In 2019 the revered Notre Dame cathedral suffered a devastating fire. President Macron declared “we will rebuild Notre Dame more beautiful than it was before.” He was not kidding. On December 8, 2024 the landmark reopened to great fanfare and the restoration is phenomenal!
Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve led the team of over 2,000 architects, historians, carpenters, metal workers, and stone carvers. They are called companions and their craftsmanship is second to none.
Before artisans could restore wall murals, they took one year to clean not only soot from the fire but accumulated grime from past centuries. Some frescos hadn’t been touched since 1850! The undertaking was enormous.
Bell towers, stain-glass rose windows, and invaluable pieces such as the The Virgin of Paris statue of Mary and Child survived the blaze.
Unfortunately, the iconic spire and roof did not, leaving a gaping hole at the top. Due to the tenuous structure of the remaining cathedral, remote-control robots were used to clear out the fire debris. Flying buttresses were then stabilized to begin the restoration.
Massive oak beams made up the roof famed architect Viollet-le-Duc installed in 1844 when repairing the structure after the revolution.
In order to rebuild exactly as the original this time, a national call went out to private citizens and state owned forests. The response was overwhelming and the needed 1,000 trees were harvested.
These beams in tandem with stone and lead from the original structure brought the new nave, choir frame, and transept of Notre Dame to fruition. And this time, fire detection and suppression systems were added.
Along with the rebuild, companions removed, cleaned and repaired the huge bells, as well as the 8,000 organ pipes.
I visited Notre Dame in January, 2025 and was absolutely amazed at the difference from my previous visit in 2012. Every stone shines, the stain-glass windows have vibrant hues of royal blue, emerald green, ruby red, and the gold chandeliers glisten.
The cathedral is definitely worth a visit. A nearly $1 billion dollar renewal makes it the hottest ticket in Paris. While visiting is free, there are steps you can take to ensure you get inside.
Here are a five tips to make your visit go smoothly.
Visiting Notre Dame
Reduce your wait by reserving an entry time online. Summer and holidays are busier, so reservations are recommended and will greatly reduce wait time. Joining the non-reservation line is an option, but doesn’t guarantee you’ll get admission. Reserve your time slot.
The cathedral is open 365 days a year. Monday through Friday hours are 7:50 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Saturday and Sunday 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Choose your reservation according to whether you want to visit during in the daytime or evening. Every day 10,000 – 15,000 reservations are available. Many time slots are accessible online a few hours before you want to enter the church.
Should the time slot you want not be available, arrive at the cathedral first thing in the morning to join the non-reservation line.
Mass is at 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the week. Weekends 8:30 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. Separate entrances are provided for attending worshipers.
Utilize the tour options. As of now, free guided tours of the cathedral’s exterior are available in English, French and other languages. You’ll learn about the architectural history and spiritual aspects of the church. No registration is needed. It lasts about an hour. Meet at the stature of the Virgin and Child at the right side of the forecourt. Tour times.
Inside, audio tours are offered. It’s expected interior guided tours will start the summer of 2025. Allow yourself a couple hours and take your time going through the cathedral. There is a small souvenir shop you may want to visit also.
With a little planning your visit to Notre Dame will be a vacation highlight.
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