Notre-Dame Tours and Activities

Notre Dame Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Notre Dame Cathedral featuring religious aspects, a city and a church or cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and religious elements
Notre Dame Cathedral showing a river or creek, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Notre Dame Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and heritage architecture


This 850-year old majestic gothic monument offers awe-inspiring French art and architecture and a tranquil atmosphere within.

Notre Dame sits on le Île de la Cité, one of two natural islands situated in the middle of the Seine. Construction on the awe inspiring building at the heart of the city began in 1163, and was commissioned by Bishop Maurice de Sully to replace the 4th century cathedral dedicated to St. Stephen. Work was completed in the 14th century with the installation of the huge flying buttresses.

Visitors could spend hours contemplating the cathedral’s magnificent gothic exterior. An excellent vantage point is offered from the Seine, on one of the many boat tours of the city that pass by. The west façade, accessible from Place du Parvais, shows the cathedral’s exterior in all its glory. From this viewpoint, the spire and imposing towers are visible, as well as the large rose in the centre of the façade, featuring a sculpture of the Virgin with Child between two angels. Below is the Gallery of Kings, which reside above three portals - grand doorways adorned with ornately carved religious tableaus, which were restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.

The cathedral’s interior offers peace, serenity and an opportunity for reflection. Visitors can light candles, pray or take a seat in the nave and listen to mass being said – the 11.30 a.m. mass on Sundays includes some prayers in English. Others can simply wander around, marvelling at the magnificent stained-glass windows, paintings and sculptures. The cathedral offers hour-long guided tours, which are free of charge, and take in the artistic and architectural features of the building, as well as providing a detailed history. Autoguides are available at a charge for self-guided tours that last about 35 minutes.

For an extra charge, visitors can ascend 387 steps into the towers, home to the hunchback of Victor Hugo’s classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The towers offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with the gargoyles and grotesques, or to see the 17th century Emmanuel bell, which weighs over 13 tons. Another ticketed option is to descend into the archaeological crypt below which houses remains and artifacts that date back over 2000 years.

The cathedral is open every day of the year between 8 a.m. and 6.45 p.m. or 7.15 p.m. at weekends. It’s easily accessible by car or by public transport.

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Top Notre-Dame Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris

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Les Patios du Marais

Les Patios du Marais

26 Rue des Gravilliers, Paris
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Hotel Europe Saint Severin Paris

Hotel Europe Saint Severin Paris

3 out of 5
38-40 Rue Saint Séverin, Paris, Paris
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Les Jardins du Marais

Les Jardins du Marais

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Hotel Britannique

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Notre-Dame

Explore the vibrant atmosphere around Notre-Dame with a variety of activities including sightseeing tours, city breaks, and virtual tours. Immerse yourself in the rich art and theatre culture of Paris, while enjoying the stunning architecture and historical significance of the area. Don't miss the chance to engage in diverse activities that showcase the charm of this iconic location.

Shopping

Located 966m from Notre-Dame, Marche rue de Buci offers a vibrant public market atmosphere perfect for picking up local goods. For a more extensive shopping experience, La Carrousel du Louvre is just 1.4km away, featuring a mix of business and entertainment vibes.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of tennis at Roland Garros Stadium, where you can soak up the sports atmosphere. For a blend of romance and culture, enjoy a dance performance at La Machine du Moulin Rouge, or catch a lively concert at Paris Olympia for an unforgettable entertainment experience.

Adventure

The Montmartre Funicular offers a thrilling ride up the hill, boasting stunning views of Paris. For water fun, Aquaboulevard is a vibrant waterpark filled with slides and pools. If you’re up for a challenge, explore the scenic Mare a Mare Nord hiking trail with breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Notre-Dame is vibrant and diverse. Catch a film at the Grand Rex Cinema, enjoy a show at the Bataclan, or immerse yourself in culture at the Odeon Theatre. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for family outings or a romantic night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Notre-Dame

When visiting Notre-Dame in Paris, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and its beautiful piazza. Discover nearby attractions and take in stunning views of the Parisian rooftops. This area is perfect for families seeking a cultural experience, with art museums and the majestic cathedral offering a glimpse into the city's history and artistry.

  • Louvre Museum: Immerse yourself in the world's largest art museum, home to thousands of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. With its stunning architecture and rich cultural ambiance, the Louvre offers a unique glimpse into history and creativity.
  • Luxembourg Gardens: A serene escape in the heart of Paris, these beautifully manicured gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the urban vibes as you relax by the fountains, admire the statues, or simply soak up the sun.
  • Place de la Bastille: This vibrant square is steeped in history, marking the site of the former Bastille prison. Experience the lively atmosphere, explore nearby cafés, and appreciate the blend of city life and cultural significance.

Best time to go to Notre-Dame

The best time to visit Notre-Dame can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Notre-Dame falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Notre-Dame falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHighAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Notre-Dame

For a budget-friendly trip to Notre-Dame, visit between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can secure better rates, and Saturday stays tend to be cheaper than Thursdays. Consider using Expedia to find last-minute deals or package offers that combine flights and accommodation for added savings. Don’t forget to filter for eco-friendly hotels to find sustainable options. For cheap transport, explore the area on foot or utilise public transport for an affordable way to navigate Paris.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Notre-Dame are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Notre-Dame about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Notre-Dame is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Notre-Dame is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay near Notre-Dame with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.