About Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame de Paris, begun in 1163, is one of the world's finest examples of French Gothic architecture. For 850 years, it witnessed coronations, revolutions, and Victor Hugo's literary immortalization. The devastating April 2019 fire destroyed the spire and roof but miraculously spared the main structure, rose windows, and most treasures.
The cathedral is undergoing reconstruction with planned reopening in December 2024. Until then, guides explain the history and restoration from the exterior square.
⏰ Current Status & Access
- Interior: Closed for restoration until December 2024
- Exterior viewing: Free access to Parvis (square) for facade photos
- Guided tours: Exterior tours explain architecture and reconstruction
- Île de la Cité: Walk around the island for different perspectives
- Reopening: Planned for December 8, 2024 - check notredamedeparis.fr
💰 Costs
- Exterior viewing: Free (no ticket needed)
- Guided exterior tours: €25-35 per person (historical context + reconstruction explanation)
- Private guide: €150-250 for up to 6 people
- Post-reopening entry: Free (donations welcome), but timed tickets likely required
After reopening: Expect massive crowds and advance booking requirements similar to pre-fire era.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Understand the fire: What was lost, what survived, how reconstruction works
- Gothic architecture: Explain flying buttresses, rose windows, gargoyles vs. chimères
- Historical significance: Coronations, Reformation, Revolution, Napoleon
- Victor Hugo connection: How his 1831 novel saved the cathedral from demolition
✨ What to See (After Reopening)
- 🌹 Rose windows - Three massive stained glass masterpieces (survived the fire!)
- 👑 Crown of Thorns - Sacred relic displayed first Friday of month
- 🔔 Bell towers - 400+ steps to top (Emmanuel bell and chimera gallery)
- 🏛️ Flying buttresses - Revolutionary Gothic engineering
- 🗿 Gallery of Kings - 28 statues of Judean kings on facade
- 🦅 Chimères & gargoyles - 19th-century additions by Viollet-le-Duc
📝 Practical Tips
- Current visit: Walk around Île de la Cité for exterior views and guide commentary
- Post-reopening: Book tickets weeks ahead on official website
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered (it's a church)
- Best photo spots: Square Jean XXIII (east end), Pont de l'Archevêché, quais of Left Bank
- Nearby: Sainte-Chapelle (stunning stained glass) 5-min walk
🔥 The 2019 Fire & Restoration
On April 15, 2019, a fire destroyed the 19th-century spire and medieval oak roof (known as "the forest" for its 13th-century timber beams). Heroic firefighters and a fortunate wind direction saved the stone structure, bell towers, and rose windows.
President Macron pledged to rebuild within 5 years. The €850 million restoration includes reconstructing the spire identically to Viollet-le-Duc's 1859 design, using traditional oak beams and lead roofing, with enhanced fire safety.