Does the Paris Museum Pass Include Notre-Dame’s Towers and the Archaeological Crypt?
Yes — the Paris Museum Pass includes the Notre-Dame Bell Towers, which reopened in September 2025 — but you must still reserve a free timed slot online, as places are limited. The cathedral’s main floor is free for everyone anyway. The Treasury (€12) is a separate paid area not on the pass; the Archaeological Crypt is a separate site too, so check its current status. Here’s how it all works.
The Bell Towers are included
After six years closed following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame’s Bell Towers reopened in September 2025. The standard ticket is €16, but Paris Museum Pass holders enter free — along with under-18s and EU residents aged 18–25. Climbing the towers brings you close to the gargoyles and chimeras and rewards you with sweeping views over the Île de la Cité and the Seine.
But you must reserve a timed slot
Free entry doesn’t mean walk-in. Every tower visitor, including pass holders and other free categories, must reserve a timed slot online in advance through the official Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) site — there’s no on-site purchase. Slots are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so book as early as you can.
The cathedral floor is free for everyone
Don’t confuse the towers with the cathedral itself. Entry to the main cathedral floor is completely free for all visitors — no pass needed — though a free timed reservation (via the cathedral’s own website) is strongly recommended in peak season to avoid queues of one to three hours. The restored interior is breathtaking and shouldn’t be missed.
The Treasury and Crypt are separate
Two other paid areas sit apart from the pass. The Treasury, housing the Crown of Thorns and sacred objects, costs around €12 on-site and isn’t covered by the pass. The Archaeological Crypt beneath the parvis (around €9) is a separate City attraction; it’s sometimes listed as pass-related, so check its current status when you plan rather than assuming it’s included.
How to plan a Notre-Dame visit
- Reserve a free cathedral-floor slot on the cathedral’s official site (recommended in peak season).
- Reserve a free towers slot on the CMN site with your pass.
- Visit the free cathedral interior first.
- Climb the towers at your reserved time.
- Add the Treasury or Crypt separately if you wish.
When to go
The towers are open daily, roughly 9 am to 11 pm from April to October and to 5:30 pm from November to March. Early or late slots are quietest. Note that everyone enters the towers free on the first Sunday of November through March — first-come, first-served — though it’s busy.
Where it fits on your pass
Notre-Dame sits on the Île de la Cité, beside Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie (both included and requiring reservations). That makes a natural island day: the free cathedral floor, the towers on your pass, and the two neighbouring monuments — a rich cluster of sights within a few minutes’ walk.
Tips for your visit
- Reserve both the free cathedral slot and the towers slot in advance.
- Book the towers early — limited slots sell out in peak season.
- Pair it with Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie nearby.
- Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered for the cathedral.
- Treat the Treasury and Crypt as separate, paid extras.
Best time to climb the towers
Aim for an early or late slot to avoid the busiest hours and to catch the best light over the city — late afternoon is especially atmospheric. In summer the towers stay open late, while winter hours are shorter. If you’re visiting between November and March, note that everyone enters free on the first Sunday of the month, though those days are first-come, first-served and busy.
Buy your Paris Museum Pass for Notre-Dame’s Towers
To climb Notre-Dame’s Bell Towers without a separate ticket, buy your Paris Museum Pass online in advance, then reserve your free towers slot on the official CMN site. Secure your pass and enjoy one of Paris’s most iconic views on the Île de la Cité.
Frequently asked questions
Are Notre-Dame’s Bell Towers included in the pass?
Yes — pass holders enter free, but must reserve a timed slot online.
Is the cathedral floor included?
It’s free for everyone anyway; a free reservation is recommended in peak season.
Do I still need a reservation for the towers?
Yes — all visitors, including free categories, must reserve a timed slot via the CMN site.
Is the Treasury on the pass?
No — it’s a separate paid area (around €12, on-site only).
Is the Archaeological Crypt included?
It’s a separate site (around €9); check its current status when planning.
When did the towers reopen?
In September 2025, after the post-fire restoration.