Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, recently visited the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with his wife, Brigitte, and the archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich. Macron expressed his admiration for the restoration efforts, emphasizing that the reopening of the cathedral will bring a “shock of hope” to the world.
During the visit, Macron and his wife were given a tour of the cathedral by Philippe Villeneuve, the chief architect of France’s national monuments. Macron marveled at the Clôture Nord du Chœur, a sculpted wall depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, and the famous rose windows that have been restored to their former glory.
Inside the cathedral’s spire, Macron observed the marks in the wood that showcased the craftsmanship involved in the restoration. The timber spire, known as a flèche, was rebuilt using carpentry methods dating back to the 13th century. Villeneuve highlighted the importance of preserving heritage and using traditional techniques in the restoration process.
Macron delivered a speech in front of 1,300 craftspeople, thanking them for their hard work and dedication to restoring Notre Dame. He praised their determination and commitment, emphasizing that their efforts have been crucial in healing the national wound caused by the fire.
The restoration of Notre Dame was a monumental task that required millions in donations and the expertise of hundreds of specialist artisans. Macron’s promise to rebuild the cathedral “more beautiful than ever” within five years has been fulfilled, with the total cost of the restoration expected to reach €700m.
The cathedral is set to reopen to the public on 7 December, with visitor numbers expected to soar. While entry will remain free, visitors will need to book a dedicated time slot through an online ticketing system. The reopening of Notre Dame is not only a symbol of hope but also a testament to the resilience and dedication of those involved in its restoration.
