Background on Notre-Dame Cathedral and its Significance
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous landmarks in the world, was devastated by a massive fire on April 15, 2019. The catastrophic blaze caused extensive damage to the roof, spire, and surrounding structures. Since then, a massive restoration effort has been underway to rebuild the iconic cathedral, including its two famous towers.
Reopening Announcement and New Visitor Experience
On Monday, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) announced that the public will once again be able to visit the towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral starting September 20, coinciding with the European Heritage Days. Marie Lavandier, president of CMN, stated that the new visitor circuit will prioritize safety while offering a richer and more immersive experience.
Key Features of the New Visitor Circuit
- Starting Point: The new visitor experience begins at the south tower, requiring climbing 424 steps.
- Panoramic Views: After ascending, visitors will enjoy exceptional panoramic views of Paris and observe the newly reconstructed spire from a height of 69 meters.
- Immersive Experience: The 50-minute tour aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Gothic architectural marvel.
- North Tower Visit: The tour concludes at the restored north tower, scheduled for completion in 2023 and 2024.
Visitor Cap and Ticket Information
To ensure the structural integrity of the cathedral and provide a high-quality visitor experience, the CMN has limited annual visitors to 400,000 – a reduction from the pre-fire total of 450,000.
Tickets for the new visitor circuit will go on sale in September, both online and at the site. The cost will be 16 euros per ticket, an increase of six euros compared to the previous admission fee.
Key Questions and Answers
- When will the towers reopen? The towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral will reopen to the public on September 20.
- What is included in the new visitor experience? Visitors will climb 424 steps to the south tower, enjoy panoramic views of Paris, and explore the restored north tower. The experience will last approximately 50 minutes.
- How many visitors can access the towers annually? The CMN has limited annual visitors to 400,000.
- When and how can I purchase tickets? Tickets will be available for purchase online and at the site starting in September, costing 16 euros per person.
