Restored Spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral Unveiled: President Macron Among the First to Visit - Notre-Dame Cathedral Towers Reopen, President Macron Is the Initial Visitor Upon Restoration
Notre-Dame Towers Reopen to Public After Extensive Restoration
After more than five years of meticulous restoration work, the towers of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris are now open to visitors. The towers, which include the South and North Towers, will offer a unique opportunity to explore the heart of this historic landmark.
The South Tower, which sustained less fire damage, required the replacement of its framework due to an insect infestation. During the renovation process, improved fire protection has been installed in both towers.
A notable addition to the South Tower is a double helix staircase, designed to improve visitor flow. This architectural marvel is now accessible to the public, leading visitors up 424 steps to the top. President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to climb these steps, taking in the stunning view of the new roof of Notre-Dame.
The new roof, made from over 1,000 French oak trees, is now visible from the South Tower walkway. The largest and oldest bell of Notre-Dame, named Emmanuel, is also on display in the South Tower. This bell, cast in the 17th century and weighing approximately 13 tons, is rung only for significant events.
The North Tower, severely damaged in the fire, has also been restored and is now accessible to visitors. The passage connecting the South and North Towers has been redesigned and secured for safety. However, the medieval roof, destroyed in the fire on April 15, 2019, is not visible from the towers.
Tickets for visiting the towers are now available online, priced at 16 euros each. The first day of tower access sold out in less than half an hour, indicating a high demand for this historic experience.
The reopening of the towers is a significant milestone in the restoration efforts following the devastating fire in April 2019. While no specific individual initiator is named in the sources, it was a collective restoration project that culminated in the towers becoming accessible to visitors again in 2024.
All the bells of Notre-Dame were removed and inspected for damage at a foundry in northern France. The bell Emmanuel, often mistaken for being named after the current president, is not connected to him. Instead, it is one of the many historic treasures that have been preserved and restored, ready for future generations to admire.
