Notre Dame of Paris: Heart of the City Island

! Remain closed until further notice !

Symbol of Paris, Notre-Dame still fascinates centuries after its construction.

So, maybe Disney song is right when saying: And some say it's actually the soul of Paris which inflames when ring the bells of Notre Dame...

Paris and its cathedral always had a strong connection and many invisible links exist between the church and the city. This visit invites you to understand how the stories of Paris and Notre Dame influenced each other and led to what is now the most visited monument of Europe.

Standard duration: 1 hr to 2 hrs

Price: 250€ (up to 30 people) The location of hearing system is recommended beyond 10 people

Flat price. Tickets not included. Location: 2€/person for a half day

We will see together: the architecture, the altar, the deambulatory, the gargoyles, the stained-glass windows...

This tour doesn't include the visit of the towers. To add the towers to the tour, please consult the questions below.

Other tours in the same area: Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie Museum, Paris Islands, Latin Quarter

From what age is the tour recommended?

Children are generally curious about middle-ages. From 7 years old, they start to place correctly time periods in their mind and they love to realize that statues tell so many stories. After all, no surprise, they were intended to people of the past, most of them didn't receive the instruction to be able to read!

How long is the tour?

A 2 hours tour is the perfect timing to see everything inside and outside. Though the tour can be combined with another one of the same area and include a 1 hour tour of Notre Dame if you want to make the best of your time.

Is Notre Dame still a church?

It is indeed! That's the reason why it's free. But it also means the church expect respectful behaviours inside. Some parts of the cathedral are for prayers only. It is better to do the tour out of the masses time. There are 5 masses every day, 7 on Sundays.

Why is it different to visit the towers?

The cathedral of Notre Dame is free, but the towers are handled separately from the church. They are considered as a monument and you need tickets and a reservation time to enter. Count one extra hour to visit the towers. The flat price of the tour doesn't change but you must add the fares for the monument (see Contact me section).

Please note there are 422 steps to access the towers and there is no elevator. But the view deserves it!

Is there a time we cannot visit Notre Dame or its towers?

The church is open every day of the year. But it is better to avoid the masses time for a guided tour.

The towers are closed on some public holidays (January 1, May 1, December 25). There are night openings during summer (July and August).

When is the best time to avoid the crowd?

If you visit by yourselves, early in the morning or late in the afternoon. With a guide, the perfect timing is in the morning, between 9.30am and 12pm. Sundays to avoid.

Is this visit wheelchair accesible ?

The cathedral of Notre Dame is wheelchair accessible. But the towers are not. There is no elevator and no plan to change it in the future as the monument is listed and cannot be deeply altered.

Good to know

Considering the human warmth, Notre Dame is not one these freezing churches in winter. Still dress well because there is no heating system and not enough people some days to warm the church.

In summer, get a light scarf to cover your shoulder or your legs if you wear shorts.

Luggages are not allowed in the church!