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The first images of the newly rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris were released as French President Emmanuel Macron visited the site on November 29, ahead of its official reopening scheduled for December 7-8. Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, the president was welcomed by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris and Father Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector-archpriest of Notre Dame Cathedral.
During his visit, President Macron described the cathedral's interior as "sublime," noting the enhanced brightness due to its cleaned stained-glass windows and white stone. The visit was devoid of construction traces, with liturgical furnishings installed but chairs yet to be placed.
Macron was joined by Philippe Jost, head of Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris, Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, and Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve also greeted them inside the cathedral.
Briac Thomas from Lefèvre Company explained that two teams worked daily on securing and restoring Notre Dame’s stones following the fire in April 2019. He noted that they reinforced damaged vaults and prepared stones for carpenters.
The president observed various restoration works during his tour, including a shiny reliquary for the crown of thorns and sculptures restored by Nathalie Pruha. At one point, he addressed approximately 1,300 craftsmen gathered in the nave: “You have transformed coal into art.”
President Macron praised their work completed within five years: “You have achieved what we thought impossible.” He paid tribute to Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin who led Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris until his death in August 2023.
Afterwards, Macron shared a photo with workers inside the cathedral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), captioned: “Achieving the impossible together. That’s France.”
Stonemason Thomas reflected on their collective effort: “Working together at Notre Dame helped make this an exceptional project.” He expressed pride in returning such a significant heritage site to public access while acknowledging personal contributions left within its ancient walls.
Caroline de Sury reports from Paris for OSV News.
