Crowds at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on a Tuesday afternoon in May?

Posted by boomerslikeus on 03/24/15 12:38 AM

We know it's best to see major attractions first thing in the morning which is what we usually do however there are more major attractions in Paris to see then we have days the end of May so we're trying to do some things later in the day - like Louvre Tour, Orsay, etc.

We were wondering if Tuesday afternoon around 3:30-4:00 pm would be good to see Notre Dame before going to a Sainte Chapelle concert? Or is this a bad idea since Louvre and Orangerie are closed on Tuesdays and other attractions like Notre Dame could be more crowded? We do want to climb the outside tower again -- it's been 20 years since we last were there.

Really need to get this planning right so we aren't standing in long lines. Thanks for your thoughts.

Posted by Kent

US Pacific Northwest

03/24/15 12:44 AM

10344 posts

For the tower, no bypass line for passholders. Arrive early, before 10am.

Posted by janettravels44

Chicago

03/24/15 01:06 AM

8055 posts

There is rarely a crowd that matters for Notre Dame but there is always a long line for the tower and arriving mid-afternoon will guarantee a very long wait. There is never a fast time for this -- arrive early in the morning and you wait in line for an hour before the thing opens. So there is always a long wait, but probably early morning will be shortest.

Posted by pat

victoria, Canada

03/25/15 01:08 AM

11507 posts

This is one of those sites where putting it first thing in the morning is very important. Not the church itself.. yes the line for that can look insanely long.. but it moves steadily.. but the Towers are PAINFUL.. they only let 20 people go up at once.. the line can be hours long. Doesn't make any difference what day you go.

Rearrange another site to be second on that day and put Towers first.

Posted by George

Kansas

03/26/15 12:35 AM

1175 posts

Sooner, Boomer. The line to enter the cathedral may seem long at 3:30 but it moves very fast and you will enter likely in 10-15 minutes. You can stay as long as you want and the St Chapelle concert is only a block away. To climb the ND towers, go one hour before opening and you'll be in the first group to enter. We take turns sitting in the cafe right across the street from the line, holding our places, so we easily enjoy the climb up the towers. Be sure and line up at Orsay an hour prior to opening with a museum pass or advance tickets. Upon entering, go immediately to the top floor to view all the famous Impressionists and you will have it to yourselves as the crowds slowly view the lower floors. Then you can view the rest of the Orsay at your leisure. You may want to get a museum pass so you can skip the ticket lines, but you will still have to endure the security lines at every museum. Send me a PM if you have more questions. We go annually, stay adjacent to ND, and can give you some advice about lots of things in Paris.

Rock, Chalk, neighbor.....