Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, has finally reopened its doors in December 2024, 5 years after the devastating fire. As locals, we had the luck to witness every step of the restoration carefully, year after year, month after month. So when we could finally rediscover the brand new “old lady”, we were filled with emotions. It was a joy to hear its bells again after this long silence. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning admirer, here’s everything you need to know about the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, its history, and the incredible efforts to bring it back to life.
The History of Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame was built between 1163 and 1345, making it over 860 years old. Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, the cathedral quickly became a centrepiece of medieval Paris, standing on the Île de la Cité, the historical heart of the city.
By the 18th century, however, the cathedral faced neglect. The French Revolution (1789-1799) was particularly unkind to Notre Dame: many of its treasures were plundered or destroyed, the building was repurposed as a “Temple of Reason”, and it even served as a wine and food storage facility for a time.
After risking being demolished, the publishing of Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, in 1831, rekindled public interest in the cathedral. A few years later, a massive restoration project began, led by the visionary architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
Today, Notre Dame is not just a tourist attraction; it remains a working cathedral and an enduring spiritual centre for the Catholic Church in France with masses everyday.
Notre Dame Cathedral on fire April 15th 2019 – picture by GodefroyParis, CC BY-SA 4.0
The 2019 Fire: A Tragic Turning Point
On April 15, 2019, a catastrophic fire engulfed the cathedral’s roof and caused the collapse of its iconic spire, shocking the world. We all felt powerless watching the devastating images of that fire.
- The wooden roof structure, known as the “Forest,” was ravaged by flames
- The 19th century spire collapsed and the lead roof melted into the building
- Debris from the roof and spire fell inside through one part of the vaulted ceiling that broke
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, possibly linked to electrical wiring or renovation works underway at the time.
March 2025, after the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral
The Restoration and Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral
After the fire, France vowed to rebuild Notre Dame within five years. Thanks to the dedication of architects, artisans and generous donors worldwide, the cathedral was reopened on the 8th of December 2024.
Key milestones of the restoration
- Complete cleaning – and restoration where necessary – of all interior spaces.
- Advanced techniques and traditional craftsmanship were used to restore damaged sections.
- The spire has been rebuilt to its original 19th century design.
What Visitors Need to Know
If you’re planning to visit Notre Dame, here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. Tickets and Reservations
- Entry to the cathedral is open to all, freely and without charge. But expect long lines.
- To reduce your waiting time at the entrance, you can try to book a free access online, a few days before your visit : https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/visit/reservation/. Be aware that the time slots are quickly sold out.
- From June 9th 2025, consider booking a guided tour to skip the queues and learn more about the history and architecture.
2. Visiting Hours
- The cathedral is open year-round, every day of the week.
- Monday to Friday: 7:45 AM to 7:00 PM but closing on Thursday at 10:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM
- Last entry 30 minutes before closing
- Always check Notre Dame’s official website, closer to your visit for precise updated opening hours : https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/visit/practical-information/opening-hours/
3. Accessibility
- Notre-Dame is wheelchair accessible.
4. How to Get There
- Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris.
- Metro: Closest stations are Cité (Line 4) and Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame (RER B and C).
5. Other practical information
- Gift shops are available inside the Cathedral
- Pictures are authorised, no flash
Why Visit Notre Dame?
Notre Dame is not just a cathedral; it’s a symbol of resilience, history, and art. Its detailed carvings, awe-inspiring stained-glass windows make it an unforgettable experience
Plus, witnessing the restored cathedral is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see history being reborn.
If you’d like to learn more about Notre Dame’s history and restoration, join our walking tour of the ile de la Cité and discover all the wonderful stories about this historical neighbourhood of Paris.
