Five years after the devastating fire which marked France and the whole world, Notre-Dame de Paris is preparing to reopen its doors with an inaugural ceremony scheduled for December 7 and 8. This Friday, November 29, Emmanuel Macron visited the cathedral for the seventh time since the fire. This visit was special since it put an end to the gigantic restoration work undertaken for five years.
Following a visit of more than two hours, Emmanuel Macron surveyed the entire cathedral, from the nave to the frames. THE president of the Republic then said a few words of thanks to the 1,300 contributors and companions present.
An exceptional and historic project
The fire of April 15, 2019 destroyed the historic framework nicknamed “the forest”, ravaged the roof and collapsed the emblematic spire designed by Viollet-le-Duc. This tragedy sparked a wave of global emotion, followed by an unprecedented mobilization: more than 840 million euros had been pledged by patrons, businesses and individuals to restore this masterpiece of Gothic art.
The site, described by Emmanuel Macron as “insane challenge”, mobilized nearly 2,000 craftsmen and experts from various trades: carpenters, roofers, sculptors, campanistsarchitects and many others. The reconstruction was carried out with scrupulous respect for historical techniques while meeting the modern safety standards. The spire, reconstructed identically, was reinstalled at its top, recreating the visual harmony that had so marked Parisians and visitors.
The blonde stone of the Cathedralnow cleaned of dirt accumulated over the centuries, once again illuminates the building, making it, in the words of the president, “more hospitable and bright than ever”.
A national tribute to the builders
During his speech, Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the artisans and contributors of what he called the “construction site of the century”. “You were the alchemists of the construction site and you transformed coal into art”he declared with emotion. The Head of State also saluted, not without a touch of emotion in his voice, the memory of the General Jean-Louis Georgelinwho ran the restaurant before his death in 2023.
Among the participants in this major project, roofers, gilders, scaffolders and stonemasons were particularly honored. Emmanuel Macron underlined the unique spirit of solidarity which animated the teams, uniting craftsmanship et innovation technique to meet this monumental challenge.
“The Notre-Dame blaze was a national wound, and you were its remedy through will, through work, through commitment,” declared Emmanuel Macron, recalling those who judged “arbitrary” or “fou” the five-year deadline set for reconstruction.
A tour of the restored cathedral
During his visit, Emmanuel Macron toured the major achievements of the site, from the nave to the framework, including the crossing of the transept and the Saint-Marcel chapel. At each stage, he marveled at the restored details, calling the framework a “real forest” and welcoming the balance aesthetics of the altar.
Philippe Jostresponsible for catering, accompanied the visit by recalling the most notable moments. “Five years after the vision of desolation, you see the cathedral as you have never seen it”he said. The President, visibly moved, recalled his memory of the Pietà emerging alone from the debris after the fire, an image that shocked the whole world.
While the precise causes of the fire remain unknown, this reopening marks a new stage in the story of Notre-Dame de Paris. An iconic monument, it is ready to once again welcome millions of visitors, offering a vibrant testimony to Gothic art and the human capacity to reconstruct the irreplaceable.
A global event
The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is thought of as a moment of international influence. Emmanuel Macron has invited many foreign leaders to the inauguration, although the list of participants has not yet been confirmed. Pope Francis, for his part, declined the invitation, preferring to go to Corse the following week.
The ceremonies will also be marked by a public intervention by the President on the square in front of the cathedral on December 7, in the presence of religious, political and cultural representatives. This event, combined with the success of Paris Olympics this summer, is among the major projects that the president intends to include in the heritage of his five-year term.
