Is Notre-Dame de Paris easily accessible without a ticket? Is there still a queue?

Since its reopening in December 2024, Notre-Dame de Paris has been packed to the rafters. With over 800,000 visitors welcomed in a single month, the restored edifice is attracting impressive crowds. Are reservations easier? Is it still possible to get in without a ticket? How long is the wait? We've tested it and we'll tell you.

Notre-Dame de Paris has been open to visitors for over a month now. If you're one of those people who tried in vain to get reserved admission tickets, or who preferred to wait for the craze to die down a little, you're no doubt wondering whether going straight there and queuing up is now a good plan or not for visiting the monument.

How do I book a ticket to Notre-Dame?

Reservations can be made via the cathedral's official website. Launched by the Diocese of Paris, the "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris" app is also available for reservations. Available free of charge on iOS and Android, it allows you to reserve slots, while offering enriched content on the cathedral's history and architecture. It includes guided tours, a schedule of religious services and practical information on concerts by the Notre-Dame choir. The application, designed by a French agency, guarantees an intuitive experience accessible to all. In just one month, it has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times, testifying to its success with visitors.

For those who reserve a slot, entry is organized seamlessly. All you need to do is show up five minutes before the scheduled time with a piece of identification and your printed or digital confirmation. Access is guaranteed up to 20 minutes after the specified time, a welcome flexibility for visitors.

Although 10,000 to 15,000 tickets are offered every day via the website or the apps, we have to admit that we have tried several times to book tickets at different times of the week and day, but the slots sell out at breakneck speed and we've come up empty every time.

Is ticketless access possible?

As a reminder, it is still possible to visit Notre-Dame de Paris without a ticket. A dedicated queue has been set up for those who have not reserved.

Do I have to pay to visit Notre-Dame de Paris?

Since its reopening, access to the cathedral has remained free for those wishing to admire its interior architecture, stained glass windows and nave. This reflects its religious and cultural vocation, allowing everyone to discover this jewel of French heritage. However, some specific areas, such as the Notre-Dame treasure, are not free. This treasure, located in a side chapel, houses religious objects of great historical and artistic value, such as chalices, relics and the Crown of Thorns, a precious relic of Christ's Passion.

Admission to the treasure trove costs €12 per adult and €6 for concessions, with reductions for children, students and the unemployed on presentation of proof. Audioguides and guided tours are also available, enabling visitors to discover the fascinating stories surrounding these sacred objects.

How long do I have to wait?

Waiting times vary according to the day and the time of day. We tried this Thursday morning at 10 a.m. on weekdays and at night during the vacations, and there was virtually no waiting time. If the queue of non-ticketed entrances seemed to fill up quickly from time to time, visitors were in and out in less than a minute. It's possible that at weekends, because people are more available, the wait may be a little longer, but the site is now fully accessible.

What do you find once you're inside?

Notre-Dame de Paris, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, offers a unique visitor experience. As you enter, the light streaming through the stained glass windows casts vivid colors on the centuries-old stonework, creating a mystical atmosphere. The famous south rose window, a true gem of the XIIIᵉ century, tells biblical scenes through its thousands of pieces of glass. The eye is also drawn to the slender vault, an impressive feat of engineering that testifies to the genius of medieval builders. The tour also leads to remarkable works of art, such as the sculpted high altar and the cathedral treasury, where precious relics are hidden.

As you explore the interior of Notre-Dame de Paris, each alcove reveals a fragment of religious history and art. These side chapels, nestled along the walls, offer spaces dedicated to prayer and devotion, often adorned with meticulously crafted frescoes, statues and altarpieces. These include works depicting biblical scenes, the lives of saints or key moments in Christian history. Some alcoves house delicate Marian statues, while others highlight more modest stained-glass windows, each telling a unique story. As you stroll along, you'll come across commemorative plaques and ancient tombs, silent witnesses to centuries gone by. Every corner of the cathedral invites attentive exploration, where the details of the sculptures and ornaments echo the spiritual and artistic richness of this timeless place.

As you can see, the long-awaited return of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is now fully accessible. We invite you to make the most of it while it's free, and (re)discover this powerful emblem of the capital that we thought had been lost forever. This visit is an opportunity to explore the spiritual and artistic soul of Paris.