Notre - Dame de Paris, often referred to simply as Notre Dame, a medieval Catholic cathedral, founded in 1163 and opened in 1345, located on the Île de la Cité, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, a masterpiece developed in a refined Gothic style, highlighted by flying buttresses, massive rose windows, and a distinctive façade with towers and three entrances reopen its towers offering visitors a new immersive circuit.
Following the massive fire in 2019 that devasted this Parisian icon which reopened to the public on December 8 2024, after extensive work on its spire, roof, and interior. The complex project involved hundreds of craftspeople and companies, combining modern technology with medieval technique to faithfully restore the emblematic cathedral.
While the main structure is accessible, ongoing work on the stained glass windows, surrounding forecourt, the restoration of the chevet and sacristy is scheduled to continue into 2026 and 2027, and in addition the city of Paris will reshape the square in front of the Cathedral with added greenery.
However, a new milestone is marked, on 20th September 2025 the iconic medieval towers of Notre - Dame Cathedral have reopened to the public with a new circuit is to be proposed to visitors, and the tower climbing now comprises a newly created scenography.
In the first room, which serves as an introduction to the visit, educational markers on the major stages of the cathedral’s construction and the main events of its history is now provided through models that also allow visitors to visualize the different spaces they pass through.
Original chimeras, emblematic of the medieval imagination that inhabits the iconic towers, the works led by Eugène Emmanuel Viollet - le - Duc, a famous French architect and author, well known for his restoration of the most prominent medieval landmarks in France among them Notre - Dame de Paris between 1844 and 1864 with the addition of the gothic spire on the roof and architectural gesture are presented there.
A second room proposes a soundscape evoking major events in French history on which the bourdons, the lowest bells resonated. A double - helical oak staircase, created for this new immersive circuit allows for an unprecedented ascent through the framework of the belfry.
A further highlight is the exceprional 360 - degree panorama offered from the south tower over Paris and the spire is accompanied by orientations tables, at a height of 69 metres.
The descent of the staircase will lead to the cistern courtyard which connects two towers, first passing through a walkway providing access to the lowest bells.
From the courtyard, an unprecedented view of the framework of the great roof, the renowned “forest” above the nave is offered, and visitors will also have a glimpse of the chimeras located above.
The tour is enhanced by an artistic sound experience specially designed for this grand reopening, to ease the descent down the spiral ataircase of the north tower, gradually preparing visitors for their return to Paris.
The ascent to the top of of the south tower is undoubtedly a sporting experience. A good physical condition is required as the circuit includes 424 steps, narrow passage of 45 cm, and low ceiling passages. There is no elevator, restrooms or water point, bottles of water to take with are allowed and even recommended.
The circuit is consequently not recommended for people with heart failure and/or promne to dizziness, as well as pregnant women and young children.
This redevelopment was carried out with the generous support of the American foundation Friends of Notre - Dame de Paris, founded in 2017. The organization partners with the Archdiocese of Paris and the French agency responsible for the cathedral preservation, leading fundraising efforts and providing a means for American donors to contribute to this global heritage project.
Given the expected turnout, online booking is compulsory, including for visitors benefiting of discounts or a free entrance and only individual visitors are allowed.
Link
https://www.travelmole.com/news/towers-notre-dame-de-paris-cathedral/
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