Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: the reopening of this emblematic monument is eagerly awaited

Victor Hugo immortalized it brilliantly in one of the most emblematic novels in French literature... Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's most beautiful jewels, and probably one of the most visited monuments in the entire City of Light. Every year, no fewer than 13 million visitors stroll through the aisles of the nave and other apses of the building.

Construction of the edifice began under the impetus of Bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163, and was completed several hundred years later, in the mid-14th century. A building that has seen history unfold before its eyes, from the coronation of Napoleon I in 1804 to the funeral of François Mitterrand in 1996, via the Magnificat sung for the liberation of Paris on August 26, 1944.

The fire of 2019 left the whole world in shock, witnessing the fall of Notre-Dame' s iconic spire and the destruction of its historic framework, nicknamed "The Forest". Thanks to the heroic intervention of the Paris Fire Brigade, the monument was saved from total destruction. Since then, reconstruction work has been launched, despite some delays due to confinements.

Notable advances :

• Restoration of the roof structure and spire: In recent months, significant progress has been made on the restoration of the roof structure, spire and loft. The solid oak framework, transported by the Seine, is now being assembled, as are the frameworks for the two arms of the transept.
  
• Interior restoration: The cathedral's interior has also benefited from special attention. Cleaning and restoration work is nearing completion, revealing the splendor of the sacristy's decor, murals and sculptures. Numerous companies and craftsmen from all over France were mobilized for this project.
  
• The spire: An impressive scaffold is gradually rising into the Parisian sky, surrounding the spire currently being rebuilt. By the end of the year, the spire should once again dominate Paris, culminating at 100 metres with a height of 66 metres, identical to that designed by Viollet-le-Duc.
  
• Carved wooden decorations: Summer 2023 saw the arrival and installation of the carved oak decorations adorning the spire. These decorations, inspired by medieval aesthetics, were produced by a consortium of companies in Lorraine.
  
• Cleaning the walls and vaults: The scaffolding has been removed, revealing the restored beauty of the interior volumes. The stone has regained its original blondness, and the paintings in the chapels shine once again.
  
• The organ and stained glass windows: The great organ, dating from 1733, is being restored after being covered in dust during the fire. The 8,000 pipes will be reassembled one by one. At the same time, the cathedral's stained glass windows, which were not damaged by the fire, are being cleaned and restored.
  
• Bell overhaul: The eight bronze bells, installed in 2012-2013, are being cleaned and restored.
  

The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is eagerly awaited. December 8, 2024 will mark not only the rebirth of this architectural masterpiece, but also the perseverance and determination of all those involved in its restoration. A date to remember for all lovers of culture and heritage. A landmark building in Paris, just like its forecourt, which houses the archaeological crypt of the Ile de la Cité, preserving the remains of a Paris of the past, testimony to the history of one of the world's most visited cities.

• To be read
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