The reigns of Louis XIV (end of the 17th century) and Louis XV saw significant alterations, which unfortunately included the destruction of tombs, and the installation of stained glass. At the end of the 18th century, during the French Revolution, many of the treasures of the cathedral were either destroyed or plundered. Only the great bells avoided being melted down, and the Cathedral was dedicated first to the cult of Reason, and then to the cult of the Supreme Being. The church interior was used as a warehouse for the storage of forage and food.

After falling into disrepair, a restoration program overseen by Lassus (d. 1857) and Viollet-le-Duc, was carried out in 1845. This program lasted 23 years, and included the construction of the spire and the sacristy.

During the Commune of 1871, the Cathedral was nearly burned by the Communards - and some accounts suggest that indeed a huge mound of chairs was set on fire in its interior. Whatever happened, Notre Dame survived the Commune essentially unscathed.

Beginning in 1991, a 10 year program of general maintenance and restoration was begun, and sections of the structure were shrouded in scaffolds until it's completion.