What you need to know about the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris: dates, bookings and new features

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 to the public?

The reopening to the public 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.

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How do I book a visit?

A free reservation system will be set up via a dedicated application, accessible from the end of November. The 30-minute slots will be available from the day before your visit, to avoid scheduling bottlenecks. For those wishing to pray or attend mass, a specific queue will be organized, although waiting may be possible depending on attendance. Even without a reservation, you'll still be able to get in, thanks to a queue that's sure to be full.

On this app, you'll find five discovery routes: pilgrims, audio description, easy to read and understand, general visit and family, in French, English and Spanish to start with.

Is there a charge for admission?

While for a time there was talk of charging a five-euro entrance fee, it will remain free. Except for access to the Treasury, a separate area housing liturgical and historical objects, which will require a ticket. Mgr Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, insists on the need to"share freely" this part of our history.

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.

Can we see the reopening on television?

The entire ceremony will be broadcast on France Télévisions, on mondovision, on December 7 for the ceremony, then in the evening and on the morning of December 8, as well as at 6:30 pm for the first mass open to the public.

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.

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