Emmanuel Macron’s Final Visit to Notre-Dame Before Its Reopening

More than 2,000 days after the devastating fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron visited the restoration site for the last time on Friday, November 29, ahead of its reopening. The visit concluded with a heartfelt speech paying tribute to all those who contributed to the rebirth of the iconic monument.

A National Pride

With just eight days to go before Notre-Dame’s grand reopening, Emmanuel Macron made his final visit to the site on Friday. The visit, organized in ten stages, was broadcast live on television.

“From the nave to the framework, passing through the choir and its ambulatory, this ten-stage journey symbolizes the rebirth of Notre-Dame,” stated an official Élysée press release.

“Repaired, Reinvented, and Rebuilt”

Shortly before 10:30 a.m., the President and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were welcomed on the cathedral’s forecourt by Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris; Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region; Philippe Jost, President of the public establishment “Rebuild Notre-Dame de Paris”; and Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture.

Inside the cathedral, President Macron expressed his amazement at the work accomplished. “It is both repaired, reinvented, and rebuilt,” he remarked.

Accompanied by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, Macron admired the fully restored rose window and gained an overview of the extensive restoration efforts.

An Exceptional Project

The President then moved to the transept, where he observed the newly restored stone vaults, repaired using techniques dating back to the 13th century.

During the visit, Macron also admired the newly installed bronze altar at the heart of the cathedral. “What I find remarkable is that this altar asserts itself without overpowering the space,” he commented.

The visit then took to the heights as the President inspected the new wooden framework that replaces the medieval structure destroyed in the fire. He expressed gratitude to Julien Le Bras, CEO of the company responsible for this restoration. “I am deeply grateful to you. I know the heart and energy you have invested in this project,” Macron said.

A Restored Grandeur

After exploring the framework, Macron moved to the cathedral’s choir, where he observed the Saint-Marcel Chapel, now radiant with its restored colors.

The President also received a detailed explanation of the techniques used to renovate the “Vow of Louis XIII” and its Pietà.

Finally, Macron stopped in front of the grand organ of Notre-Dame, whose 8,000 pipes have been carefully cleaned to restore their former brilliance. The organ will resonate again when the cathedral reopens on December 7.

A Tribute Marked by Emotion

The visit ended with an emotional speech by Emmanuel Macron, who thanked the 2,000 individuals involved in the restoration project. Among them, 1,300 were present in the cathedral to hear the President’s words.

“It is an immense emotion to be with you in our cathedral,” he began. “You have made this project a metaphor for the life of our nation: each woman, each man is indispensable.”

Macron also paid tribute to Jean-Louis Georgelin, the former Chief of Defense Staff and supervisor of the project, who tragically passed away in a mountain accident. “He was the face and voice of this endeavor. I believe he would have been proud and happy today,” Macron said, visibly moved.

An homage was also paid to Azzedine Hedna, a scaffolder and key figure in the reconstruction, who passed away recently.

A Historic Endeavor

In his speech, Emmanuel Macron highlighted the historic scale of the project: “We have never seen a project like this. You have all participated in the project of the century.”

He also announced that every artisan, worker, and contributor would receive a diploma in recognition of their efforts.

What’s next for Notre-Dame? A grand inauguration scheduled for December 7, once again in the presence of the President of the Republic.