The Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: the view saved from the flames, practical information

A symbol of Paris and a Gothic masterpiece, Notre-Dame Cathedral is gradually returning to its former glory, following the fire that ravaged it in 2019. Although the building has been welcoming visitors and pilgrims again since 2024, you'll have to wait until September 20, 2025 to climb the hundreds of steps leading to the top of the towers. These spiral staircases, which have seen generations of visitors fascinated by Quasimodo, bells and chimeras, are reopening with a completely redesigned scenography.

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The Centre des Monuments Nationaux has designed an immersive tour, featuring new explanatory rooms: scale models of the medieval construction, discovery of the restored roof structure and unprecedented access to a gallery linking the two towers. The ascent will be accompanied by a soundtrack designed to bring the experience to life. The highlight of the visit is the terrace of the south tower, perched at 69 metres, offering a unique panoramic view of Paris, surrounded by gargoyles.

Built between 1163 and 1345, the south and north towers dominate the Île de la Cité, and were designed to support the weight of the west façade and house the cathedral's famous bells, including the legendary Emmanuel, cast in 1681 and weighing over 13 tons. During the French Revolution, the towers were damaged and partially stripped of their sculptures. In the XIXᵉ century, the architect Viollet-le-Duc oversaw a major restoration, notably adding the famous gargoyles and chimeras that still adorn the balustrades today.

The first visitors are expected during the European Heritage Days on September 20 and 21, 2025, before the site opens more widely thereafter, by reservation only. Admission is 16 euros, but under-25s can visit free of charge. Please note that there will be no on-site ticket office, so advance reservations are essential. From September 24 to October 31, access is possible from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and from November 1 to March 31, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

As with most towers, there is no elevator up to the top, and the 69-meter high building has 424 steps, so it's not recommended for people with heart failure and/or vertigo, pregnant women or small children. Some passages are narrow (45 cm) and low in height.

Rediscover Notre-Dame from above!

All you need to know about Notre-Dame de Paris: opening hours, tours, reservations, events
With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Since December 8, 2024, the monument is once again accessible. With reservations, year-round concerts and suggested tours, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome the world. [Read more]