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.

From September 20, 2025, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux will be offering a sensory experience to mark the Journées du Patrimoine: the reopening of the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris, closed since the fire of 2019. Overlooking theÎle de la Cité at a height of 69 meters, this new immersive tour takes you on a fifty-minute journey through the symbols of Gothic architecture, in a route entirely redesigned to awaken the senses and sensitively rediscover the monument.

Details of the new route of the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris

The new tour begins at the foot of the south tower, in an introductory room featuring models and educational pointers tracing the major stages in Notre-Dame's construction, as well as the main events in its history. Also on display are original chimeras, emblematic of Viollet-le-Duc's architectural approach. A second room, dedicated to drones, features a soundscape evoking great moments in French history.

The 424 steps can now be climbed via a double oak staircase, designed by Philippe Villeneuve, Rémi Fromont and Pascal Prunet, Architectes en Chef des Monuments Historiques. The staircase passes through the belfry's roof structure to the 69-metre-high south-facing terrace, offering a panoramic view of Paris and the spire. The descent leads visitors to the courtyard of the cisterns via a footbridge giving access to the drones. This courtyard also offers a glimpse of the famous large-roof frame, nicknamed " the forest ".

An itinerary for those curious about history and architecture

This new tour is aimed at a wide audience, whether heritage enthusiasts, regular visitors to historic monuments or tourists looking for an original view of the capital. The experience, designed to encourage a sensitive approach, is equally suited to enlightened amateurs and non-specialist visitors.

Families, schoolchildren and international visitors will also find it of educational interest, thanks to the accessible mediation and the care given to the scenography, created by theNathalie Crinière agency. The variety of visual and audio aids on offer promotes a broader understanding of the site and its history.

A historical tour, yes, but a sound tour!

At the end of the tour, an artistic sound experience has been designed to accompany the spiral descent of the north tower. It was created in partnership withNoirlac Abbey by artist Valérie Vivancos, to soften the return to the city after the ascent and contemplation. Ethereal sounds at the summit, becoming increasingly earthy as you descend. The Centre des Monuments Nationaux is also planning a special cultural program at the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, two nearby buildings historically linked to Notre-Dame.

We were also able to visit the building prior to its opening. The tour is as instructive as it is emotionally charged: we start with the north tower, and its rooms, complete with models, recounting the history and structure of the building. Then comes the slow, arduous ascent to a landing with a breathtaking view of the whole of Paris. At the top, the bumblebees await you, as if frozen in time, and then it's time to head to the platform to admire the chimeras all around. As for the descent, it's accompanied by a very modern and well thought-out soundtrack.

A very moving visit, though perhaps a little short, but well worth the trip. Ideal for learning all about the building, its history and its structure! Please note, however, that a certain level of physical fitness is required for climbing, that the tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility, and that it is not recommended for people suffering from heart failure or prone to vertigo, pregnant women or young children. Due to the expected number of visitors, online reservations are mandatory. How to book?

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