Notre Dame Reopens: What Visitors Need to Know

After years of meticulous restoration, Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen its doors on the weekend of December 7th and 8th, 2024. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for Paris and admirers worldwide, as the iconic Gothic masterpiece reclaims its place as a beacon of culture, faith, and architectural splendor. While the reopening weekend will be reserved for dignitaries and high-ranking members of the Catholic Church, the public can anticipate exploring its newly restored interior in the subsequent weeks.

A Historical Triumph

The 2019 fire that ravaged Notre Dame sent shockwaves across the globe, igniting a collective effort to restore this cultural treasure. Craftspeople, architects, and historians have worked tirelessly to rebuild, preserving the cathedral’s legacy while incorporating modern innovations to safeguard it for future generations.

The reopening is a testament to this extraordinary collaboration, bringing back to life its soaring spires, intricate stonework, and iconic rose windows.

How to Visit Notre Dame After Its Reopening

Visiting Notre Dame in its initial months post-reopening will require careful planning. A free online reservation system will be implemented, allowing visitors to book time slots 24 to 48 hours in advance. Given the anticipated demand, securing a ticket may prove challenging. If you're planning on visiting Notre Dame in 2025, we've answered some of the most common questions for you below. 

When will the cathedral reopen?

Notre Dame will hold its grand reopening on the weekend of December 7th and 8th, 2024, the feast of Pentecost.

What events are taking place opening weekend?

December 7

The reopening will occur on the afternoon of December 7, with attendees including the President of the Republic, officials and patrons by invite only, and representatives of all Paris parishes. 

During the rite of the opening of the doors, the archbishop will strike the closed door of Notre Dame. The five-year quiet of the cathedral will be broken with songs of praise, and after three refrains of Psalm 121, the doors will open. The service following will include a blessing of the great organ, the singing of the office (a canticle, psalm, the Magnificat, intentions of prayer, and the Our Father), and a final blessing by the archbishop followed by Te Deum. 

The service will be followed by a worldwide broadcast from the cathedral forecourt.

December 8 

The inaugural mass will take place on December 8 at 10:30 a.m. One hundred and seventy bishops from around the world will be in attendance, along with one priest from the 106 parishes of Paris and members of the respective communities. This consecration mass of the altar will be followed by eight days of reopening ceremonies, during which Parisians and the skilled tradesmen who made the reopening possible will be welcomed. 

Will I be able to visit the interior directly upon reopening?

The reopening weekend will be reserved for dignitaries and high-level members of the Catholic Church, making public access nearly impossible during that time. Following the opening, a free online reservation system will be implemented, requiring visitors to reserve a time slot online.

Tickets are expected to be bookable 24 to 48 hours in advance, and due to high demand, securing a reservation may be challenging. Find full details on how to secure a reserved time slot here. 

Will the entire cathedral be open and accessible?

No. While the main areas of the cathedral will be newly accessible, restoration work will continue beyond the opening date. The rear nave is expected to be completed in 2025, and stained glass renovation and installation will continue into 2026. Once the building is complete, the surrounding square and gardens will undergo renovation.

Will tours be able to enter the cathedral?

Currently, there is little information regarding whether guiding will be permitted inside. It is anticipated that guiding may be allowed eventually, but not before June 2025 at the earliest.

Is Context Travel planning anything for the reopening?

Yes! We are actively exploring ways to help clients experience the newly reopened cathedral while considering possible restrictions regarding ticketing and guiding. Our Île de la Cité Tour will continue to discuss the exterior of the building and its significance to Gothic architecture. Additionally, we aim to create a digital experience to help guests discover the interior and understand the extensive restoration efforts.

What other events are happening for the reopening?

Several events are planned to celebrate the reopening:

• Sculpture Exhibit at Musée de Cluny: Rediscover the sculptures of Notre-Dame de Paris from November 18th, 2024, to March 16, 2025.
• Restoration Exhibit: Explore the heart of the construction site at the Maison du Chantier et des Métiers, running until the end of 2024.
• Photo Exhibits: Displays showcasing the faces and jobs of those who worked on the restoration, accessible for free in the area surrounding the cathedral.
• Virtual Experience: Éternelle Notre-Dame at the Cité de l’Histoire.
• Concerts: Performances by the children's choir of Notre Dame and a choir concert series at the Collège des Bernardins on December 9th, 10th, and 11th.

For more information, please visit the official Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris website.

Practical Travel Tips

• Combine Your Visit: While waiting for your timeslot, explore nearby gems such as the romantic Place Dauphine, the stunning stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle, or the historic Conciergerie.
• Plan Ahead: Book reservations early and consider visiting in the months after the initial rush to enjoy a less crowded experience.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates on official ticketing systems and guided tour policies, as these are expected to evolve throughout 2025.

Rediscovering Notre Dame with Context Travel

The reopening of Notre Dame is more than a milestone—it’s a chance to reconnect with a timeless masterpiece that has inspired countless generations. Whether you explore the cathedral itself or immerse yourself in its surrounding exhibits and events, this historic moment invites us all to celebrate art, resilience, and community.

Reach out to our customer experience team if you have questions about an upcoming visit to Notre Dame, as information around ticketing and availability is likely to change throughout the first half of 2025. 

With Context Travel, you can uncover Notre Dame’s enduring legacy and dive deep into the stories that make Paris one of the world’s most captivating cities.