Macron inspects 'sublime' Notre-Dame cathedral after reconstruction

RFI

29 November 2024 at 6:52 am·2-min read

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron during a visit to Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral in Paris, France, 29 November 2024.

France offered the world a first look inside the restored Notre-Dame cathedral on Friday, when President Emmanuel Macron inspected the medieval landmark, five years after the fire that ravaged its interior and toppled its spire.

Eight days ahead of the 7 December reopening of the cathedral, Macron conducted an inspection, broadcast live on television, which provided the first official insight into how the 850-year-old edifice now looks inside.

"Sublime," said a visibly pleased Macron, who was accompanied by Paris' archbishop Laurent Ulrich, the culture minister, the mayor of Paris and other officials.

"It is much more welcoming," he added, praising Notre-Dame's pale-coloured stones and saying everyone involved in the reconstruction should "be proud".

Accompanied by his wife Brigitte, Macron toured the key areas of the cathedral, including the nave, choir and chapel, and spoke to experts.

Notre-Dame will welcome visitors and worshippers again over the December 7-8 weekend, after a sometimes challenging restoration to return the imposing Paris cathedral to its former glory after it was badly damaged by fire on 19 April, 2019.

Macron at the time set the ambitious goal to rebuild the masterpiece of Gothic architecture within five years and make it "even more beautiful" than before, a target that the French authorities say has been met.

The "building site of the century" was a "challenge that many considered insane", Macron said on the eve of his visit on Friday.

The French president is hoping the re-opening of Notre-Dame will be a major feather in his cap amid the current political deadlock following early parliamentary elections this summer.

Australian Associated Press
Rapper Jay-Z trades barbs with lawyer over rape claim
The lawyer for a woman who alleges rape by star rappers Diddy and Jay-Z has fired back at blackmail claims, saying his client will not be silenced.
Australian Associated Press
Brazil's Lula rushed to hospital for brain surgery
The president of Brazil has undergone surgery to drain a bleed in his brain linked to an earlier fall and is "well", a medical note from the government says.
Australian Associated Press
Netanyahu takes the stand in Israeli corruption trial
Protesters have gathered outside an underground courthouse where Israel's prime minister took the stand for the first time in his long-running corruption trial.
Australian Associated Press
Magpies unveil Charlie Gardiner as new football boss
Collingwood have named long-time Sydney administrator Charlie Gardiner as their new football boss, continuing a massive off-field rebuild.
Australian Associated Press
Wary Pacific awaits Trump stance on climate and China
Island nations of the Pacific don't want to be forced by the Trump administration into choosing between strategic rivals the US and China, a senior figure says.
Australian Associated Press
Firestorm rages over South Korea martial law decree
Authorities in South Korea continue to investigate whether the president's short-lived martial law decree amounts to rebellion.
Australian Associated Press
Fermor targets Maroons as Titans' double trouble return
Gold Coast forwards Beau Fermor and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui hope to play full seasons together for the first time in two years which will also boost Queensland.
Australian Associated Press
'Boys club' police force scrutinised in scathing report
Discrimination and sexual harassment have impacted Queensland Police's entire culture, according to a scathing independent report that has 36 recommendations.
Australian Associated Press
Wanted shooter set up bushland camp before death
An inquest is examining the death of a man wanted for shooting at police whose body was found in a burnt-out car following a pursuit.
Australian Associated Press
Australia on track for WTC final with South Africa
A clash with South Africa is Australia's most likely opponent for next year's World Test Championship final at Lord's.
Australian Associated Press
'Impressive' Georgia Voll wins another Aussie call-up
Georgia Voll has impressed selectors and teammates with her first two matches for Australia and will join the squad to tour New Zealand later this month.
Yahoo News Australia
Aussie predatory species discovered inside package: 'How is that possible?'
The specimens had sat undescribed since they were collected in the 1980s. Find out more.
Australian Associated Press
Hawks mull over Harris trade as Demons offer extension
The busiest club in the penultimate day of the AFLW trade period, Hawthorn are still mulling over a trade for Melbourne premiership forward Tayla Harris.
Australian Associated Press
Billings backs contract shake-up for BBL success
Missing out on the Brisbane Heat's BBL title win, English star Sam Billings is confident the league's new long-term contract options will help the league grow.
Australian Associated Press
Time for renewal: Liberal MP announces retirement
Paul Fletcher will quit federal politics at the next election, amid a prominent independent candidate preparing to mount a challenge.
Australian Associated Press
Red tape cut for business but taxes stuck fast
One state could become the least-regulated in Australia under a plan to slash watchdogs in half and potentially save businesses half-a-billion dollars.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie hub to keep Pacific police ready, China at bay
The opening of a Pacific policing base and training centre in Australia comes a day after China donated boats, 4WDs and motorcycles to Vanuatu police.
Australian Associated Press
Comanche locked in for Sydney-to-Hobart revenge
Out for Sydney to Hobart revenge, Master Lock Comanche has claimed line honours in the final competitive outing before the big race starts on Boxing Day.
Australian Associated Press
Woolf puts 'fear of God' into Dolphins prop Josh Kerr
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf knows how to press prop Josh Kerr's buttons and he wouldn't have it any other way as he targets a contract extension.
Australian Associated Press
'Cheap and late': PM heckled at firebombed synagogue
An angry crowd has met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he visited a synagogue to see for himself the destruction caused by a suspected terrorist attack.

Latest stories