French President Emmanuel Macron visited Notre-Dame Cathedral to commemorate the one-year countdown until its planned reopening. The iconic Paris landmark has been closed to the public since April 2019 when a fire destroyed its roof and spire. Mr. Macron has made frequent visits to highlight the progress of the rebuilding and restoration efforts. During his latest visit, the sixth since the fire, photographs captured massive oak beams being lifted to re-roof the cathedral. Mr. Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, also climbed the spire, which is being reconstructed according to its original design by 19th-century French architect Viollet-le-Duc. The 96-meter spire has been rebuilt using centuries-old wood from a former royal forest. It will soon be adorned with a cross and rooster, symbolizing the restoration of this emotional emblem of French heritage. The cross is nearly ready to be unveiled, as shown in photographs taken from outside the cathedral. Mr. Macron expressed his admiration for the progress made on the nave, choir, frames, and spire, stating that the entire nation has been involved in the rebuilding process since April 2019. He also paid tribute to General Jean-Louis Georgelin, who oversaw the reconstruction of Notre-Dame and passed away in August. As a gesture of honor, Mr. Macron helped inscribe General Georgelin’s name on the wood of the spire. The restoration works are now entering their final year, as Notre-Dame Cathedral is painstakingly restored to its former glory.
