Notre-Dame Cathedral: Over Six Million Visitors Since Resuming Operations in December - Visitors flocking to Notre-Dame Cathedral since its reopening in December surpasses 6 million mark
After a long closure following the devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in the iconic landmark's history. The reopening, scheduled for an unspecified date, is expected to attract a substantial number of visitors, potentially surpassing the visitor numbers of famous Parisian attractions like the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, the Louvre, or the Eiffel Tower.
The Cathedral, which was visited by around eleven million people annually before the fire, has been undergoing extensive restoration since the incident. Despite this, a gradual recovery of visitor numbers has been observed, with the Cathedral currently averaging approximately 35,000 visitors per day. If the current level of interest continues, Notre-Dame could reach around twelve million visits by the end of the year.
The two towers that flank the facade of Notre-Dame will be accessible again starting September 20, offering visitors a chance to climb the towers and enjoy panoramic views of Paris. The emotions sparked by the fire are only surpassed by those of the reopening, according to French writer George Dumas. Dumas does not believe the current influx of visitors is a mere reopening fad, expressing his confidence that the Cathedral's allure will continue to draw visitors from around the world.
The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, located in Montmartre, similarly remains a popular tourist destination but with less global prominence compared to Notre-Dame or the Louvre. The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower have maintained their status as top tourist attractions with high visitation volumes, recovering from pandemic-related slowdowns.
The reopening of Notre-Dame is linked to the hope for more donations to continue the restoration of the church. The entire roof of Notre-Dame burned down during the fire, and the spire collapsed into the nave. The rebuilding effort was made possible by donations totaling 846 million euros, and the restoration work is ongoing.
The reopening of Notre-Dame is a testament to the resilience of the French people and a symbol of hope for the future. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit to this historic landmark and witness the beauty and grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral. For up-to-date and detailed visitation data, official tourism or cultural heritage sources in Paris would be the recommended reference.
Notre-Dame's reopening, amidst the backdrop of fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink experiences offered by Paris, could potentially inspire a shift in local lifestyle trends as six million visitors since its reopening in December seek out the allure of this historic landmark. As visitors explore the home-and-garden offerings in the Montmartre district, a visit to the newly reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral, with its famed towers, may become a must-see attraction, giving pause even to the allure of iconic tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
