PARIS, July 3 (WSH) — Six years after a catastrophic fire engulfed the iconic spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, French authorities have announced that the restored structure will reopen to the public on September 20, 2025, offering visitors an intimate look at one of the world’s most celebrated Gothic landmarks.
Public Access Returns After Years of Restoration
According to the French National Monuments Center, beginning this September, visitors will once again be able to climb the cathedral’s 420 steps to reach the 69-meter-high observation deck, which offers sweeping panoramic views of Paris and a close-up perspective of the newly reconstructed spire.
To manage crowd control, all visits will require online reservations, with an annual visitor cap of 400,000. Tickets are expected to be priced at €16 per person.
A Symbol of Resilience and Craftsmanship
Built in the 12th century, Notre-Dame de Paris stands as a pinnacle of Gothic architecture and a spiritual, cultural, and artistic beacon in France. On April 15, 2019, a massive blaze ravaged its roof and collapsed the iconic spire, sparking global grief and pledges of support. While the cathedral’s main structure survived, the fire left a gaping wound in France’s historic landscape.
In 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to restore the cathedral within five years. The reconstruction of the spire involved meticulous craftsmanship, including the reinforcement of the bell tower and rebuilding of the viewing platform using historical blueprints and modern safety standards.
Although the main structure partially reopened to the public in December 2024, full restoration work is expected to continue through 2030.
A Milestone in Global Heritage Preservation
Notre-Dame is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws millions of visitors annually. The reopening of the spire is not just a national milestone for France, but a symbolic step forward in the global effort to preserve cultural heritage in the face of disaster.
