Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens After €846M Restoration

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen to the public after five years of reconstruction following a devastating fire in 2019, with an impressive €846 million restoration effort. The cathedral will now welcome visitors beginning December 8, 2024, with initial public mass and services planned over the following days. US President-elect Donald Trump announced his attendance at the reopening ceremonies, marking his first foreign trip since the election. The event is expected to be high-security with about 50 heads of state and government attending, highlighting the global significance of the cathedral's restoration. French President Emmanuel Macron, who oversaw the restoration efforts, will deliver remarks at the inauguration, with the opening festivities including a traditional door-knocking ritual and other ceremonial activities. Public access will be available with online reservations starting early December.