From flames to masses: Notre-Dame breaks new record in its first year back

The Notre-Dame Cathedral has welcomed over 11 million visitors in the year following its reopening, setting a historic record, the Diocese of Paris announced on Thursday. The landmark reopened in December 2024, after being closed for five years due to a catastrophic fire in April 2019. Prior to the fire, the cathedral received between 9 and 10 million visitors annually.

To maintain a respectful atmosphere for worship, the flow of visitors during services has been limited, with entry reduced from 50 to 30 people per minute. Despite this, the cathedral attracts around 30,000 visitors daily, making it Frances most visited monument, surpassing sites like the Sacr-Cur Basilica, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower.

Several enhancements are planned for 2026. Some chapels will undergo redesigns, and six modern stained-glass windows by artist Claire Tabouret are expected to be installed in the south aisle by years end.

In September, the cathedrals Gothic towers reopened to the public after extensive renovations. The southern tower now features a 20-ton double spiral staircase made of solid oak, rising more than 21 metres. At the top, visitors can once again view the renowned bells, Emmanuel and Marie, up close.

The 69-metre-high towers, accessible via 424 steps, have withstood numerous wars, revolutions, and other challenges since the 13th century, including the 2019 fire, which left them largely intact. Their reopening marked the completion of the final major stage of Notre-Dames post-fire restoration.

Additionally, visitors can now explore the cistern courtyard for the first time, where 18th-century rainwater reservoirs once stood. The courtyard links the two towers and provides new perspectives of both the cathedral and the Parisian rooftops.

Author: Jackson Miller