Y’all, it’s finally happening!! After five long sad years of anticipation, Notre Dame is open to the public again as of December 8, 2024. As you probably know, the historic French cathedral church that is one of the most famous landmarks in the world has been under extensive restoration since a fire severely damaged it in 2019. What you may not know is that my first Paris apartment was just around the corner from Notre Dame on Île Saint-Louis. I moved back to Charleston, SC just months before this fire occurred.
The reopening marks a monumental occasion for Parisians and travelers from around the world – who else has been in Paris in the last 4 years and bummed out by the scaffolding in all your Paris pics? As of December 8, once Notre Dame is open to the public, you’ll once again be able to tour the legendary cathedral, rain or shine, witness its architecture, history, and art – some old, some new.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning a visit once Notre Dame is open to the public.
The Notre Dame Restoration Journey
The fire that broke out on April 15, 2019, left the world in shock when flames engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral, destroying its spire and roof. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to rebuild the iconic structure, folks around the world sent in donations, and in the past four years, thousands of architects, construction staff, and world renowned restoration experts have worked tirelessly to restore the Paris cathedral to its former glory – and then some!
The restoration project not only focused on repairing the physical damage but also modernizing the structure to meet current safety and accessibility standards – think things like cleaning and restoring all the stained glass windows, meticulous repairs to the stone masonry, and rebuilding the damaged spire according to the original 19th-century designs by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
What to Expect Once Notre Dame is Open to the Public
Notre Dame is open to the public December 8, 2024. When planning a future visit to Notre Dame, expect to experience a blend of historic preservation and the new updates. Much of the cathedral’s iconic design has been preserved, but some subtle modernizations were added to enhance the visitor experience and protect the structure in years to come (read: no more tragic fires)!
Restored Interior: Notre Dame’s nave, stained glass windows, and high altar have been meticulously restored, maintaining the cathedral’s original ambiance while ensuring it is positioned to truly stand the test of time.
Enhanced Accessibility: Notre Dame now has improved accessibility features (this is not Paris’s strongpoint), including better ramps and seating for those with limited mobility. The improvements make it easier for all visitors to navigate and appreciate the intricate artwork and architecture, and will feel like a big step up from the past.
Safety Enhancements: The fire obviously brought safety concerns to the forefront, prompting an additional fire protection system and fireproof materials to reduce the risk of future incidents – not things that will be super visible to you as a Paris visitor, but help us all sleep better at night knowing they are there.
Historic Artifacts to See Once Notre Dame is Open to the Public
We all know Notre Dame is a treasure trove of history and art – that’s why it’s been a pilgrimage for many over the centuries! Here are the must-see historic highlights that will once again be open to the public following the December reopening of Notre Dame.
The Rose Windows: These stained-glass masterpieces are one of Notre Dame’s most famous features. They date back to the 13th century and were thankfully spared from damage in the 2019 fire and are freshly restored.
The Crown of Thorns: Ok I have never seen this one but it’s a big deal and was saved in the fire. This revered Christian relic is believed to be the crown placed on Jesus during his crucifixion and is kept in a top secret spot and displayed on certain days during the year – no doubt it will make an appearance at the reopening!
Gargoyles and Chimeras: The cathedral’s famous gargoyles and chimeras add to its mystique and are elements you can see without even going inside. Originally designed to divert rainwater, these stone creatures have become iconic figures in Notre Dame’s architectural identity. I didn’t know this initially, and have so many fond memories of walking home from the Metro, passing Notre Dame, and watching the Paris rain stream off the gargoyles as if they were spitting.
The Great Organ: Notre Dame’s Great Organ is one of the largest in the world and was luckily saved from the fire. It’s a marvel of engineering and produces a powerful sound that fills the cathedral during performances and totally gives Phantom of the Opera vibes (sorry if that is sacrilegious? Totally meant as a compliment).
New Highlights Once Notre Dame is Open to the Public
In addition to the familiar, historic components listed above, the Notre Dame reopening will unveil a few new experiences and features to enrich tourists’ and locals’ future visits to the world’s most famous cathedral in years to come. I am so excited to experience these, y’all!
Interactive Exhibits: The Notre Dame tour is finally tech friendly and now includes interactive displays and digital installations to guide visitors through their visit. These exhibits offer insights into the cathedral’s construction, restoration efforts, and the symbolic importance of key architectural elements.
The Spire Reborn: Perhaps the most anticipated feature of the restored Notre Dame is the reconstruction of the spire, which was completely destroyed in the fire. The restoration team painstakingly rebuilt the spire to match the original design and it now stands in the Paris skyline as a beacon of resilience – it went up while I was back in Paris for the Olympics and the whole city lost its mind over this iconic restoration.
