I emailed and got an answer from the Notre Dame website but I am still a bit confused.
I know there are two entrances: one for the Cathedral and one for the tower.
The entrance to the Cathedral is free, but does it require a ticket?
Also, I know they charge for the tower. Do I have to wait until the day I want to visit to buy the tower tickets or can I buy the tower tickets in advance online?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
The church is free, you just walk in. The line for security goes very quickly.
You can only climb the tower with a reservation which you obtain the morning you want to climb. There is a phone ap for that that works only fairly close to the tower or you can go at 7:30 and get a reservation from a machine at the Tower and then return 15 minutes before your time slot. You pay once you arrive for your reservation or use your Museum Pass.
No ticket required for the Cathedral and don't be put off by the line that might snake out across the plaza. It moves quickly and is just slowed by security checks for bags. It might take 10 minutes.
Do be aware that sometimes the petition girls work the line so if a young woman with a clipboard asks if you Speak English? or makes miming signs that she might be deaf and unable to speak (she's neither), ignore, and have a heightened awareness that your valuables are safe. They are not dangerous, just tricky.
The 2 function completely different.
The cathedral entrance is front and center. Cannot miss it.
Always a line but no tickets, admission is free and moves fast, is basically a security check.
There are at times 2 lines ; at least there will during mass times ; one is for mass attendees and that usually has a 1 min wait and another for tourists who wish to see the cathedral but not attend mass and that usually has a 10 min wait.
Been for mass a couple of times.
The tower is on the side ; left side if you are facing the cathedral and the main entrance.
That used to work on a first come first serve basis and you have to purchase tickets there, no advance purchase possible.
However recently they added this app ; called Quacky Duck or similar which only works when you are in the vicinity ; but that allows for advance ticket purchase for a set time ; only same day tickets though I believe and will only allow you to buy tickets when you are within a block or so.
If you use that app you can avoid any lines ; no cell connection you have should show up early and wait on the line as I imagine the new app makes it worse for those not using it.
Basically the app is intended so you go to the site, buy your tickets for the tower and then site see at the cathedral until your time for going up the tower is ready.
Have walked up the tower but was a little less than 2 years ago before the app existed. Recently was there and downloaded the app but decided to skip a return stair climb.
I tried using the app not far away but across the Seine about 2 blocks away and it told me I was not close enough.
The App is called JeFile (Out of line) Info:
http://www.tours-notre-dame-de-paris.fr/en/News/No-more-queuing-to-go-up-Notre-Dame
The morning that you wish to go up to the Towers @ 07:30 you can use the App to choose your time. Show up before your allotted time, if you keep the WiFi & Bluetooth on for your phone, the App will let you know when to line up. Once you head up the stairs to the Gift Shop, this is where you actually purchase your ticket or show them your Museum Pass. Then you & others will head up the Tower. They only let about 25 or so people up at a time. You will go up one side & down the other.
The entrance to the Towers is on the Left hand side of Notre Dame when facing the church entrance. If not using the App, there is a ticket machine located near the Tower entrance for you to print out your "time", these go fast.
Enjoy your trip.
Thanks, all, for the replies. It looks like the Jefile app is called Duck the Line in English. There is an image of a hand positioned sideways and closed to look like a duck head.
Thanks for the advice on the petition girls. I have heard about them before. Always a good reminder to look out for scam artists and pickpockets.
I always, every visit, see scammers in and around Notre Dame and below Sacre Coeur. The scams vary. The clipboard girls are at Notre Dame all the time; I've also seen three card monte regularly and had someone find my ring once (I laughed at him and walked away). Sacre Coeur seems to be primarily populated with men trying to put a bracelet (made of string) on people, while other men hover closely.
"Thanks for the advice on the petition girls. I have heard about them before. Always a good reminder to look out for scam artists and pickpockets."
It's actually pretty good entertainment and makes the line go faster to ponder what would make someone sign a "petition" in a foreign country and think that was being effective? Also interesting to see if you can note how they use the clipboard poking into someone's stomach as a distraction and to see if they try to get in someone's pocket/purse/backpack.
