A first look at the restoration before the reopening

PARIS – New footage gives the public their first glimpse of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral five years after the church was destroyed by a major fire in 2019.

The video was released by the French authorities.

Back in April 2019, a fire broke out inside the attic of the cathedral. By the time the fire was extinguished, the wooden spire had collapsed. Most of the wooden roof and upper walls were also significantly damaged.

Authorities have not determined the cause of the fire, but the working theory is that it may have been caused by a cigarette or an electrical problem.

French President Emmanuel Macron inspected the restored cathedral and got a detailed look at the works inside the building.

Notre Dame will officially open to visitors on December 8.