New Lighting Design: Notre Dame’s updated lighting system showcases the church interior to highlight the delicate stone carvings and stained glass. The lighting design adjusts to the time of day, creating a more atmospheric experience for visitors as they move through the space. I am really excited for this one, as Notre Dame could feel really dark and drab (especially in the winter) when I lived in Paris.
Adding the Olympic Bell: Ok this has a much more recent but super cool historic relic! The Olympic bell rung by the athletes after each victory at the Stade de France during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is now installed in one of the cathedral’s towers, plus two other new bells to replace those damaged in the fire.
Visitor Information – Notre Dame is Open to the Public
If you’re planning to visit Notre Dame following the December 2024 reopening, here are essential details to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Hours of Operation & Admission
- Notre Dame is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
- To avoid crowds, visit right when they open in the morning (10 am) or late in the afternoon (2-4 pm window). These quieter times should make for shorter lines and allow you to fully take your time and appreciate the atmosphere and details.
- General admission is free, but donations to support the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the cathedral are encouraged – you can make them in person or online.
- Special extended hours are available during holidays and festivals, check the schedule here.
- The closest Metro stations are Cité Station (metro line 4) Saint-Michel Station (metro line 4 or RER line B and C).
Safety Measures – Notre Dame is open to the public
In light of the restoration, there are some important safety protocols and visitor guidelines:
Capacity Limits: To protect both the structure and ensure a safe experience, daily visitor numbers may be capped. These cap numbers are set to vary by date and event, so the best way to get around them is to come early, especially if visiting on weekends.
Security Checks: Expect standard security checks before entering, including bag inspections and metal detectors. Bags are and liquids are still allowed, they will just be run through security.
Booking Tours and Experiences – Notre Dame is open to the public
Audio and Guided Tours: Notre Dame offers audio guides in multiple languages, and guided tours can be booked in advance. If you don’t want to wait in line, these tours are the way to go! Plus they provide in-depth knowledge about the cathedral’s art, architecture, and restoration efforts.
Tower Climb: For those seeking a unique perspective, the famed Notre Dame towers are also reopening, offering one of the best views of Paris. Be prepared for a climb up 387 steps to reach the top, where you can enjoy an up-close view of the gargoyles and panoramic views over the city – including the Eiffel Tower. I cannot recommend this enough! This tour is free the first Sunday of every month.
How to Make the Most of your Visit now that Notre Dame is Open to the Public
Plan Ahead: With Notre Dame’s high popularity, there is no doubt it will be nuts for a while following the reopening. Consider planning your visit in advance – book any tours, especially the tower climb, early to secure your spot.
Dress Respectfully: As Notre Dame is a place of worship, dress modestly. This is particularly important if you plan to attend a service.
Capture the Moment Respectfully: Photography is allowed, but do not use a flash and try to keep it chill. Also remember to be mindful of other visitors and worshippers.
Nearby Paris Attractions to Explore
Notre Dame’s location on the Île de la Cité puts you in the heart of Paris. After your visit, take the opportunity to explore nearby Paris attractions. Here are a few of my favorites:
Île Saint-Louis
Just a short walk across the pedestrian bridge behind Notre Dame, Île Saint-Louis is my absolute favorite and the location of my first Paris apartment. The island is charming and peaceful, and the main street is lined with quaint cafes, boutique shops, and picturesque streets, ideal for a leisurely stroll, especially with the lights up during Christmas season!
Sainte-Chapelle
Known for its stunning stained glass, this former royal chapel is located just a few minutes from Notre Dame. It’s a must-see for art and architecture enthusiasts, and has gotten a lot more attention with Notre Dame being closed to the public. Now that Notre Dame is open to the public, I’m guessing lines at Saint-Chapelle will thin and make for an easy visit.
Latin Quarter
Famous for its lively atmosphere thanks to its proximity to local universities, the Latin Quarter is filled with cafes, bookstores, and landmarks like the Sorbonne and Luxembourg Gardens. It’s a great area to relax or grab a drink after a day of sightseeing, and home to our forever favorite crepe shop.
Conclusion – Notre Dame is Open to the Public
This is huge, y’all. The reopening of Notre Dame is more than just a return of a historical landmark—it’s a testament to resilience, artistry, and the collective efforts of experts and artisans who poured their skill into bringing it back to life. The vibes are BIG. If you’re planning a visit to Paris in the near future, don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness Notre Dame restored to its original glory. The cathedral’s grand reopening offers a chance to connect with centuries of world history in a way that few other places can.
Whether you choose to take a tor, attend mass, or just soak in the atmosphere on your own, a visit to Notre Dame promises to be a highlight of any trip to Paris. Let me know if you need help planning yours! xx Emma
Cover photo of Notre Dame at night provided by mcregg photography
