in Paris, the Notre-Dame Christmas market is riding on the reopening of the cathedral

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A crowd in a concentric circle. The majority English language is mixed with German and French. In the square René-Viviania small green square in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Christmas market is in full swing this Sunday, December 1st. A few meters away, Notre-Dame Cathedral overlooks the Seine and the quays of Montebello. On John Paul II Square, workers are busy preparing the structure that will accommodate the foreign heads of state and government on the occasion of the reopening of the religious building, this Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Braving the biting cold, dozens of exhibitors of artisanal products (jewelry, painting, clothing, accessories, etc.) have been installed since Friday November 29, 2024. For them, this edition proves singular. Five years after the fire of the religious building, on April 15, 2019, the scaffolding blocking the view has disappeared. Visitors can contemplate Notre-Dame while strolling around the stands.

This unique setting, mixed with the excitement linked to the rebirth of the cathedral and the one-week extension of the event, arouses much enthusiasm among traders.

“It’s off to a strong start. Since the inauguration, we’ve seen more people than in previous years. It’s the event of the year”

A few meters away, sitting on a chair, a salesman from the Toree workshop, a recycled products factory, observes the commotion. “Yesterday (Saturday November 30, 2024), people were not moving forward because of the crowd. We expect even more people until Christmas”he conjectures.

Whatever the type of objects exhibited, this showcase of French craftsmanship depends heavily on foreign touristsand particularly Americans. “This represents 90 to 95% of my clientele,” assures Tania, a hat designer who has been on the market for eight years. American consumers operate more on impulse than the French. They like the made in France. And they have greater purchasing power.”

With more than two million of hotel reservations in 2023, Americans represented the nationality most represented in the capital, ahead of the British and the Germans, according to figures communicated by the Paris tourist office. Very present in major cultural monuments, they should largely contribute to the flow of visitors to the restored cathedral. Because the diocese is waiting for almost 15 million visitors per year, three million more than before the fire.

A boon for the neighborhood's temporary traders, who will be able to rely on increased religious services. From December 8 to 14, 2024, the cathedral will be open until 10 p.m.. A development that Tania intends to take advantage of. “People will be able to come see us after the visit. It will also be our rebirth,” relishes the clothing designer. The market runs until Wednesday December 25, 2024.

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