Eternal Notre-Dame: The New Virtual Reality Experience

There’s a new attraction in Paris and it’s getting lots of buzz. Opened on January 15 at the Espace Grande Arche de la Défense, the Eternal Notre-Dame is the first-ever virtual reality experience devoted to the famous cathedral, one of the world’s most beloved landmarks. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in 850 years of history on a high-tech journey that’s the result of two years of content development work involving a team of 25 virtual reality experts. Dive into the history of the cathedral — from its original construction in the Middle Ages to the current restoration after the devastating fire in 2019 — and learn secrets along the way.

Only 50 people are allowed simultaneously, equipped with an immersive device to explore the 500m2 space. It’s billed as an emotional journey, also with a real sensory and physical component. For example, when you “ascend” to the heights of the cathedral, you sense the elements and the weather.

The route is led by a companion who acts as your guide for the entire journey through time. The experience lasts 45 minutes.

Eternal Notre-Dame also benefits the resurrection of the cathedral. Thirty percent of the ticket price is donated to the public establishment for the restoration work and to the Notre-Dame Foundation for supporting the interior design program. By taking part in this experience, you are therefore becoming a donor and contributing to the financing of Notre-Dame’s rebirth.

In conjunction with the new attraction, the Espace Grande Arche de la Défense is hosting a free itinerant exhibition about the reconstruction of Notre-Dame. In the spring this interesting exhibit will move to the Conciergerie, followed by the parvis de Notre-Dame in the autumn.

Practical Information

Eternal Notre-Dame
*The event is also available in English.*
Espace Grande Arche de la Défense
1 Parvis de la Défense, Puteaux
Metro: La Défense (line 1 and RER A)
Until Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Not recommended for children under 11 years of age.
Full-price ticket costs 30€. Reduced price (under 18, students, etc) is 20 €. The group price is also 20 €, with a minimum of five people.
Tickets must be booked online here.