It is possible to visit Notre-Dame de Paris as soon as it opens, without waiting in line.
Five and a half years after its gigantic fire and a “construction project of the century”, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral reopens its doors to the public this Sunday, December 8. Parisians, impatient devotees, artists and tourists from around the world are already rejoicing at the reopening with great fanfare of this jewel of national and world heritage. A true masterpiece of 12th century Gothic art with its vaults, stained glass windows and gargoyles, the cathedral attracts 12 million visitors each year, but only a few thousand will have the chance to discover the cathedral this Sunday. How to be part of it?
December 8 is a symbolic date for the reopening of Notre-Dame, since it corresponds to the feast of the Immaculate Conception. The opening to the public was announced from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. this Sunday, after the official ceremonies the day before, led by the President of the Republic. In other words, places will be expensive to access this first visit slot. The following week, the cathedral will be open to visitors at again specific times, from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Friday, then from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. From December 16 only, the cathedral will return to classic opening hours, from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The expected attendance being exceptional, the diocese of Paris has decided to put online a free reservation system called “Notre-Dame de Paris” in order to “offer everyone a pleasant and fluid experience”. In the form of a mobile application available for free download on iOS and Android systems but also available directly on the official website of Notre-Dame de Paris, it will allow you to reserve a specific time slot. The site will be online from this Tuesday, December 3. It is strongly recommended to go there as early as possible in the day, at dawn. A source close to the matter would have confided to Le Parisien that it is “possible” that the reservation platforms “saturate”.
Once registration has been completed on the platform, the future and lucky visitor has a digital access ticket sent to them by email. His visit time in the aisles of the building will be “40-45 minutes” according to the person responsible for the public at Notre-Dame and with a maximum capacity of 3,000 people according to the Paris police prefect. With the application in hand, visitors will be able to access content on Notre-Dame, which will offer them the choice of architectural or spiritual routes, practical information on the concerts of the Master of Notre-Dame or the schedule of services.
As the saying goes, first come, first served! So don’t wait to book if you want to be the first to discover the brand new Notre-Dame. It should be noted that reservations are not required to go to Notre-Dame, but it will clearly avoid waiting for long hours on the square… for nothing.