While you may get lucky finding a same-day reservation, during peak Summer months the free timed-entry tickets for the Cathedral tend to book up shortly after they are released 3 days ahead. The reservation will give you guaranteed access at that time, which is especially helpful during peak tourist seasons, weekends, or public holidays. If you arrive without a reservation, you can still enter, but expect much longer wait times. The cathedral opens early (around 7:50 a.m. on weekdays, slightly later on weekends) and remains open until early evening; on Thursdays it extends hours in the evening. Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing.

While access to the cathedral’s interior is free, for those who want broader views and a more adventurous climb, the Towers of Notre-Dame has reopened for visitors as of September 2025. To climb the towers you must buy a ticket in advance—no tickets are sold on site. The cost is €16 for adults, and free for certain visitors (EU youth, ICOM/ICOMOS members, etc.) who still need to reserve a time slot and present valid proof. The towers climb involves about 424 steps, with no elevator, and is not recommended for those with mobility issues, significant height acrophobia, or for young children.

For the Towers tour, groups (unless educational, etc.) are generally not admitted; tours are self-guided using a smartphone “Tower Companion” app available in many languages. The route includes narrow stairs, high viewpoints like the south tower terrace near gargoyles, and sweeping panorama views across the Seine and over Paris rooftops. Because of this climb, arriving early or choosing less busy slots will greatly improve the experience.

Dress modestly for both visits, and bags will be checked by security; large or cumbersome items (tripods, scooters, etc.) may be restricted especially on tower access. Since there are a lot of visitors and limited space in the towers and at viewpoints, wear comfortable footwear.

For timing: visit early morning or later afternoon (after main lunch hours) for quieter cathedral experiences. If you wish to combine cathedral + tower visit, build in extra time. Given queues for tower tickets and the climb itself, set aside at least 90-120 minutes if doing both. On Thursdays with extended cathedral hours, the later slots are especially good for calmer interiors.

One more major caveat: there are many fake ticket offers online for Notre-Dame—some claim fast-track access or charge fees for what should be free entry. Entrance to the cathedral interior is always (fundamentally) free; paid tickets apply only to the Towers tour. Always use the official Notre-Dame / Tours-de-Notre-Dame / Paris Museum Pass websites for bookings.

To visit Notre-Dame without frustration: reserve a free cathedral time slot via the official site, plan early or late in the day, book tower tickets ahead if you want the climb, and come prepared with modest dress and good shoes. Climbing the towers offers stunning views and a deeper perspective—but even standing inside the restored nave, beneath its vaults and stained glass, is enough to leave you moved, enriched, and inspired.