Notre-Dame de Paris
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris · Paris (Île de la Cité), France
The epitome of French Gothic: flying buttresses, rose windows and a nave reopened after the fire of 2019.
Know before you go
- Don't talk loudly or use flash during services
- don't enter in revealing clothes
- don't block the queue lanes in the square for long
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Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A novel that saved a cathedral
During the French Revolution Notre-Dame was badly desecrated, with many religious statues destroyed. In 1831 Victor Hugo published his novel 'Notre-Dame de Paris', drawing public attention to the dilapidated cathedral and prompting the major restoration led by the architect Viollet-le-Duc from 1844 to 1864.
Source: Wikipedia: Notre-Dame de Paris; Wikipedia: Victor Hugo
History
The 2019 fire and the rebirth
On the evening of 15 April 2019, fire broke out in the roof space then under renovation, destroying the wooden spire and most of the timber roof; only about a third of the roof survived. A few days before the fire, the statues of the twelve apostles and four evangelists at the base of the spire had just been removed for restoration, escaping destruction. The rebuilding largely kept the original materials and form — oak clad in lead. The cathedral reopened on 7 December 2024.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Notre-Dame de Paris stands on the Île de la Cité in the Seine; Bishop Maurice de Sully began it in 1163, and it was largely complete by about 1260. It pioneered rib vaults and flying buttresses and is famous for its huge stained-glass rose windows and rich sculpture. The cathedral was badly damaged during the French Revolution; Victor Hugo's 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris stirred public concern and led to the restoration led by Viollet-le-Duc from 1844 to 1864. The fire of April 2019 destroyed the spire and most of the wooden roof; the cathedral reopened in December 2024.
Local customs
- It is a working Catholic cathedral, with some areas reserved for worship during mass
- remove your hat and keep quiet when entering
Religion & beliefs
Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
France: carry your ID
- Carry your passport or official photo ID
- Leaving all your documents at the hotel
You must show ID on the spot when police ask, or at a police station within 4 hours.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: France travel advice
France: face coverings are banned in public places
- Showing your face in public places
- Covering your face in streets, shops and other public places
It is illegal, with a fine of up to €150; the law also applies to tourists.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: France travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't talk loudly or use flash during services
- don't enter in revealing clothes
- don't block the queue lanes in the square for long
Locals appreciate DO
Parisians appreciate visitors who explore quietly and don't wander about taking photos during mass.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1 hour |
Travel tips
- Entry is free, and you can book an entry slot online to cut queuing
- restoration work continues nearby, so some areas may be temporarily closed
- combine with the Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité on the same day
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