I can’t seem to secure free tickets to Notre Dame so would like to purchase tickets with a tour guide. Is this advisable and if so, who do I use? Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
9280 posts
Just show up and get in line -- you will be in for free in about 15 minutes. I don't think tour guides are authorized to sell tickets or get expedited access.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17488 posts
Marty, reservations are only available up to 2 days in advance. In other words, they become available for day-of, next day and day after visits. Were you looking further in advance, and thought that because dates beyond Sept 1 than are greyed out on the calendar that those reservations were sold out?
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you! Yes, I am looking a week out. I am nervous about not being able to get in. I see paid tours on Viator. Apparently they are allowed now (I read in my new Rick Steves Paris book).
Posted by
Bainbridge Island, WA
356 posts
Just go early in the morning - if there's any line at all, it moves pretty quickly. Use an audio guide or the information in a guidebook (such as Rick Steves') to understand what you are seeing. And most importantly, just take time to quietly contemplate all that surrounds you while you are there. They did an amazing job cleaning and restoring the interior after the fire.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15980 posts
Just for Information...Viator is a 3rd party tour consolidator and does not run the tours themselves. You can look on the Viator website under additional information to see which company is actually running the tour and book directly.
Editing to add: Well, I see Viator has changed their website again. Tour company is not under "Additional Info" but I see from the responses to the one I was looking at that the tour company is "Epic Tours".
Posted by
Chicagoland
1162 posts
As others have said. Get in the line to the left of the entrance for those without reservations. The line moves much quicker than it appears.
And do not waste your money on Viator or other third party booking sites.