The incredible and historical Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris is one of the city’s most famous monuments. Built in the 12th century, Notre Dame has seen centuries of tumultuous change in the capital. From the various French revolutions to the German occupation in WW2, the famous landmark has survived it all.
On 15th April 2019, a fire broke out in the wooden roof of the Cathedral leading to the collapse of the wooden ceiling and the famous spire. I remember watching the raging fire afar, from the Place Saint Michel and the distinct smell of burning wood that one could sense even from 1 mile away.
For over 5 years a huge team of artisans worked around the clock to restore and rebuild the famous cathedral. In December 2024, the cathedral finally reopened and now, it’s open and free to visit.
Can You Visit Notre Dame in 2025?
Yes, Notre Dame is now open to the public to visit in the interior of the cathedral. It’s free and you don’t need to reserve in advance.
There are queues but they move very quickly. You can expect to spend around 10-15 minutes before you reach the entrance.
Why Is It So Famous?
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Along with the Eiffel Tour, it’s one of the very emblematic symbols of the capital and France.
The cathedral dates back to to 1163 when construction began. Bishop Maurice de Sully led the grand project and amazingly it continued until 1345, taking nearly 200 years to complete. Built on the Île de la Cité, the cathedral replaced an old Merovingian church.
At the time, the design was considered groundbreaking. Flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and large rose windows, showcased advancements in engineering and artistry. The cathedral’s stunning façade and detailed sculptures, such as the famous gargoyles are distinctly of the Gothic area.
Notre Dame has been the site of major historical events, including the crowning of Henry VI of England in 1431, Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation as Emperor in 1804, and the beatification of Joan of Arc in 1909.
During the French Revolution, the cathedral was heavily damaged, with its treasures looted and its statues destroyed. A major restoration led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century restored the cathedral to its former glory.
Finally another reason why the cathedral is so famous is also down to Victor Hugo’s novel, the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
What To See in Notre Dame Cathedral
The Stunning Facade
The west façade, with its three ornate portals, is adorned with intricate sculptures depicting biblical scenes, saints, and the Last Judgment.
Above the portals, the iconic Gallery of Kings features 28 statues of Judean kings.
Stained Glass Rose Windows
Three magnificent rose windows, particularly the north and south ones, display stunning stained glass from the 13th century. These depict biblical stories and saints in dazzling colors.
The Incredible Nave and High Ceilings
The interior boasts a towering nave with ribbed vaults which are visually incredible as well as being an engineering marvel.
Rising to a height of 35 meters (115 feet), the vaulted ceiling is supported by slender ribbed columns and intricate flying buttresses that distribute the weight outward.
The 2019 fire destroyed the roof structure and many of the vaults collapsed. These were completely rebuild in the years after.
Relics of Notre Dame
There are numerous Sacred relics in the cathedral, including an apparent fragment of the Cross and the Crown of Thorns.
Perhaps the most valuable relic in the Cathedral is the Crown of Thorns. It came to France in 1238 when the Emperor of Constantinople, Baldwin II, gave the crown to Louis IX.
The 24cm long wooden fragment of the Cross is meant to have been saved during widespread destruction in the French Revolution. A separate part, a nail, is meant to have originated from the Holy Sepulcher when it was gifted to Emperor Charlemagne in 790 AD.
Both relics were rescued from the fire in 2019.
The Altar and Statues
The stunning high altar is flanked by religious sculptures, including a famous Pietà. Flanking the Pietà are two statues of Louis XIII and Louis XIV.
Further down you’ll see wooden stalls on either side which is where the canons sit during service.
The Choir Enclosure
On the outside of the wooden stalls you’ll see the incredible choir enclosure – a sculpted wooden wall that depicts different scenes from Jesus’ life.
This wall dates back to the 14th century and were originally designed to provide the canons with a screen.
Where to Eat Nearby
The Île de la Cité doesn’t have many good dining options and I’d certainly avoid the very touristy restaurants on Rue d’Arcole.
I’ve written a guide to the best restaurants near Notre Dame which you can read here.
FAQ
Is Does it Cost to Enter?
Nope – it’s free to enter the Cathedral. You’ll just need to wait and there can be some light security searches.
Do You Need to Reserve to Enter?
Nope – there’s no reservation required to enter the Cathedral.
How To Get to the Eiffel Tower from Notre Dame
It’s really easy to get to the Eiffel Tower from Notre Dame. The best way is to take the RER C from Saint-Michel Notre Dame. This station is about a 5 minute walk from the entrance of the cathedral.
Here you can jump on the RER C for 4 stops until you reach the Champ de Mars Eiffel Tower stop.
