The Notre Dame Cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France.
Notre Dame Cathedral is famous for its French Gothic architecture, its history, and its significance in literature and culture, notably featuring in Victor Hugo's novel 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame'. It is also known for its size, antiquity, and the various historical events it has witnessed over the centuries.
As of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, the main part of Notre Dame Cathedral remains closed to the public due to restoration work following a significant fire in April 2019. However, tourists can still admire the cathedral's exterior and its surrounding area, and they may visit the nearby exhibition or attend events that celebrate the cathedral's heritage.
The best time to visit the exterior of Notre Dame would be during the daytime for better visibility of its architectural details. However, please note that due to the ongoing restoration, the best time for an interior visit will be after the cathedral reopens, which is tentatively scheduled for 2024.
While the cathedral's interior is under restoration, guided tours of the interior are not available. However, you can find guided tours that cover the exterior and history of Notre Dame, as well as other landmarks in the Île de la Cité and its vicinity.
When the cathedral reopens, visitors should dress modestly out of respect for its function as a place of worship. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking around the site.
Before the fire, entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral was free. However, there were fees for certain experiences such as climbing the towers or visiting the crypt. It is unclear what the policies will be when the cathedral reopens.
When the cathedral reopens, you should allocate at least 1-2 hours to explore the interior and enjoy the details of the architecture. Make sure to allow extra time if you plan to join a guided tour or if you want to explore the surrounding area.
Photography was allowed inside Notre Dame prior to its closure, but visitors were asked to refrain from using flash to preserve the integrity of the artworks and stained glass. It is advisable to check the latest visitor guidelines upon reopening.
Notre Dame Cathedral traditionally hosted several religious events throughout the year, such as Easter celebrations and Christmas Mass. There are also occasional concerts and cultural events. Check local event schedules for updates related to annual events upon the cathedral's reopening.