A week before its official reopening, the President of the Republic visited Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral to salute the exceptional work of the teams who contributed to its restoration. A visit broadcast live on BFM
Last presidential visit before reopening
This Friday, November 29, Emmanuel Macron visited the Notre-Dame construction site for the seventh time, a few days before its reopening to the public on December 7 and 8. According to the Élysée, this “presidential stroll” aims to thank the thousands of professionals mobilized for this monumental project. All trades involved in the restoration were represented.
A first look at the restored cathedral
The long-awaited moment of this visit: discovering the interior of Notre-Dame after years of work. The building, marked by the fire of April 15, 2019, now reveals immaculate architecture. The first images, broadcast during the show Notre-Dame rises on France 2, bear witness to the titanic work accomplished.
Artisans and donors in the spotlight
The president took the opportunity to pay tribute to the more than 2,000 craftsmen who worked on the site. They will receive a diploma recognizing their expertise and commitment. Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the numerous donors, whose contributions made it possible to raise the 840 million euros necessary for reconstruction.
An exclusive visit to the framework
Due to the constraints linked to the narrowness of the premises, only a privileged few were able to access the restored wooden frame. Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by Philippe Jost, president of the public establishment responsible for reconstruction, spoke with Rémy Fromont, chief architect of historic monuments, and Jean-Louis Bidet, carpenter.
Last speech before returning to worship
In compliance with the principles of secularism, Emmanuel Macron will no longer speak within the cathedral after his return to worship, scheduled for December 7 and 8. He therefore took advantage of this final site visit to give a speech, scheduled for around 12:20 p.m.
