Notre-Dame is Re-Opening Next Month. Here's What to Expect.
Plus, the incredible story of the Cathedral's revival, & looking forward to December festivities in Paris
Over five years ago, Notre-Dame Cathedral was badly damaged in what appears to have been an accidental blaze. But after years of remarkable efforts from some 1,000 skilled workers and artisans— some say upwards of 2,000— the medieval masterpiece is slated to re-open its heavy doors to the public on December 8th.
This week, we take a closer look at this incredible story of tragedy and revival— including details around how a massive team of master stone masons and cutters, engineers, carpenters, architectural historians, glassmakers, locksmiths and metal specialists, among many others, tirelessly worked to bring the Cathedral back from devastation.
What do these most recent to restore Notre Dame to its full glory have to do with the cathedral’s centuries-long history? And what can we expect to be different– both inside and out– when it re-opens next month?
We offer details on all of the above, and more, in our full look at Notre Dame’s restoration and re-opening.
Next up, to celebrate the return of one of Paris’ most-enduring landmarks, I’ve decided to temporarily remove the paywall from a fascinating chat I had a few weeks ago with Lindsay Cook about Notre-Dame and its remarkable resurrection. She’s an architectural historian and scholar who gave me some deeper insight on why the renovation efforts are truly something to marvel at. You can listen to our chat below, read the transcript, or both.
Shortly after the 2019 fire, I wrote a reflective essay that attempted to grapple with what this event meant in a historical context, given that this wasn’t the first time the Cathedral was imperiled by either natural or human forces. From windstorms to revolutions, it’s borne the brunt of numerous other assaults in its more than 850 years.
Read more on the cathedral’s long history of disasters, rebirths and re-imaginings here.
Moving right along: checking out the latest reincarnation of Notre-Dame isn’t the only major thing on the cultural calendar this December. And for anyone who’s lucky enough to be headed to the French capital next month, there’s certainly no shortage of interesting and festive things to do.
In that spirit, and whether you’re off to Paris this year or are mulling a year-end trip in the future, make sure to peruse our full guide to visiting in December. It’s been updated for 2024 and includes full details on what’s worth seeing and doing— think ways to get cozy and contemplative, both indoors and out, seasonal festivities and interesting exhibits to catch, among other stuff.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t offer a more detailed look at Christmas-related festivities and traditions to enjoy in the capital, this year and beyond.
Start by browsing our regularly updated guide to Christmas 2024 events, including where and when to see festive lights and department-store windows, the return of the annual marchés de Noël (Christmas markets) around town later in November, tips on booking a holiday table for lunch or dinner, and more.
Of course, most of you won’t be traveling for the year-end holidays— but if you do celebrate Christmas and are interested in incorporating French traditions into the mix this year, it’s less complicated to do so than you may think.
Why not whip up an Alsatian yeasted cake, or various Provencal-style breads and sweets, for your holiday table? You might also consider lighting candles on December 8th to mark not only the return of Notre-Dame in Paris, but also to commemorate the little-known French (primarily Lyonnais) celebration known as the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights).
And planning a French-style holiday aperitif is another elegant, and relatively inexpensive, way to make the season a bit more exciting and inspiring.
Read more on French holiday traditions— and our ideas for how to observe them— here.
Lastly, check out our full advice on where to find interesting, non-done-to-death gifts from Paris. After all, who really wants another chintzy Eiffel-Tower keyring that’ll break as soon as you throw your keys down on the table? (We do offer some insight on places where you might be able to score, for example, some delicious chocolate molded into the shape of the iconic tower. Now we’re talking…)
That’s a wrap for the free November newsletter, les ami/es. I hope you’re finding ways to endure, or even enjoy, the growing darkness as we move towards the shortest day of the year. And since this is a time that’s ideal for taking stock of things you’re grateful for, I want to reiterate how much I value and appreciate your readership and support. It makes this sometimes-lonely endeavor more than worthwhile, and also infuses the work with a sense of connection I need and value. Merci!
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Take a look at one of my recent exclusive articles on the American-born photographer Lee Miller, which takes a closer look at her early years as a Surrealist in Paris— before she became one of the first people to reveal the horrors of Nazi concentration camps in her photographs for Vogue and other forums. As a free subscriber, you can always claim the article as a free “ teaser” post— and see whether the paid version of this newsletter might be for you.
Thanks again for reading!
— Courtney
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