Notre Dame tourists to return after devastating fire

Notre Dame Cathedral is poised to reopen its doors after the devastating 2019 blaze, but the scaffolding and cranes still visible on its exterior are stirring mixed reactions among Parisians.

While French President Emmanuel Macron tours the construction site Friday, ahead of the reopening, many locals are puzzled by what appears to be an unfinished project.

When Macron pledged a five-year reconstruction timeline following the April 2019 fire, he envisioned a swift rebirth of the nearly 900-year-old monument.

“We will rebuild the cathedral to be even more beautiful,” he promised. While the interior is ready to welcome visitors on Dec. 8, Philippe Jost, head of reconstruction, has confirmed that exterior work will continue into 2025, with scaffolding on the east side expected to remain for three more years.

Parisians Question the Reopening Timeline

The sight of scaffolding and cranes has drawn criticism from residents. “It’s an eyesore,” said Anne Leclerc, a lawyer. “It feels like a half-finished project.”

Others speculate the reopening is being rushed to align with Macron’s presidency, which ends in 2027. “It’s politics, and he wants it to be finished while he’s still president,” said retired teacher Jean-Baptiste Lefèvre.

Despite these critiques, the reopening is seen as a pivotal moment for Paris. The blaze left a significant void in the city’s cultural and spiritual landscape, and many are eager for the cathedral’s return, even if the exterior restoration isn’t complete.

Restoration Amid Challenges

Notre Dame’s original construction took nearly 200 years, beginning in 1163, and historians urge patience with its meticulous restoration. The 2019 fire destroyed the spire, roof, and intricate wooden beams of the medieval structure, requiring precise historical reconstruction.

Experts have praised the rapid progress despite challenges, including COVID-19 pandemic delays that slowed work. The late General Jean-Louis Georgelin, the former reconstruction chief, described the reopening as “partial,” tempering early expectations.

The interior restoration has brought vibrancy back to murals, sculptures, and stonework, with vaults rebuilt to their original 13th-century specifications. “Notre Dame’s reconstruction is a sign of hope for everyone,” said Rev. Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas, the cathedral rector.

A New Chapter for Notre Dame

Macron’s Friday visit marks his seventh tour since the fire. On Dec. 7, he will deliver a speech outside the cathedral, followed by an inaugural mass the next day. Public visits will begin Dec. 8, offering free entry during the first week.

Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich anticipates a surge in visitors, projecting 15 million annually. For many, the ongoing construction is unlikely to overshadow the significance of the reopening.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press