Key information
- The bells of Notre-Dame de Paris rang out for the first time since the 2019 fire.
- The eight bells rang harmoniously together, an important step in the restoration of the cathedral.
- The booming sound is testament to the ongoing efforts to revive this iconic landmark.
This Friday, November 8, the bells of Notre-Dame de Paris rang out for the first time since the devastating fire of 2019. The eight bells of the north tower rang out harmoniously, marking an important step in the restoration of the cathedral.
Around 10:30 a.m., each bell was activated individually by motors, culminating in a unified chorus that echoed throughout the city. This event was all the more moving as it was the first time that the eight bells had rung together since the fire five years previously.
Restoration efforts
Alexandre Gougeon, project manager of the clock tower restoration team, said he was satisfied with the success of this test. While acknowledging that some adjustments were still needed, he stressed the importance of this achievement. This resounding sound testifies to the efforts made to breathe new life into this emblematic monument, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited in Europe.
The April 2019 fire significantly damaged the north tower, requiring extensive repairs. During the restoration process, the eight bells were carefully removed, cleaned and meticulously restored before being returned to their designated location. Each bell bears the name of a personality who left his mark on the diocese of Paris and the Church. From “Gabriel”, which weighs more than four tonnes, to the smallest, “Jean-Marie”, which weighs around 800 kilograms, these bells recall the rich history associated with Notre-Dame.
Return to the cathedral
Their return to the cathedral in mid-September was celebrated with a private ceremony, followed by a solemn blessing.
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