Paris, France is home to an incredible number of landmarks known the world over. That includes the Eiffel Tower, the Arc d Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, and more. That doesn't even get into the almost endless number of museums around the city like the legendary Louvre. It is a city overflowing with art, culture, and history. Regardless, it still hurts when any piece of this iconic city is taken away.
After more than five years on the tourism shelf, Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to reopen its doors to the world in on December 7, 2024. A series of events and festivities will lead up to the grand reopening of the famed church. It all starts with the return of the 14th century statue of the Virgin and Child. It was one of many iconic artifacts moved after a fire damaged the building. And many feared that repairs would never return the structure to its former glory.
On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out in the cathedral, extensively damaging the roof and wooden spire. Further damage was prevented by the vaulted stone ceiling under the roof. Without it, the fire could have continued throughout the interior and even destroyed many of the irreplaceable artifacts contained within. An exact cause has never been settled on but the likely culprits were either an errant cigarette or an issue with the electrical system.
Restoration became a priority for Notre-Dame which has stood on that spot since 1163. Within days of the fire, French president Emmanuel Macron imposed a five-year deadline on repairs. The restoration process very nearly hit that deadline, which is impressive considering how much damage was done and how much care had to be taken. Regardless, visitors to the City of Lights can once again add Notre-Dame Cathedral to their itineraries.