11 million visitors to Notre-Dame in the year following the devastating fire

One year after welcoming the public again, Notre-Dame Cathedral has attracted more than 11 million visitors, eager to witness its revived pale stone walls and understated interior following the catastrophic 2019 fire that damaged the iconic Parisian landmark.

The cathedral reopened on December 7, 2024, after over five years of restoration, in a ceremony attended by international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and then US president-elect Donald Trump. Since reopening, the cathedral has reported approximately 11 million visitors, marking a 30% increase compared to pre-fire attendance, according to Sybille Bellamy-Brown, the head of visitor management at Notre-Dame.

By way of comparison, Paris Louvre Museum received 8.7 million visitors last year, while the Eiffel Tower draws around seven million tourists annually.

Colombian tourist Maria Vega described her visit as essential. "Visiting Paris wouldnt feel complete without seeing Notre-Dame," the 22-year-old said, admiring the restoration. "The elegance and simplicity of the space are remarkable."

Before the April 15, 2019 fire, which ravaged the roof and framework of the 12th-century Gothic masterpiece, the cathedral typically welcomed between eight and nine million visitors each year. The restoration, funded by donations totaling 843 million ($982 million), has allowed Notre-Dame to surpass these previous attendance figures.

Visitors now often form long lines across the cathedral forecourt. While entry remains free without reservations, the cathedral has implemented measures to manage crowds, especially during religious services.

This year, over 1,600 services are planned, and pilgrimage activity has surged, with more than 650 pilgrimages recorded, a third coming from international visitors. Although 140 million of donation funds remain, additional resources are required to finish the restoration, which was already in fragile condition prior to the fire, according to the Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris organization.

Author: Olivia Parker