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Notre-Dame's restored towers reopen, offering breathtaking views of Paris
Six years after the devastating fire of 2019, the north and south towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral will reopen to the public this Saturday as part of France’s annual Heritage Days. Visitors will once again ascend the 424 steps to discover breathtaking views of Paris and admire the fully renovated interiors of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
A renewed visitor journey
The restoration has reimagined the visitor experience. Philippe Jost, president of the association Rebuild Notre-Dame de Paris, emphasized that the new tour grants visitors exceptional access to the cathedral’s southern tower and its wooden belfry, designed to support the massive bronze bells. Among them is the famous “Emmanuel” bell, weighing 13 tons, known for its pure tone and its role in marking historic events throughout France’s history.
One of the centerpiece features of the refurbishment is a newly designed double-helix oak staircase. This architectural innovation allows visitors to climb and descend without crossing paths while revealing hidden parts of the towers, including the impressive belfry.
The echo of monumental bells
The interior of the towers houses ten bronze bells, with “Emmanuel” celebrated for its exceptional resonance and significance. Marie Lavandler, president of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, explained that Notre-Dame’s structure was meticulously designed to absorb the powerful vibrations of the bells. Without this engineering, she noted, the towers could have suffered catastrophic damage.
The visit culminates on the cathedral’s terraces, rising 69 meters above ground. From here, visitors can admire a full panoramic view of Paris along with Notre-Dame’s restored spire, nave, transept, and the twelve apostles adorning the cathedral.
Restoring a Gothic masterpiece
The reopening of the towers represents a milestone in an ambitious restoration effort that has already cost 552 million euros. The cathedral itself reopened on December 7, 2024, after years of labor by more than 2,000 artisans and experts who rebuilt the spire, restored the grand organ, and reconstructed the intricate wooden framework known as the “forest.”
Despite the progress, work is not entirely complete. Crews are now preparing to renovate the chevet, the easternmost section behind the choir, with the ultimate goal of finalizing the entire restoration.
As the public returns to climb the towers of Notre-Dame, the cathedral stands once again as an enduring monument of resilience, artistry, and Parisian heritage.