Page last updated: 7 December 2024
Notre Dame Cathedral, located in Paris, France, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture renowned for its stained glass windows, intricate sculptures, and iconic twin towers.
How many tourists used to visit Notre Dame Cathedral each year?
According to official data, before the fire of 2019 an average of 12 million tourists visited Notre Dame Cathedral each year, making it one of the most visited monuments in Paris and in Europe. This number is expected to be exceeded in 2025, as 15 million people are anticipated to visit the cathedral in the year after its reopening.
Past years:
- 2018: Notre-Dame Cathedral was the single most visited cultural site in Paris with visitors reaching more than 13 million.1
- 2017: Around 12 million people visited the cathedral, approximately double the number that visited the Eiffel Tower that year (6.2 million).
How many tourists are expected to visit Notre Dame after its re-opening?
- When Notre Dame Cathedral reopens in December 2024, it is estimated to receive over 40,000 visitors per day, or about 15 million annually, likely exceeding visitor numbers from before the fire.
Who visits Notre Dame Cathedral?
International Visitors:
A large number of visitors come from outside France, especially:
- United States: Around 20% of all international visitors.
- China: Around 10% to 15%.
- Europe: Many visitors come from nearby countries, such as the UK, Germany, and Spain.
Domestic Visitors:
Domestic French tourists made up about 50% of all visitors before the fire in 2019.
Tourism Revenue
Although visiting the cathedral was free, Notre Dame generates revenue from:
- Tower Entry Tickets: In past years these have generated around €12–15 million annually from about 2 million ticketed visitors.
- Local Spending: It is estimated tourists spent around €100–150 million annually at nearby shops, restaurants, and hotels.
How much does it cost to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral?
- When Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens, visitors will continue to enjoy free entry, maintaining the tradition of many years.
- However, there are specific areas and experiences associated with Notre-Dame that may require a fee like the Archeological Crypt and Bell Tower Access.
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Features of Notre Dame Cathedral
The cathedral is known for these areas:
- The Towers: Visitors climb 387 steps for a view of Paris.
- The Great Organ: One of the largest organs in the world, often played during free concerts.
- The Crypt: Features archaeological remains beneath the cathedral.
- The Treasure Room: Displays relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
Why was Notre Dame closed?
- Notre-Dame Cathedral also known as Notre Dame de Paris was closed due to a fire that broke out on April 15, 2019, at 6:18 PM, severely damaging its iconic spire and wooden roof, known as “the forest,” made primarily of 13th-century oak.2
- Despite the efforts of over 500 firefighters, the blaze took nine hours to bring under control and was fully extinguished 15 hours later.
What started the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral?
- No evidence has been found as to whether the fire was intentional. Remy Heitz, the chief Paris prosecutor who led the investigation, concluded that the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral was most likely caused by an accident, such as an electrical fault or a smoldering cigarette.
Impact of the 2019 Fire
Damage:
- The fire destroyed two-thirds of the roof, the spire, and parts of the nave and choir.
- The oak ceiling vaults, called “the forest,” were completely lost.
Saved Items:
- Important relics, such as the Crown of Thorns and the Rose Windows, were preserved.
- Artworks and statues were moved to the Louvre Museum for safekeeping.
Rebuilding and Restoration
After the Fire:
- Over 500 firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, which lasted 15 hours.
- Donations totaling €1 billion were pledged for restoration.
Progress:
- 2020–2023: Work focused on structural repairs and rebuilding the spire.
- 2024: Restoration is expected to be completed in time for the reopening in December 2024.
When will Notre Dame Cathedral reopen?
Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen on December 7, 2024. The first Mass will take place on December 8, 2024. Entry will remain free, continuing its tradition.
Visitors will experience:
- Improved Accessibility: Better facilities for visitors, including those with disabilities.
- Interactive Displays: Showing the history of the fire and the restoration.
- Guided Tours: Covering restored areas and the spire.
Visitors Information: Notre Dame Compared to Other Landmarks
Landmark | Annual Visitors (Pre-2019) | Entry Fee |
Notre Dame Cathedral | 12 million | Free |
Eiffel Tower | 7 million | €10–€25 |
Louvre Museum | 10.2 million | €17 |
Learn more about Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum here.
Nearby Attractions
Notre Dame is located on Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River. Nearby attractions include:
- Sainte-Chapelle: Famous for its stained glass windows.
- Conciergerie: A former palace and prison.
- Louvre Museum and Pompidou Center: Short walks from the cathedral.
The most popular way of getting around this area of Paris is on foot and using the Paris Metro or bus services. Taxis and ridesharing services are also available, and renting a car is a popular option for tourists planning to also travel outside of the city.
Future of Notre Dame Cathedral Tourism
When it reopens, Notre Dame Cathedral is expected to return as one of the most-visited landmarks in the world. Its historical and cultural importance will continue to attract millions of tourists from around the world.
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