are people allowed in notre dame during times of mass if they are not participating in the service? a woman in my office said her tour group went in during a mass, but it's hard for me to imagine that. our first day in paris is on sunday, and i'm trying to figure out where we should go first!!

Yes, you can walk in and watch or sit down. Just don't talk

We went into Notre Dame during Sunday mass. It's held in several languages, including English. You don't have to sit, but can walk (quietly and politely, of course) on either side.

We were there last year during Sunday Mass. And although you are cautioned not to disturb the service, there were many people milling about, talking &amp; taking FLASH-PHOTOS of the windows during the service. I was so embarrassed, because my friend had joined in and was doing the same (I had cautioned her not to do it before the trip but she blithely responded that everyone else was doing it - I think that was the end to our friendsip). So, yes, you can definitely go in and walk around very quietly, very politely. You can even sit in an available spot in one of the pews and watch the mass as long as you're unobtrusive (y'know - like you'd expect anyone to be in your church).<BR><BR>I plan to go again this year for Easter Mass. It should be an enjoyable, exciting experience. I can't wait to go.<BR><BR>t_lee, hope you have a great time in Paris!! Bonne chance, bon voyage.

Hi<BR> Yes, you may enter the church during Mass, but please keep in mind that the service is *not* a tourist exhibit.<BR> Perhaps you could arrange to visit when services are not being held.

Thank you all for the information. I just want to be respectful when visiting other places, and I know how odd it would be to have people wandering around my church during a service. I do think it would be awe inspiring to see a mass in Notre Dame, because first and foremost it is a place of worship, not just a tourist attraction, as Ira pointed out!! I can always come back at a different time for photos. I'm looking forward to my trip, it's coming up quickly. Beatchick, I hope you have a good trip too, and enjoy the Easter Mass.

<BR>During services to St Patricks Cathedral in NYC, people always walk in. Some are not as quiet as they should be but it is a wonderful church and always open to everyone, as is Notre Dame.<BR>After you go to church, walk over to Ille St-Louis and have an ice cream from Berthillon and walk around the Ille.<BR>Bon Voyage

I attended the 12:45 pm mass at Notre Dame Cathedral on 3/9/03. There were two entrances: one said &quot;visit&quot;, the other said &quot;Mass&quot;. Even though I was aware of peoplea walking around, the mass was celebrated in the center of the cathedral. The organ and the woman singer were so awesome, I was hardly bothered by the &quot;visitors&quot;. Most of the attendees were French, I think we were the only tourists...

As long as you behave in a respectful manner (no loud talking and flash photos or wandering around in the immediate area where mass is being said) it will be fine. And as others have commented sometimes it is just nice to sit down and enjoy the service.

t_lee, it IS awe-inspiring, particularly to this chick who is not Catholic. The incense, the intonations, the responses - very nice.