Macron declares an end to France’s “nightmare” as Notre-Dame reopens
The Notre Dame Cathedral was officially reopened on Friday, November 29, following a major restoration, offering a first glimpse inside the restored landmark during Macron's televised tour, Kazinform News Agency reports.
President Emmanuel Macron has praised the "impossible" achievement of restoring Notre-Dame Cathedral, five-and-a-half years after a devastating fire engulfed the Gothic masterpiece.
Accompanied by his wife Brigitte and Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich, Macron walked through the refurbished cathedral, describing it as “even more beautiful than before.” Highlighting the €700 million renovation, he admired the massive roof timbers replacing the medieval frame destroyed in the 2019 blaze. "It is sublime," he remarked.
In a speech to the 1,300 craftsmen and women who contributed to the restoration, Macron acknowledged their dedication, saying, "The blaze at Notre-Dame was a national wound, and you have been its remedy through will, through work, through commitment."
Vous avez rebâti Notre-Dame en cinq ans. La France vous en est infiniment reconnaissante. pic.twitter.com/4q0HCwmap5
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 29, 2024
Back on April 15, 2019, a major fire caused the roof and iconic Gothic spire to collapse, requiring over 500 firefighters to battle the flames for 12 hours.
The reopening ceremonies will culminate on December 7 with an official “entry” into the cathedral, followed by its first Catholic Mass the next day. For the public, however, Notre-Dame opens its doors next week.
Réaliser ensemble l’impossible.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 29, 2024
C’est la France. pic.twitter.com/AZuD4og5e2
