Notre-Dame de Paris is set to reopen to the public on December 8, 2024, after extensive restoration following the 2019 fire. A reservation system will be implemented to manage visitor traffic, with tickets available from December 3. Initial visiting hours will be limited, with normal operations resuming on December 16. The Diocese of Paris anticipates significant attendance, aiming for 15 million visitors annually, and dignitaries, including President Macron, are expected at the reopening ceremonies.
Notre-Dame de Paris Set to Reopen After Extensive Restoration
After more than five and a half years since the devastating fire that struck its roof on April 15, 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris is preparing to welcome visitors once again. The much-anticipated reopening is scheduled for the weekend of December 7 and 8, featuring official ceremonies that will not be open to the public. However, starting Sunday evening, eager visitors and devotees will finally have the chance to explore the restored cathedral.
Reservation Details for Visitors
To accommodate the expected surge of visitors, the Diocese of Paris is implementing a reservation system. If you wish to be among the first to experience the newly restored nave of Notre-Dame, here’s how to secure your ticket.
The reservation platform will open on Tuesday, December 3, marking the beginning of ticket sales on the cathedral’s official website. Visitors will be able to reserve a 30-minute time slot. While the exact time for the ticket sales launch has not been disclosed, a virtual waiting line may be employed to manage the influx of traffic on the site.
To obtain your ticket, simply visit the Notre-Dame de Paris website or use the dedicated app. The online portal will be accessible from any computer or smartphone. Select your preferred time slot from the available options, as tickets will be released gradually. Reservations can be made for the day before, the day of, or even on the same day as your visit. Once reserved, your digital ticket will be sent to you via email, which you must present at the entrance. The best part? This experience is completely free of charge!
The initial time slots available for visitors will be from 5:30 PM to 8 PM on the reopening day. Following that, from December 8 to 15, visiting hours will be from 3:30 PM to 10 PM on weekdays and from 3:30 PM to 8 PM on weekends. Mornings will be reserved for religious services and special events, including a mass on December 15 commemorating the firefighters and craftsmen who played pivotal roles in the cathedral’s restoration.
Starting Monday, December 16, normal operations will resume. Bishop Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas confirmed that typical opening hours from 7:45 AM to 7 PM will be reinstated, and reservations will no longer be necessary.
While making a reservation is not mandatory, it is highly recommended by the Diocese of Paris. Having a ticket ensures your entry with reduced waiting time. Without a reservation, access remains possible but may involve longer wait times during peak hours. For those unable to reserve online, visiting the forecourt of Notre-Dame is an option, but be prepared to endure long waits outside in potentially cold conditions, with no guarantee of entry. The cathedral will limit simultaneous visitors to a maximum of 3,000 for safety.
The Diocese of Paris anticipates a remarkable turnout for this long-awaited reopening. According to a recent study, nearly half of the French population expressed a desire to visit Notre-Dame, with expectations of welcoming 15 million visitors annually, as noted by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.
Additionally, numerous foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the inaugural ceremony on December 7, where President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a speech. A liturgical celebration will follow, culminating in a mass for invited guests on Sunday morning.