Does the Paris Museum Pass Include Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral itself is free for everyone — no pass needed — while the Bell Towers are included in the pass (with a required timed reservation). The Treasury and the Archaeological Crypt are separate paid tickets. Here’s exactly what’s free, what’s on the pass, and what costs extra at Notre-Dame.
The cathedral itself is free
Stepping inside Notre-Dame, reopened after its restoration, is free for all visitors — you don’t need a pass or ticket to enter and admire the nave, the rose windows and the restored interior. As with any place of worship, entry to the cathedral floor is free, though queues can be long.
The Bell Towers are on the pass
Climbing the Bell Towers — for the close-up gargoyles and the views over the Île de la Cité — is included in the Paris Museum Pass. However, the towers require a free timed reservation, booked in advance through the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, even with your pass. They involve a steep climb of around 400 steps.
The Treasury and Crypt cost extra
Two nearby attractions are separate paid tickets, not covered by the pass: the cathedral’s Treasury, with its sacred objects and relics, and the Archaeological Crypt beneath the forecourt, a City of Paris site revealing layers of Parisian history. Budget for these individually if you’d like to visit.
What’s free vs paid at a glance
- Free for all: entering the cathedral nave.
- On the pass (reservation required): the Bell Towers.
- Separate paid ticket: the Treasury.
- Separate paid ticket: the Archaeological Crypt.
Book the towers early
Bell Tower slots are limited and popular, so reserve as soon as you have your pass. Choose the Paris Museum Pass option when booking the free timed slot, and arrive on time — the climb is timed and capacity-controlled. Without a reservation, you can’t go up, even with the pass.
What the pass does cover nearby
On the Île de la Cité and just across the river, the pass also covers Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie — both requiring their own free reservations — making a rich half-day of Gothic and royal history. Pair these with your Notre-Dame towers visit for an efficient, atmospheric day in historic Paris.
Plan your Notre-Dame visit
- Enter the cathedral for free (expect a queue).
- Reserve the Bell Towers in advance with your pass.
- Add the Treasury or Crypt separately if you wish.
- Combine with Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie nearby.
- Arrive on time for your timed tower slot.
Is the pass still worth it?
Yes — even though the cathedral itself is free, the pass covers the Bell Towers and many nearby sites, paying for itself after about three major attractions. Buy it for the towers, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie and beyond, and enjoy the free cathedral as a bonus.
Buy your Paris Museum Pass for Notre-Dame’s towers
For the Bell Towers and 50+ other sites, buy your Paris Museum Pass online in advance and reserve your free tower slot — then enter the cathedral itself for free. Secure your pass and take in Notre-Dame from the ground and the rooftops.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Paris Museum Pass include Notre-Dame?
The cathedral is free for all; the Bell Towers are on the pass with a required reservation.
Is entering the cathedral free?
Yes — no pass or ticket needed for the nave.
Are the Bell Towers included?
Yes — but you must book a free timed slot via the CMN.
Are the Treasury and Crypt included?
No — both are separate paid tickets.
How many steps are the towers?
Around 400.
What pass sites are nearby?
Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, both with free reservations.