I believe the church itself its free for visitors but inorder to visit the bell tower, tickets are required. Any idea where can I buy tickets in advance ? I don't see it on their site and most sites are showing tours not only tickets.
I would like to purchase in advance if possible so one less line to worry and can get on to the security line
Thanks !!
I'm not aware of being able to buy tickets for the tower ahead of time. Everyone stands and waits in the same line. Best solution is to get there as early as possible - at least 45 min to an hour before opening is the best. Stop for a croissant and coffee and eat your breakfast in line. The line moves fairly slowly - they let in 25 people every 15 mins because the staircase is narrow and only so many can be there at a time and they have to wait for some to come down. This is what the situation was when I was there in 2012. As far as I know it hasn't changed.
Tickets for the towers are not available in advance, and there's no priority access, not even for Paris Museum Pass holders. The towers are managed by the Fund of the National Monuments, and access is outside the cathedral. We've done this one and probably waited in line for an hour. As Nancy said, because the stairway and space above is so limited, they can only admit a set number of visitors at a time.
Here's the information (page linked from Notre Dame's own website):
http://www.tours-notre-dame-de-paris.fr/en/Prepare-for-your-visit/PRACTICAL-INFORMATION#tarifs
You'll just have to queue and wait with all of the others. Beware those people who just attempt to join in the line "with" you instead of behind you. They're everywhere!
I went in late Sept/early Oct. last year. I arrived early (maybe 8 am) and went through the church a second time because there was no line. I got in line about 1/2 hour early and was first in line. By the time the towers opened at (I think) 9, there was probably better than an hour wait to get in. They take enough people for one group, walk you up to a gift shop, then up the stairs to the top, you have plenty of time to look around and take pictures, then back down. The amount of time they gave our group at the top makes me think the line moves really slowly.
Hi DTraveller, agree with the other posters, there's no way to get around standing in line. Get there early and be prepared to wait for an hour. It's totally worth the wait. We have terrific photos of the city and the gargoyles.
