Notre-Dame de Paris Accessibility Guide

Overview

Notre-Dame de Paris reopened in December 2024 after five years of restoration following the 2019 fire. The restored cathedral features a new welcome center with accessibility improvements. The main nave is step-free and accessible to wheelchair users. The towers and crypt remain closed during ongoing exterior restoration work. The cathedral sits on the Ile de la Cite island in the center of Paris.

Getting There

• Metro: Cite (Line 4). This station has no elevator. Use bus instead.
• RER: Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame (RER B, C). The RER station has an elevator. Exit toward the Ile de la Cite and the cathedral is a 5-minute walk.
• Bus: Routes 21, 38, 47, 85, 96. Stop "Cite-Palais de Justice" is closest. All buses have ramps.
• The cathedral entrance faces the Parvis (the large open square in front). The square is flat and paved.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The main entrance has a flat threshold. No steps to enter the cathedral.
• The nave floor is flat stone throughout. Wide aisles provide easy wheelchair navigation.
• The new welcome center (south side) has step-free access and information displays at accessible heights.
• The towers are closed to all visitors during exterior restoration. When they reopen, they will require climbing 422 stairs with no elevator.
• The crypt (below the Parvis) is currently closed. Its accessibility status after restoration is not yet confirmed.

Accessible Toilets

The new welcome center includes accessible toilets. These are the closest accessible facilities. Public Sanisette toilets on the Parvis (square in front) are also accessible and free.

Tips for Visitors

• Entry is free. Timed tickets are required. Book at the official website.
• Visit on weekday mornings (before 10:00am) for the fewest crowds.
• The interior lighting has been significantly improved during restoration, making the stained glass windows more visible than before.
• The Ile de la Cite is connected to both riverbanks by bridges. The Pont au Double (south side) and Pont d'Arcole (north side) are both flat and wheelchair accessible.
• After visiting, walk west along the island to see Sainte-Chapelle (about 500m, flat path).
• Photography is allowed inside but flash is not.