Notre Dame Cathedral Accessibility
Wheelchair Access at Notre Dame Cathedral – Notre Dame is perhaps the most famous Gothic church in the world. Wheelchair access at Notre Dame Cathedral is possible via the small 2 inch step on the left side of the building (shown in the pictures below).
Looking for a 100% accessible tour?
Choose from 12 accessible tours in Paris
Once you are inside, there are audioguides and guided tours to enhance your visit. The guided tour goes around the ambulatory so you may need assistance going up and down the three steps. There is no elevator to visit the bell towers.
Notre Dame is located on the Île de la Cité island in the middle of the Seine River. Nearby you will find Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral which is also wheelchair accessible.
I gave Notre Dame a 3 Star Sage Accessibility rating instead of a 4 star rating because of the very small step to enter the building and the 3 steps to reach the ambulatory.
There are nearby Paris wheelchair accessible hotels on the south side of the river and Paris disabled hotels on the north side of the river.
Is there an accessible entrance? Yes
Where is it located? The main entrance is at the front of the building on the west side of the building
Are there steps to get into the building? One 18 cm step
Is there a ramp or elevator to get around the steps? No
Is the door push/pull, revolving, automated by a button, or motion activated? Push/pull
Where is the closest place that cars/taxis can drop-off people? Directly in front of the church on Rue d’Arcole
Are there cobblestones or hills leading to the entrance? Yes, 4 Star Sage Flatness
What percentage of the attraction can be viewed without having to go up steps? 70% if you can get over the small single step at the entrance where there is no ramp
Which parts are not accessible? The ambulatory around the back of the alter has 3 steps up. Almost all side chapels have 1 step up. Tower is accessed via 400+ steps.
Are there loaner wheelchairs? No
Is there an accessible bathroom? No
Is the door wide enough for a wheelchair? No
Are there grab bars? No
Is there a space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet? No
Are there guided tours that don’t have to go up steps? Guided tours have 3 steps
Does advance notice need to be given for…
…handicapped parking? No
…opening of an accessible entrance? No
…loaner wheelchairs? No loaner wheelchairs
…accessible tours? No accessible tours
Is there a discount for someone with a disability and/or their companion? Free for all
Address: 6 place du Parvis, Paris, France, 75004
Telephone: 01 42 34 56 10
Website: www.cathedraledeparis.com
Email: info@notredamedeparis.fr , info@cathedraleDeParis.com
The area in front of Notre Dame Cathedral is flat with curb cuts at the sidewalks:
When facing the front of Notre Dame Cathedral, the entrance is normally on the right and the exit is on the left. Wheelchair users should use the exit to come and go. The picture on the left below shows the smaller step at the exit. The picture on the right shows the larger step at the entrance:
There are three steps to reach the ambulatory which surrounds the alter:
It is 30 meters from the taxi drop-off location to the exit of Notre Dame which is wheelchair accessible:
Location of disabled parking spots near Paris Notre Dame Cathedral:
Have questions about Paris accessibility?
Our Paris accessible travel consultants have all the answers.
Read more:
Paris Accessible Travel – main page
Pros and Cons of Paris Disabled Access
13 Wheelchair Accessible Travel Tips for Paris France
11 Keys to Success for Paris Disabled Travel
Paris Accessible Travel Packages
Accessible Walking and Driving Tours in Paris
Accessible Paris Boat Tour on the Seine River
Highlights of Paris Accessible Driving Tour
Classic Paris Accessible Walking Tour
Wheelchair Accessible Tour of Paris Latin Quarter
Wheelchair Accessible Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum
Giverny & Versailles Wheelchair Accessible Tour
Accessible Hotels in Paris
Paris Accessibility Guide by John Sage
Paris Trip Planning by Sage Traveling – Travel with Ease!
Contact our Paris accessible travel consultants