After Years of Restoration Visit Notre Dame Again 💖🥐☕

The Reopening Celebration

An invite-only grand opening on December 7, 2024, will be broadcast globally, with French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance. The ceremony will culminate with Archbishop Ulrich symbolically striking the main door with his crozier to mark the cathedral's reopening.

Beginning December 8, visitors will be welcomed back, and church services will resume. To accommodate the anticipated 15 million annual visitors, a new mobile app and online reservation system will help manage wait times. The free app, available in English, French, and Spanish, will offer thematic tours highlighting the cathedral’s historical and cultural significance.

However, access to the iconic bell towers, with their panoramic views of Paris, remains closed until further notice.

Debates Over Entry Fees

The reopening has sparked debate over a proposed entry fee to fund the maintenance of Notre Dame and other historic French churches. While the government views the fee as essential for preserving France’s heritage, the church opposes financial barriers, maintaining that Notre Dame should remain freely accessible. For now, entry remains free.

Inside the Restoration Process

Restoring the cathedral has been an extraordinary effort. The first few years were spent securing and stabilizing the structure to ensure the safety of restoration teams. Full restoration is expected to be completed by 2025.

Toxic lead dust from the fire posed significant challenges. Workers had to wear full protective gear and follow strict decontamination procedures upon leaving the site.

The cathedral’s stained-glass windows, while spared from destruction, experienced "thermal shock" that caused micro-cracks. These masterpieces were painstakingly cleaned using precision vacuums and distilled water applied with cotton balls.

In addition to repairs, a deep cleaning has been undertaken to remove debris from the fire and a century’s worth of dust and pollution. Visitors will notice brighter stone walls, more vibrant wall paintings, and gleaming stained-glass windows.

Dive deeper into the incredible restoration process with Notre Dame de Paris: In the Heart of the Restoration, a fascinating new exhibit located in a former underground parking garage behind the bleachers. This free exhibit offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the efforts to save and restore the iconic cathedral. No advance reservations are required—just stop by to explore this extraordinary story.

What’s Next for Notre Dame

While many wait for a reservation to visit, bleachers have been set up in the cathedral square, offering a clear view and giving visitors time to sit and reflect.

By 2027, the transformation of the area surrounding the cathedral will be complete. The redesigned space will include a tree-lined square and a cooling feature that releases water during extreme heat, enhancing the visitor experience.

Notre Dame’s reopening marks a significant milestone, inviting visitors to witness its resilience, beauty, and history anew. Make is a stop on your next trip to Paris.