Macron Inspects Notre Dame Ahead of Reopening

Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen on December 8, 2024, after a five-and-a-half-year restoration following the devastating fire in 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron conducted a televised tour of the renovated cathedral, expressing gratitude to the 1,300 artisans involved in the €700 million restoration. The reopening will commence with a ceremonial event on December 7, featuring Archbishop Laurent Ulrich and a public Mass the following day. The renovation has transformed the cathedral's interior, restoring its former glory and brightness with specially crafted roof timbers and cleaned stonework. Although the cause of the fire remains uncertain, potential factors include an electrical fault or a discarded cigarette. Notre Dame is expected to attract 14 to 15 million visitors annually, highlighting its significance as a cultural icon.