After five years of meticulous restoration, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, has been unveiled, offering a first look at its rejuvenated interior today, Friday 29 November.

The Gothic cathedral, which was devastated by a fire in 2019, now showcases restored features, including its famous rose windows and a rebuilt spire. The official reopening to the public will take place on Saturday, 7 December.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the site with his wife Brigitte and Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, praised the restoration as a symbol of national unity and resilience.

The €700-million repair work, funded by global donations, involved thousands of skilled artisans using traditional techniques to repair the 12th-century structure.

Macron described the reopening as a “shock of hope,” reflecting the cathedral’s reconstruction as a triumph over adversity. “[It’s] even more beautiful than before, in the renewed radiance of the blonde stones and the colour of the chapels,” he added.

Notre-Dame, which previously drew 12 million visitors annually, is expected to see even higher numbers post-reopening. Entry will remain free, though visitors must book time slots in advance.

The iconic monument is set to once again stand proudly as a symbol of French heritage and a sparkling gem of the Parisian landscape.

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