On Saturday, December 7, 2024, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris caused quite a stir, with a spectacular show to celebrate its reopening to the public, five years after the terrible fire that ravaged it. A real feat, allowing Parisians and tourists to once again visit the much-loved edifice, free of charge. But the work isn't over yet, and the towers won't be accessible until 2025!
While the cathedral's interior is literally as good as new, the cranes and construction site won't disappear just yet, as Notre-Dame's exterior is still in need of renovation. Not only are the buttresses concerned, but also the façade on the south side, and of course the parvis, which is to be planted and its basement transformed over a three-year period. But the two towers that make up the monument's distinctive shape won't have to wait several years to reopen.
We had to wait until July to find out the exact date: September 20, 2025. Saved in-extremis during the fire, the towers are still undergoing meticulous work, carried out by the exceptional craftsmen commissioned to work on this monumental site. In the meantime, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux has indicated that it is preparing for "the forthcoming redevelopment of the tour, with a redesigned scenography offering breathtaking views of the rebuilt spire and the roof structure".
In the first room of the tour, which will serve as an introduction to the visit, the major stages in the cathedral's construction and the main events in its history will be explainedwith models, while the second room will offer an unprecedented view of the belfry's wooden framework. Anew staircase will allow visitors to get up close to the drones, and experience a climb through the tower's framework. The south tower terrace, with its exceptionalview and orientation tables, is 69m high.
To descend the 422 steps, visitors will be accompanied by a sound and art experience. We'll have to wait a few more months before we can once again enjoy this panoramic view of the capital when we visit the towers, which, unlike the cathedral, are subject to a visitor's fee, which is set to rise by six euros to 16 euros.
Visit the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris: reopening with a new itinerary
The towers of Notre-Dame de Paris reopen to the public on September 20, 2025, to coincide with the Journées du Patrimoine. Climb to a height of 69 meters to rediscover one of the capital's most emblematic monuments, thanks to a new, enriched tour. A unique experience at the heart of Parisian heritage. [Read more]
Location
Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
75004 Paris 4
Access
Metro - RER: - Cité (4) - Saint Michel - Notre-Dame (B,C) - Hôtel de Ville (1,11) - Maubert-Mutualité / Cluny - La Sorbonne (10) - Châtelet - Les Halles (7,14,A,D)
Visit the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris: reopening with a new itinerary
