Notre-Dame Cathedral's Reconstructed Spire Nears Completion

President Macron visits site marking one-year countdown to reopening, pays tribute to late reconstruction overseer Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 8, 2023, marking the one-year countdown to its reopening after the devastating fire in 2019.
The cathedral's spire, which was destroyed in the fire, is nearing completion and is expected to be finished by the end of the month.
Macron paid tribute to Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who oversaw the reconstruction and passed away in August 2023.
Despite delays caused by Covid-19 lockdowns and concerns over toxic lead fallout from the fire, the reconstruction is on track to meet Macron's ambitious five-year timeline.
Renovation work will continue for several more years after the cathedral reopens, but it will be able to welcome religious services and visitors.