Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris
Seth’s Rating
A Guide to the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris France
Visiting the Notre Dame Paris is an experience unlike any other, with its rich history and stunning architecture. I absolutely love walking through beautiful Catholic churches! The stained glass windows, masterful paintings, and simply the aura just create such an unforgettable experience every single time.
And today, this was not just any Catholic church that I got to experience. It was the Notre Dame Paris! Well, the majority of you are probably wondering a couple key things, so I’ll get to those right away.
Key Takeways from the Notre Dame Paris
- If you don’t want any sort of Audio Tour, Guided Tour, or Explanation it is COMPLETELY FREE to walk through the church. You do not need tickets, just join the hugeeeee line of people…it moves fast don’t worry!
- Leaning off my last point, the queue/line may look long, but it only takes around 15 – 30 minutes to get through.
- There is a security checkpoint when entering the Cathedral. Small bags are allowed but will be searched quickly. Water etc. was fine to bring inside.
- You are permitted to take pictures/videos as you’ll see some of mine, but no flash!
- It is one million percent worth it, either for free or with a guided tour!
- Remember to remove your hat when entering the Notre Dame Paris.
Why the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris Earns 9.5/10 Stars in My Books
First of all, as you’ll see through the pictures below, the Cathedral is stunning. I can’t imagine the presence of sitting in to a service at this church. The entirety of it, just the size alone creates such a beautiful presence.
It almost felt afterwards as though time stood still inside the Cathedral. You have no outside thoughts, you’re just left in awe to wonder at the beautiful architecture, stained glass, and in my books, the paintings. Each one just as beautiful as the last.
The whole experience was surreal…and FOR FREE? I would have paid near $100 to take just a walk alone through this masterpiece. So yes, it earns 9.5 stars. Maybe my only downside was the long queue and the sheer mass of people trying to walk through (a bit tight for my liking). You could alleviate this with paid tickets I’d think, but better to let everyone see this masterpiece for free!
A couple of different looks from inside the Notre-dame in Paris. I wouldn’t want to spoil the whole thing!
What is the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?
The Notre-Dame de Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, France. The Île de la Cité is an island in the Seine River (which is the river that runs through Paris). The Cathedral was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Construction of the Cathedral spanned nearly two centuries!
Was there a Fire in The Cathedral?
Yes! There was a fire in the Notre Dame Paris Cathedral in 2019. Fortunately for me and you, the Cathedral reopened in 2024 and underwent a major restoration!
I don’t quite know what it looked like inside and out before the fire, but I can tell you it’s absolutely beautiful now so make sure to check it out. Apparently they raised over 800 million euro to restore it after the fire…what generosity!
Where is the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?
If you are staying anywhere downtown in Paris then it will not be very diffcult to get to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. In fact, it is quite in the center of Paris by my standards. Not as close to the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe as you would hope, but to the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay no problem!
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris address is, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
That’s coming straight from Google Maps, if you get close but can’t find the huge Cathedral I’d be surprised, but for those blind people out there listen to the bell ring!
Via Google Maps
How Much Does it Cost to go to the Notre Dame Paris?
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is completely free to see if you don’t want any of the add-ons like group tours with a guide, audio guide, or any merchandise!
If you want to pay for any of the fast entry or guided tours you can, just scroll up to the Viator links.
Otherwise have yourself a great day with a completely free entry to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Yes, you can take pictures inside the Cathedral. Just make sure you keep the flash off. You can also take videos inside like I did! There are certain areas where photos and videos are prohibited inside of certain ropes, so make sure to listen to the employees/volunteers near those areas.
Can I Bring My Bag/Purse into the Notre Dame Paris?
To enter the Cathedral you will have to go through a security checkpoint at the entrance. This checkpoint has a metal detector to walk through and a couple of security guards there to make sure no one brings contraband inside!
You can bring purses or even a larger sized backpack like I did with you, it will just be quickly looked in by the security officers. The whole process is very easy and low stress so there’s nothing to worry about!
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The Downsides of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
I know some people might have some worries or some restrictions when they travel, so I’ll put them straight here. Now I don’t like to nag on places (especially with 9.5 stars!), but I’ll do my best to point out what you need to know.
- It’s crowded in the Cathedral, I mean crowded. If you are someone who does not like huge crowds and shuffle walking behind tons of people this place might not be for you. (But I urge you to get over your fear for the sake of this place!)
- Bathrooms…I’m pretty certain they’re non-existent for people just walking through the Cathedral. If you have to go to the bathroom do it first before hopping in the line.
- The line. It can take a long time, like I said, 15 – 30/45 minutes just to get in, probably as long as you’ll spend inside. If you don’t want to wait then I urge you to book a tour!
- Accessibility. While the Cathedral is accessible friendly for anyone, it might not be the most comfortable experience. For example, I saw some individuals in wheelchairs in the Cathedral, but with the mass amount of people it looked challenging for them to see over everybody. As far as I know, the level changes have wheelchair lifts, I saw one in use.
- Silence. Everyone tries to be queit, but with thousands of people in the Church at once its pretty hard for there not to be noise.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris Merchandise
Inside the Cathedral, after you make your way logically around the one way (its not a one way but everyone walks one way) there is a booth/circle counter that sells merchandise about the Cathedral. It’s little knick knacks and such, and I’m pretty positive the funds support the Church. You can’t miss it so don’t worry!
The official website also sells merchandise -> https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/
What I Wish I Would Have Known
What I wish I knew list:
- Go to the bathroom before you hop in line to enter the Notre Dame Paris.
- Go early or late to try and avoid the crowds.
- The line to get in looks super long, but it moves fast and it’s worth it.
- You don’t need a ticket it’s completely free to enter.
My Final Thoughts
If you are going, or planning to go to Paris, then I urge you to go to the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
For one, its free…and you cant beat that!
Two, it’s beautiful, and three, it’s amazing. Super descriptive. But for real, the Notre Dame Paris is a must-see and anyone will tell you that. Whether you like the idea of a Church or not, the architecture and beauty alone is something worth checking out.
I gave it 9.5 stars for a reason you know!
For more information check out the official Notre Dame Paris website:https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/
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Thank you so much for reading and as I mentioned earlier if you have any questions I didn’t get to make sure to leave them down below and I’ll answer them promptly, it helps not only yourself but maybe others who have the same questions!
