Notre-Dame is open every day of the year, religious services included — it's a working church, not a museum. The hours below come from the cathedral's official website; they can shift around major liturgical feasts, so check the day before your visit.
Cathedral opening hours
| Day | Opens | Closes | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Wednesday, Friday | 7:50 AM | 7 PM | Last entry ~30 min before closing |
| Thursday | 7:50 AM | 10 PM | Late opening: the quietest slot of the week |
| Saturday | 8:15 AM | 7:15 PM | Heavy crowds 11 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | 8:15 AM | 7:15 PM | Many Masses in the morning — smoother visits in the late afternoon |
Towers and treasury: different hours
- Towers (€16 ticket, details): roughly 9 AM – 11 PM in high season (April – October) and 9 AM – 5:30 PM in low season (November – March), last climb 1 hour before closing. Source: Centre des monuments nationaux.
- Treasury: 9:30 AM – 6 PM on weekdays and Saturdays (until 9 PM on Thursdays), 1 PM – 5 PM on Sundays.
- Crown of Thorns: veneration on Fridays from 3 PM to 5 PM in the cathedral, free entry.
Timing it right: when the crowds arrive (and leave)
With around 30,000 visitors a day, your arrival time changes everything:
| Slot | Crowds | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 7:50 – 9:30 AM (weekdays) | Light | The best time: morning light in the choir, short queues |
| 9:30 – 11 AM | Moderate | Still comfortable, tour groups approaching |
| 11 AM – 4 PM | Peak | Walk-up queue: often 45–90 min at weekends |
| 4 – 6 PM | Easing off | Decent, but last entry is approaching |
| Thursday 7 – 9:30 PM | Very light | The cathedral at its calmest, almost no queue |
Masses and services: visiting during liturgical life
The cathedral celebrates several Masses every day (including the international Mass on Sunday mornings) as well as Lauds and Vespers. Tourist visits remain possible during services, via the side aisles and in silence; the choir is then reserved for worshippers. Exact service times are published on the official website — if you want to hear the great organ, aim for Sunday Mass or the organ recitals announced by the cathedral.
Special days
- Major feasts (Christmas, Easter, Assumption, All Saints): the cathedral stays open but celebrations alter the visitor routes — come early or pick another day for sightseeing.
- First Sunday of the month (Nov – Mar): free towers, so very high demand from the moment they open.
- Special events (Night of the Cathedrals in May, European Heritage Days in September): extended openings and special programmes — watch the official announcements.
Planning your visit in practice
- Book your free time slot 2 days ahead as soon as availability opens (early in the morning).
- Sequence it smartly: towers at opening → nave in the late morning → treasury at midday, while the tour groups are at lunch.
- The security check closes access ~30 minutes before closing time: don't turn up at 6:45 PM for "a quick look".
- Unexpected crowds? The exterior guided tour doesn't depend on any queue.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Notre-Dame de Paris?
Monday to Friday from 7:50 AM to 7 PM (late opening until 10 PM on Thursdays), Saturday and Sunday from 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM. Hours are published on the official website and may shift for liturgical reasons.
Is Notre-Dame open on Sundays?
Yes, from 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM. Mornings revolve around the Masses; for a quiet sightseeing visit, go in the late afternoon.
What is the best time to visit Notre-Dame?
At opening on weekdays (7:50 – 9:30 AM) or on Thursday after 7 PM during the late opening. Avoid the 11 AM – 4 PM window and weekends if you can.
Can you visit Notre-Dame during Mass?
Yes, in silence and via the side aisles; the choir is reserved for worshippers. Attending Mass itself is open to everyone, with no reservation needed.
What are the opening hours of the Notre-Dame towers?
Roughly 9 AM – 11 PM from April to October and 9 AM – 5:30 PM from November to March, with the last climb one hour before closing (source: Centre des monuments nationaux).
Is Notre-Dame open on public holidays?
Yes, every day of the year. Major religious feasts do, however, bring celebrations that can temporarily restrict the visitor route.