Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens After Restoration

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on December 8, 2024, after an extensive five-year restoration following a devastating fire in 2019. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will attend the reopening, marking his first foreign trip since his recent election victory, amidst a backdrop of political turmoil in France. The restoration has been hailed as a cultural triumph, with significant increases in tourism expected, as bookings for flights and accommodations surge. Security measures for the event will be stringent, limiting access to the island of Île de la Cité to invited guests and residents, echoing protocols used during the Paris Olympics. The restoration efforts have garnered nearly €846 million in donations, showcasing a wide commitment from both private donors and the French government. The reopening is anticipated to attract up to 15 million visitors annually, highlighting Notre-Dame's status as a vital symbol of French heritage and a major tourist attraction.