Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens After Fire, Attracting 11 Million Visitors in First Year

One year after the catastrophic 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris celebrated its grand reopening on December 7 and 8, 2024. The restored monument has since become the most visited site in Paris, drawing approximately 11 million visitors, nearing its pre-fire annual average of 10 million. This milestone was made possible by the remarkable leadership of General Jean-Louis Georgelin, whose oversight of the reconstruction project ensured the ambitious five-year deadline was met. Georgelin, who passed away in 2023, is honored for his dedication and vision through a recently published book by journalist Gérard Gachet and historian Guy Sallat, titled "Le Général de Notre-Dame, Jean-Louis Georgelin."

Visitor management was revamped to handle the influx, including an online pre-reservation system and entry controls, improving access for international tourists captivated by the cathedral’s meticulously restored architecture. Highlights of the restoration include the revitalized walls, chapels designed after Viollet-le-Duc’s vision, and the majestic bourdon bell, reaffirming Notre-Dame’s role as both a historic monument and an active place of worship.

Despite this progress, restoration efforts are ongoing, with an estimated 140 million euros still required to complete remaining work. The reopening and subsequent increase in visitor numbers symbolize not only a triumph of architectural restoration but also a cultural renewal and deepened public fervor for this emblematic French landmark.