Is it crowded if I'd like to go Notre-dame at 5pm.?

Question

My schedule is very full, only 2 days in Paris but lots to see.

So I decided to visit Ile de la cite in late afternoon, how's the crowd? Will I have enough time to explore the church before it close? (I'll go Paris in July)

Should I queue for the view from the church top?

Answer 1

The Notre-Dame is crowded at all times of the day. Both the lines to see the church and to climb the towers are long, but the former moves quickly and you can get into the church in a few minutes. Meanwhile the line for ascending the towers moves very slowly as they only allow a certain number of people up each time and climbing the many steps is time-consuming. Since your schedule is very full, I suggest you forget about going to the church top. You can get a view of looking down on Paris from climbing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumphe or Tour Montparnasse anyway.

Answer 2

Yes, it will be crowded but then it is crowded at almost anytime during the tourist season. The Cathedral is open until 6:45 pm (7:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays).

While the view from the towers is nice, their are long lines and a difficult ascent (up narrow medieval stone stairs). Given that you will be there late and have little time its probably better to forego it on this trip.

Answer 3

I went to the Notre-dame, early afternoon in May, it was crowded. Since it is tourist season, I think it will be busy anytime you go but the later you go probably the better. To be honest I didn't think it was that spectacular compared to the Sacre Coure, at must you have to see. Its a huge cathederal on a hill top which give a spectacular view from there. The line ups at the Notre Dame weren't bad from what I remember but I would get a museum pass anyway for all the other attractions. It will save you money and you don't have to wait in queue.

Answer 4

first sunday of every month it free to go to the top of the church any other day you have to pay

Answer 5

I agree with Rillifane above. Visit the Cathedral but skip the towers (not that it's not interesting but too time-consuming for the little time you'll be in Paris).

And if there is a long line outside Notre Dame, as someone else said it moves very quickly so you shouldn't have to wait more than 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, the line to the towers moves very slowly. Take time to walk along the side of Cathedral , along the river to admire the flying buttresses at the back.

From the park behind Notre Dame, walk across the Pont Saint-Louis bridge to the Ile St-Louis island and walk down the main street (rue St-Louis en l'île) which runs down the entire length of the island. Walk back along one of the banks and pay attention to the many plaques on the buildings noting famous historic residents of the buildings.

Oh, and and across the bridge to Ile St-Louis, if you see another line of people outside a café, it's people waiting to buy a Berthillon ice-cream or sorbet. Another line definitely worth standing in! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berthillon