On April 15, 2019, the world held its breath as flames engulfed the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral. Gasps of disbelief echoed globally when Viollet-le-Duc’s iconic spire collapsed into the nave – a moment of profound loss etched into history. Yet, this was not the first time fire had ravaged the great 12th-century cathedral, which has endured centuries of trials and transformations.
If you’ve explored cathedrals across Europe—some now lying in ruins—you’ll know that fires are an all-too-common hazard. Grand timber roofs and countless candles have always posed a risky combination. Located right in the heart of Paris, Notre Dame has faced its share of peril, both from flames and historical upheaval. From near destruction during the French Revolution to sweeping 19th-century restorations, the cathedral has weathered centuries of change, standing as a resilient symbol of Parisian heritage.
The Gothic facade of Notre Dame. (credit)
If you’ve visited Paris in recent years, you may have marveled at the awe-inspiring restoration project underway at Notre Dame. It was fascinating to walk around the site, read about the meticulous restoration process, and gaze up at the scaffolding towering all the way up to the brand-new spire.
During the restoration in January 2024 with scaffolding to the very tip top of the new spire.
The decision to use traditional building techniques from centuries past brought unique challenges, requiring immense skill and precision. Over 2,000 builders, artisans and art restorers from across France collaborated on this monumental effort. Slowly but surely, life returned to Our Lady of Paris as the cathedral was painstakingly restored to its former glory.
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As the long-awaited reopening day approaches, it’s heartwarming to see the first official celebration honoring the very people who brought Notre Dame back to life – a restoration President Emmanuel Macron has called “the project of the century.” In the video above, the cathedral’s nave is filled with the skilled artisans, builders and restorers who worked tirelessly to revive its historic splendor. On December 7th and 8th, the world’s eyes will once again turn to Paris as Notre Dame, with its gleaming interior, reopens to the public after five years of meticulous restoration.
This is Paris’s Gothic cathedral as it has never been seen before. During the intense restoration, every stone, monument and stained glass window was deep cleaned, revealing details that had been hidden for centuries. The cathedral’s rich history, including its surprisingly colorful (to modern eyes) 19th-century restorations, has never looked so magnificent all at once. With the addition of modern lighting and technology, Notre Dame now shines in a way that must be seen to be believed. Take a peek inside with this excellent video:
Plan Now to See Notre Dame in Paris
Even if you’ve visited Notre Dame before, experiencing it after its restoration will be nothing short of extraordinary. With more than 40,000 visitors expected daily, be sure to visit the official cathedral website to secure your spot using their new free reservation system, launching on December 7th, 2024. To mark this historic reopening, an exceptional series of over 50 concerts featuring world-class musicians has been planned. Explore the 2024-2025 Musique Sacrée à Notre-Dame de Paris concert season and be sure to book your tickets well in advance to be part of these unforgettable celebrations.
See the Gothic majesty of Notre-Dame right outside your front door at the Gaillac!
Stay Close to Notre Dame with Paris Perfect
As the splendor of Notre Dame shines brightly once again, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the heart of Paris. Stay steps away from this Gothic masterpiece in our stunning Gaillac apartment, with an unbelievable location right next door to Notre Dame.
Stay so close to Notre Dame that you can see the towers and spire from our La Place Dauphine apartment Savennières.
Or enjoy the peaceful charm of Place Dauphine in one of our beautiful La Place Dauphine apartments. These exceptional Île de la Cité locations are the perfect setting to experience this historic moment in Paris!
