Visiting Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame feels like being part of a historic moment.
After nearly five years of restoration following the devastating fire in 2019, the iconic cathedral will finally reopen its doors on December 7, 2024.
Having been to Paris ten times, I’ve seen Notre Dame in its glory and its heartbreak, and this upcoming 11th trip holds special significance, I will be in Paris during its special 8-day reopening.
This article is your go-to guide for everything you need to know, from the Notre Dame reopening date to booking tickets (a must due to expected high demand). I also share a one-day itinerary that I think you’re going to enjoy too!
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Notre Dame Reopening Date
Notre-Dame de Cathedral reopens to the public on December 9, 2024, following a grand reopening for invited guests only on December 7 and the first mass on December 8.
The special Notre Dame reopening hours will be:
- Monday, December 9 to Friday, December 13: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
From Sunday, December 8 to Sunday, December 15, 2024, the Masses of the Octave of Reopening will offer a daily mass open to the public at 6:30 PM.
For those who are in Paris right now (and up to December 6th), volunteers are offering free guided tours around the exterior of the Cathedral starting at 2:30 PM.
- French tours are daily
- English tours are on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- German tours are on 28 November and 5 December
- Portuguese tours are on 30 November
Notre Dame Tickets
Admission is free, though visitors must book a time slot through the official “Compagnon de Visite” app, available for download starting in early December (this includes attending the public mass).
Reservations will open only 1-2 days before with 30-minute time slots. The cathedral can host up to 3,000 people at once.
Be cautious of third-party websites selling fake tickets—official reservations are always free and exclusively available through the official “Compagnon de Visite” app or the official Notre Dame de Paris website.
Admission Fee Debate
Did you know that the decision to keep Notre Dame free to enter has been a topic of ongoing debate? Critics point out the high costs of maintaining such a historic site, especially after its €850 million restoration.
Some argue that a modest fee of 5 euros could help fund preservation efforts of this and other historical cathedrals in France.
On the other hand, proponents of free entry highlight the cathedral’s role as a place of worship and its cultural significance, insisting it should remain accessible to everyone.
The debate may continue, but for now travellers, this means no entry cost.
What to Expect on Your First Visit Back to Notre Dame de Paris
Do you remember the devasting moment on the 16th of April in 2019, when the fire at Notre Dame brought global attention to Paris and the vulnerability of historical monuments? I sure do.
The blaze destroyed the iconic spire, much of the roof, and parts of the interior and furnishings of this beloved city landmark. The cathedral’s age (of 861 years) and fragility sparked a sentiment shared by travel lovers around the world – don’t take visiting historical landmarks for granted.
Since then, the restoration journey has been a collective dedication to restoring it “more beautiful than ever” as promised by France’s President, Emmanuel Macron.
Teams of artisans, engineers, and historians worked tirelessly, facing challenges like stabilizing the weakened structure and sourcing authentic materials. Visitors, we are in for a treat once it’s finally unveiled! And, I for one, can’t wait!
New Features and Changes
Visitors returning to Notre Dame will find many new features designed to enhance the experience for us.
- Streamlined Visitor Flow: redesigned pathways guide visitors through 10 key points of interest in a clockwise direction, offering a smoother experience and better crowd flow.
- Showcasing the Crown of Thorns: the sacred Crown of Thorns, which survived the fire, is now prominently displayed with a new protective case as part of the 10 points of interest.
- Restoration Milestones: the interior walls have been meticulously cleaned of centuries-old soot, revealing their original brightness.
- Modern Seating and Liturgical Furnishings: new bronze baptistery, altar, and tabernacle designs mark a contemporary shift to using metal for the first time and all 1,500 new chairs have been replaced.
- Enhanced Accessibility: upgrades such as ramps and lifts make the cathedral more inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges.
- Interactive Exhibits: digital exhibits and interactive displays shed light on the intensive restoration process.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Depending on your scheduled timeslot to visit Notre Dame (3:30 to 10 PM), you’ve got the rest of the day to explore the iconic Île de la Cité and its surroundings. Here’s how I’d structure a day packed with culture, history, and Parisian charm.
Morning: Explore Île de la Cité
- Sainte-Chapelle: famous for its gorgeous stained-glass windows, this 13th-century Gothic chapel is a must-visit (tips for getting Sainte-Chapelle tickets)
- Conciergerie: a former royal palace turned prison, this is where Marie Antoinette spent her final days and look-out for the very ornate clock from the 14th century
- Place Dauphine: tucked away near Pont Neuf (Paris’s oldest bridge), this romantic square exudes old-world charm, I recommend a cozy cafe break at either Le Dauphin for crepes or La Rose de France for traditional bistro vibes
- Rue Chanoinesse: a charming medieval street that is swoon-worthy, as is Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole cafe
- Square du Vert-Galant: a hidden garden and square found on the very tip of the island at the level of the Seine River
Lunch: Explore Île Saint-Louis
Cross over to Île Saint-Louis, a smaller, less busy island using the bridge called Pont Saint-Louis. Grab lunch at a charming bistro—I’d recommend La Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis, it’s not the best food you’ll have in Paris, but the friendly atmosphere will make up for it. Don’t miss a scoop (or two) of ice cream from Berthillon, a Paris institution, while you stroll the main street called Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île lined with shops and galleries.
Afternoon: Charming Streets and Hidden Gems
If you’re a book lover, pop into Shakespeare and Company, or sip a coffee at the adjacent cafe by the same name.
If you’re wandering through the area, I highly recommend exploring nearby streets like Rue Saint-Julien le Pauvre, where you’ll spot the delightful Odette pastry shop—famous for their irresistible cream puffs (a must-try!). Stroll down Rue Galande, Rue Saint-Séverin, and Rue de la Parcheminerie to soak up the charm of these historic streets.
Along the way, don’t miss The Abbey Bookshop, a cozy English bookstore that happens to be run by a fellow Canadian—one of the reasons it’s my personal favourite spot for browsing books in Paris.
Speaking of Paris’s hidden gems…
If you’re looking to experience Paris in a way that goes beyond the typical tourist hotspots, this ebook is for you.
“Experience Paris: Finding the Joy of Slow Travel” is designed for travellers who want to explore the city at a slower pace, immersing themselves in the places loved most by locals.
Don’t miss your Notre Dame scheduled time slot!
With tickets for Notre Dame reserved in advance, head back to the Île de la Cité for your time slot between 3:30 PM and 10 PM.
Evening: Christmas Markets
You are visiting Paris at the perfect time, not only for the historic reopening of the Cathedral but for Christmas Markets.
I visited the Paris Christmas markets in 2021 and can recommend three festive nearby options to plan around your visit to Notre Dame:
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market: located in the chic Saint-Germain district of the 6th arrondissement. Highlights for me were the food and a cozy, upscale vibe.
- Notre-Dame Christmas Market: due to the fire, the temporary location became Square René Viviani Market. This is a small, yet charming market and likely to return to its original location in 2025.
- Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market: located at Paris’s City Hall. This is a large, family-friendly Christmas market and has one of the best lights displays.
Final Thoughts
As I prepare for my upcoming trip to Paris in December to experience the reopening of Notre Dame, I’m filled with anticipation. The cathedral’s restoration has been years in the making, and I’m eager to see it firsthand.
I’ll share my personal reflection and experience in mid-December. Subscribe to my newsletter so you won’t miss my updates and be the first to read about my visit to Notre Dame and other upcoming articles.
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