Notre Dame Cathedral: Reopened in December 2024

Notre Dame de Paris was built between 1163 and approximately 1345, which means the cathedral that burned on 15 April 2019 had been standing for roughly 680 years. The fire destroyed the medieval wooden roof structure (the “forest”), the 19th-century spire designed by Viollet-le-Duc, and caused significant damage to the upper interior. Three-quarters of the 13 million visitors who came each year had never entered the building; they came to see the exterior. The exterior, the western facade, the flying buttresses, the rose windows, the twin towers, largely survived.

The French state announced a restoration programme within 24 hours. On 7 December 2024, after five years and over €700 million in restoration work, Notre Dame reopened.

On 15 April 2019, the spire collapsed during a fire that destroyed the cathedral’s roof and much of the upper interior. The fire burned for 15 hours. The French state announced a restoration programme the following day. On 7 December 2024, after five years and over €700 million in restoration work, Notre Dame reopened.

The cathedral that reopened is simultaneously the same building (the Gothic shell, the flying buttresses, the three rose windows, the bell towers, the western facade) and a substantially changed one: the spire is rebuilt in a design closely following Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century version, the interior stonework has been cleaned to a near-white brightness not seen since the medieval period, and several areas that were damaged have been restored or redesigned.

What to See

The Western Facade: the triple portal with its carved tympana (scenes above the doorways) represents the Last Judgement, the life of St Anne (Mary’s mother), and the life of the Virgin respectively. These were largely undamaged by the fire and are among the finest examples of medieval stone carving in France. The two towers (69 metres each) house the cathedral’s bells, including Emmanuel, the great bourdon bell that rings only on major occasions.

The Rose Windows: three rose windows (west, north transept, south transept) survive. The north transept rose from 1250 is the oldest and most original; it depicts Old Testament figures. The south transept rose depicts New Testament scenes around a central Christ figure. Both are roughly 13 metres in diameter.

The Interior: the nave is 130 metres long with a vault ceiling 33 metres high. The restored interior stone is considerably brighter than it was before 2019 - some visitors find it too clean and laboratory-white, expecting the patina of centuries. That patina will return. The cleaning also revealed carved details that had been obscured by centuries of candle smoke.

Treasury: located in the sacristy. Contains relics including what is claimed to be the Crown of Thorns (purchased by Louis IX in 1239 and housed at Notre Dame since 1806). It is shown to the public on the first Friday of each month and during Holy Week. The treasury also displays an important collection of liturgical objects.

Towers: a separate ticket is required to climb the towers (booking essential - slots sell out days or weeks in advance). The staircase is narrow and has 387 steps to the south tower belfry and 422 steps to the galerie des chimeres (gargoyle gallery) above. The gargoyles (technically the chimeric figures are grotesques rather than gargoyles - only those that serve as water spouts are properly gargoyles) were designed by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th-century restoration and are widely photographed against the Paris skyline.

The Crypt: beneath the plaza in front of the cathedral (Parvis Notre-Dame) lies the Archaeological Crypt, containing Roman-era and medieval foundations that predate the cathedral. Separately ticketed, excellent for context, largely overlooked.

Visiting Post-Reopening

Entry to the cathedral is free. Timed entry reservations are required (book at notredamedeparis.fr). The tower visit is separately ticketed and priced at around €15. Both fill up significantly in advance.

The cathedral is an active place of worship. Masses are held several times daily; the cathedral may be partially closed or restricted during services. The 10:00 Sunday mass is one of the more solemn and impressive experiences available in Paris.

Opening hours: generally 08:00-19:00 daily; later on some evenings. Check the official website for exact hours as they continue to be refined post-reopening.

The Surrounding Area

Ile de la Cite is the island where Notre Dame stands, the original settlement of Paris. The Sainte-Chapelle (50 metres west, on the grounds of the former royal palace) contains the finest Gothic stained glass in existence: 15 windows each 15 metres tall fill 75% of the wall space with coloured light. Entry around €13; no timed entry required but queues form mid-morning.

Pont Neuf (the name means “new bridge” but it is the oldest surviving bridge in Paris, built 1578-1607) is 5 minutes’ walk west and worth walking across for the view of the Seine.

Shakespeare and Company (37 Rue de la Bucherie, opposite the cathedral): the famous English-language bookshop, in operation since 1951, is across the Petit Pont from the cathedral’s southern facade. Good travel writing section, reading events scheduled regularly.

Getting There

Metro to Cite station (Line 4) or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B and C). The cathedral is 200 metres from Cite station exit.

From Gare du Nord: RER B south to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, 10 minutes.