► 10:00 a.m.: “This visit takes nothing away from the ceremonies of December 7 and 8,” assures Mgr Ulrich
The popular emotion around the fire of Notre-Dame allowed many to discover that churches are not museums but places of life according to the Archbishop of Paris, who observed that the construction site gave those who worked there, the feeling of accomplishment “a true personal vocation”. For Mgr Ulrich, Emmanuel Macron’s visit this Friday is an opportunity to highlight the architects of this reconstruction and will not overshadow the reopening ceremonies next week.
► 9:40 a.m.: 24% of French people are “certain” to visit Notre-Dame when it reopens
More than half of French people (53%) say they are very “very attached” at Notre-Dame de Paris and almost a quarter plan to visit it after its reopening, according to an exclusive Verian survey for The Cross. Five years after the fire, this extraordinary construction site (31% of respondents see it as a demonstration of craftsmanship) and the inauguration of the cathedral may well awaken popular emotion, like the effect of last summer’s Olympic Games.
A few days before the reopening of Notre-Dame, many passers-by come to observe the latest progress on the construction site. A historical symbol, a monument linked to childhood memories, a place of contemplation… Parisians who walk the Île de la Cité confide in the place that the cathedral occupies in their hearts.
► 9:25 a.m.: The 10 treasures that Emmanuel Macron will see during his visit
The new baptistery by designer Guillaume Bardet, the reconstructed vault, the decorations of the Saint-Martin chapel finally revealed… The restoration of Notre-Dame was an opportunity to rediscover some of the cathedral’s treasures. Guided tour with Marie-Hélène Didier, curator of historical monuments at the regional directorate of cultural affairs.
► 9:10 a.m.: A president very involved in the project
Since the fire in April 2019, the head of state has made numerous visits to the cathedral reconstruction site. Alone or accompanied by foreign leaders, he visited the site on numerous occasions to follow the progress of what will remain a success of his mandate.
► 9:00 a.m.: “We are there” welcomes Emmanuel Macron
Shortly before his visit scheduled from 10:15 a.m., the head of state posted a video from outside the cathedral with a concise message: “We are there”.
The images show the end of the Notre-Dame exterior construction site which illustrates the song Notre-Dame de Paris by Edith Piaf.
► 8:50 a.m.: The visit program
Emmanuel Macron is expected on site at 10:15 a.m. He will then tour the cathedral, followed by a camera which will show the whole world the first images of the interior of the restored building.
His visit will take place during a tour in ten stages, from the nave to the choir, from the framework to the Saint-Marcel chapel. The Head of State will then thank the 700 companions, craftsmen, business leaders, architects and construction site participants invited for the occasion, as well as some of the major patrons who largely financed the work.
► 8:45 a.m.: One last visit before the official reopening
Emmanuel Macron is going on Friday for a final visit to the cathedral restoration site. The Head of State thus intends to mark the end of the work, one week before the big meeting of the official reopening of the building.
This will take place in two stages. Saturday, December 7, the President of the Republic will deliver a speech on the square before the reopening service presided over by the Archbishop of Paris, Mgr Laurent Ulrich. On Sunday December 8, a first public mass will be held in the cathedral, celebrated by the Cardinal of Paris Mgr Ulrich and in the presence of the Head of State.
Hello everyone. Welcome to our live stream to follow Emmanuel Macron’s visit which will mark the end of the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
