The pilgrimage to Notre-Dame and the Crown of Thorns consists of a silent journey of approximately 30 minutes, marked by five stations within the Cathedral. Dedicated spaces are available for prayer.
Our team offers a beautiful Pilgrim’s Guidebook, a 50-page booklet designed to accompany your journey and help pilgrims navigate the itinerary independently. It is available for purchase at the Cathedral’s shop and on our website, with home delivery options. These guidebooks can also serve as a recognition sign for Cathedral entry, facilitating security operations. Additionally, they make a cherished souvenir for all!
No public teaching or speeches are allowed inside the Cathedral. Please reserve this for the forecourt, where you can offer a beautiful catechesis on the façade of Notre-Dame. You will find an educational guide here that may be useful. Additional resources are available on our online shop.
Entry Organization
On the day of your visit, please arrive at the agreed time on the forecourt, in front of the central portal. To facilitate entry, we kindly ask that you arrive in an organized manner, grouped into chapters of 10 pilgrims. Inside, we strongly encourage movement in small sub-groups to avoid delays or blockages that could hinder the flow of millions of visitors and fellow pilgrims behind you.
Group Identification
Have you planned a recognition sign (such as a scarf or badge)? If not, we recommend using the Pilgrim’s Guidebook as an identifier.
Practical Information
Concelebration: Bishops, priests, and deacons wishing to concelebrate must complete this online form.
Prohibited items: For safety reasons pilgrims must not bring suitcases, hiking backpacks, knives, or metal water bottles. (See guidelines on our website.)
Restrooms: There are no toilets inside the Cathedral.
Accessibility: An adapted entrance is available to the left of the central portal, near the gates.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confessors are limited at Notre-Dame. We kindly ask you to arrange for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in your respective parishes beforehand.