On April 15, 2019, the whole of France gasped at the images of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral going up in flames. After 5 years of work, this heritage jewel has finally been given a facelift. The North Tower, which had been hit by the flames, now has its eight bells back, cleaned and restored for those that had been damaged by the flames. The Angel with Trumpet, the only damaged medieval sculpture, has been trimmed and replaced. The spire, so characteristic of the Paris skyline, was restored in April 2024. As aParis landmark, the cathedral is expected to welcome between 12 and 15 million visitors a year after its inauguration, up from 10 to 12 million previously. Here's everything you need to know about the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, from the official date and planned events to the future tour schedule.
When is the official reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris?
The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris will take place over two days: December 7 and December 8, 2024. December 7 will see the official inauguration of the building, while December 8 will see the first mass. This date was not chosen at random, since in the Christian religion, December 8 corresponds to the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
What are the events surrounding the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris?
The reopening will take place during the week of December 7 to 15 , and will be celebrated by various events that promise to enliven this one of the world's most beautiful cities. They will conclude on December 17 and 18 with two concerts. The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris will be followed by a series of events lasting until June 8, 2025, the date of Pentecost. Events already announced include
- The inauguration on December 7, with a blessing by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich. French President Emmanuel Macron will be on hand to deliver a speech on the cathedral's forecourt, before an audience of international public and political figures. Although the ceremony is open by invitation only, it will be broadcast live on France Télévision and on giant screens around the cathedral. In the evening, as yet unnamed artists are expected to perform.
- The first mass will be held on December 8, when the new altar will be consecrated at 10:30 am. The public opening will take place on the same day at 5:30 p.m., followed by the first public mass at 6:30 p.m.
- Choir concerts from December 9 to 15, open to the public from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15).
- The cathedral opens to the public on December 16, when it will be open daily from 7.45 a.m. to 7 p.m., with three daily masses: at 8 a.m. (8.30 a.m. on Saturday), 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
How to attend the official inauguration of Notre-Dame de Paris?
The inauguration of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on December 7 is by invitation only. The first public reception will take place the following day. All events following the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris will be open to the public for several months. To do so, you'll need to register online on the cathedral's website, or via a mobile application, to reserve a slot and help relieve congestion at the cathedral.
How can I visit Notre-Dame de Paris?
You'll be able to include the cathedral in your Paris itinerary, as you'll be able to visit it as soon as it opens, but the system will be completely redesigned, as you'll have to choose a 30-minute slot online. These slots will be available only a few days in advance, to avoid the building being fully booked too far in advance. Admission will be free initially, with the possibility of this changing in the future. However, access to the Treasury, the area displaying historic liturgical objects, and to the towers, will remain closed for the time being, and may be subject to a charge when it opens. In fact, although the reopening is scheduled for early December, the work is not yet complete. Work will continue until 2028. The forecourt, for example, will be completely planted, to offer an even more spiritual experience and become a Parisian must-see. Three different visitor itineraries will be offered. From spring 2025, i.e. May or June, group visits and guided tours will once again be possible.
To plan your other outings in Paris, take a look at our articles on the best Paris museums to visit with children, or our article on free activities in Paris.
