced for the completion of work and the reopening of the monument to the public. Find out more about the announced date and ask for the program! [Read more]

Eternelle Notre-Dame: the historical immersive experience in virtual reality
Notre-Dame de Paris as you've never seen it before: discover the immersive virtual reality experience "Eternelle Notre-Dame". Offered at La Défense and on the cathedral's forecourt, this astonishing show plunges us into the heart of history. [Read more]

Notre-Dame de Paris at the heart of the construction site, the free exhibition under the forecourt in photos
The Notre-Dame de Paris: au coeur du chantier exhibition, which takes place beneath the cathedral's forecourt, is now unveiled. From March 7, 2023, until the monument reopens, discover the work of the hundreds of men and women who are rebuilding the cathedral. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the highlights of the titanic construction site, to discover the work of the journeymen and craftsmen, and the challenges of reconstruction. [Read more]