Notre-Dame Cathedral｜The first glance after its reopening still takes your breath away.

The moment I stepped inside, I truly felt like crying.

After enduring the devastating fire in 2019 and undergoing five years of restoration and reconstruction, this iconic symbol of Paris' soul finally reopened to the public in 2024.

When planning my trip six months ago, I regretted not being able to witness Notre-Dame. But to my surprise, I arrived just in time to see her rebirth!

🕰 Opening Hours｜Daily 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (Free entry; tickets required for the tower)
📍 Location｜Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris (About a 5-minute walk from Cité station on Metro Line 4)

As I approached, I saw the familiar twin towers and Gothic pointed arch windows. The exterior walls are still under restoration, so I couldn’t capture the façade 🥲🥲.

But stepping inside, there’s no trace of the fire! The soaring vaulted ceilings and stained glass rose windows remain breathtaking. When sunlight streams through the windows onto the stone columns, the colorful light and shadows are mesmerizing.

The church was quite crowded, so it wasn’t as serene and solemn as I had imagined. However, the architecture and sculptures still left me in awe 🤯.

🎧 Handy Tips:

1️⃣ Entry to the main church is free, but tickets are required for the tower and museum areas (advance booking recommended).

2️⃣ During the initial reopening period, it’s very crowded. Try visiting early or on weekdays for a less busy experience.

3️⃣ Audio guides (including Chinese) are available for rent, allowing you to walk through history while listening to the stories.

4️⃣ If you have time, head to the opposite side of the Seine River for a full view of the cathedral. The perspective from there is particularly stunning!

5️⃣ Our itinerary for the day: Early morning at Notre-Dame Cathedral ➡️ Strolling through the city ➡️ French cuisine for lunch ➡️ Sacré-Cœur Basilica ➡️ Moulin Rouge ➡️ Arc de Triomphe for New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Having seen this cathedral countless times in books, movies, and postcards, standing before her in person and stepping into her embrace after her reopening is an entirely different experience.

She is not just a landmark of Paris but a masterpiece that embodies history and faith.

🕊 Whether you’re religious or not, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Paris. Standing before her, you’ll feel that—while history can be destroyed by fire, faith and beauty will always rise again.