11 million flock to Notre-Dame in year since rising from devastating fire

"A year after reopening to the public, Notre-Dame cathedral has drawn more than 11 million visitors, flocking to admire its restored pale stone and minimalist furnishings after the 2019 blaze that devastated the Paris landmark. The cathedral was reopened on December 7th, 2024, after more than five years of renovation work, in the presence of heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron and US president-elect Donald Trump."

"Notre-Dame has welcomed "approximately 11 million visitors" since reopening, about 30 percent more than before the fire, said Sybille Bellamy-Brown, head of visitor management at the cathedral. In comparison, the Louvre museum in Paris welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year and seven million tourists pay to see the Eiffel Tower each year. Colombian tourist Maria Vega could not imagine visiting Paris without seeing the iconic cathedral."

"Since reopening after a colossal renovation project funded by €843 million in donations, the site draws lines of people stretching across the cathedral forecourt. Individuals can still enter for free without reservations, but faced with the influx, Notre-Dame has sought to "regulate" entries, particularly during services. More than 1,600 services are to be held this year and the cathedral has seen a boom in pilgrimages, with over 650, a third of them from abroad."

Notre-Dame cathedral reopened on December 7, 2024 after more than five years of renovation following the April 15, 2019 fire that tore through the roof and framework. The restored cathedral attracted approximately 11 million visitors in its first year, about 30 percent more than before the fire, with lines stretching across the forecourt. The renovation was funded by €843 million in donations, with €140 million remaining and additional funds still needed. Individuals may enter for free without reservations; the towers reopened in September with paid access. More than 1,600 services and over 650 pilgrimages are scheduled this year, a third from abroad.

Read at The Local France