Six years after a devastating fire, the iconic towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris are set to welcome the public once more, commencing September 20, 2025. This reopening marks a significant moment in the cathedral's ongoing restoration, offering a new vantage point on its storied past and enduring spirit.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently toured the towers, accompanied by the Minister of Culture, underscoring the national importance of this milestone. The journey to the top involves ascending 424 steps, a climb that leads to the north tower's terrace, soaring 69 meters above the Île de la Cité. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing the heart of Paris. The ascent itself is an immersive experience, featuring narrow passages and low ceilings, navigated by a newly installed solid oak staircase designed for a smoother flow of visitors.
This reimagined tour begins in the south tower, guiding visitors through an introductory space that showcases models and historical insights into the cathedral's construction and significant events. Original chimeras, once emblematic of the medieval imagination, are also on display, offering a tangible connection to the past. A significant highlight of the tour is the proximity to Emmanuel, Notre-Dame's massive 13.3-ton bell, which, remarkably, was the only one to survive the 2019 fire. This historic bell, typically reserved for special occasions, adds a profound layer of significance to the visitor experience. The journey concludes with a new sound installation designed to bid farewell, completing the sensory engagement with this historic edifice.
To ensure a quality experience, daily visitor numbers will be capped, with a maximum of 1,400 during peak season and 900 during the off-season, aiming for an annual capacity of 400,000 visitors. Tickets are priced at 16 euros for the general public and must be booked online, with EU citizens and residents in France under 26 eligible for free entry upon reservation of an electronic ticket. Julie Schafir, head of mediation and scenography at the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, expressed hope that visitors will be "truly amazed by this new tour." The reconstruction efforts have been extensive, with the cathedral itself having reopened in December 2024. The restoration of the towers is a crucial step in this process, symbolizing resilience and a renewed connection to heritage. The oak for the new staircase was sourced from French forests, with trees selected for their quality and straightness, embodying a commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The meticulous reconstruction of the cathedral's framework, known as 'the forest,' utilized over 1,300 oak trees, highlighting a dedication to preserving historical building techniques.