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How long to spend visiting Notre-Dame

Planning to visit Notre-Dame de Paris and wondering how to organize your time? Here is a clear guide to how long each stage of discovering this extraordinary medieval monument is likely to take.

Choose your day and time carefully

Your visit can grow considerably longer when the cathedral is busy. Security measures in place have lengthened average waiting times, which can eat into the time you spend exploring. If your schedule is tight, plan around the quieter slots. 

Tips to make the most of your time

The length of a visit varies with the time you devote to contemplating the remarkable architecture and the works of art on display.

Choose your day and time carefully

Your visit can grow considerably longer when the cathedral is busy. Security measures in place have lengthened average waiting times, which can eat into the time you spend exploring. If your schedule is tight, plan around the quieter slots.

Two hours for the Treasury

The Treasury of Notre-Dame brings together rare pieces, gifts from anonymous donors and from the powerful: kings, emperors, and popes. Treasures such as the silver bust of Saint Louis deserve unhurried attention. Allow at least two hours to admire the finest pieces, and probably a little more at busy times.

The tower circuit

Time at the top of the towers also depends on the crowds. When many visitors are present, your stay on the third level may be limited to around five minutes, a short reward after the considerable effort of climbing the 422 steps. Booking ahead, ideally early in the morning and in low season, or at least on a quieter weekday, helps you make the most of the climb and the sweeping view over the rooftops and monuments of the capital. 

Good to know

Reserving a slot in advance is the surest way to limit waiting and to guarantee time at the top of the towers.

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Frequently asked questions

How long should I plan for Notre-Dame?

Allow about one hour at minimum and around two hours for a fuller visit, plus extra time for the towers and the crypt. 

How many steps to the towers?

The tower climb involves 422 steps.

How much time for the Treasury?

At least two hours to admire its finest pieces, more during busy periods.