The reopening of Notre-Dame was the result of a monumental restoration effort that lasted more than five years and required an investment estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros, financed primarily through international donations and public funds. Although specific works remain to be completed — including the restoration of several stained-glass windows, the sacristy and the chevet — the cathedral already showcases significant parts of its interior structure recovered, with walls displaying tones close to their original state and a modernized lighting system that enhances its Gothic architecture.
The cathedral has not only regained its architectural value; it has also revitalized its role as a living center of worship. During this first year since reopening, more than 1,600 liturgical events have been held, including solemn masses, festive celebrations and ceremonies of major institutional relevance. In addition, hundreds of pilgrimages organized by dioceses and religious groups from around the world have been recorded, helping diversify the visitor profile and broaden the monument’s spiritual dimension.
Among the pieces of greatest interest currently on display at Notre-Dame is the relic of the Crown of Thorns, one of the most venerated by the faithful, which now enjoys greater visibility by being exhibited regularly and thus enriching both the religious and cultural experience of visitors. Furthermore, until February 2026, visitors can admire a large Provençal Nativity scene with more than fifty figures, which has added an extra attraction during the Christmas season.
The significance of these figures goes far beyond the local context. Thanks to its monumental heritage and its international tourist flows, Paris continues to position itself as one of the most attractive destinations on the planet, contributing substantially to the French tourism sector, which in recent years has seen strong growth and has kept France among the most visited countries in the world. The extraordinary reception that Notre-Dame Cathedral has enjoyed after its restoration is also interpreted as a symbol of cultural resilience and a driver of the European tourism industry.
Looking ahead, cultural and ecclesiastical authorities expect that the cathedral will not only maintain high visitor numbers, but will continue consolidating its status as a benchmark of universal heritage, a living testimony to the history of France and a magnet for those seeking experiences that combine art, faith and history.
This success of Notre-Dame de Paris not only marks a milestone in the post-fire recovery, but also represents a turning point in the narrative of global heritage tourism, underlining the importance of investing in the conservation of cultural assets as a means to strengthen identity, attract visitors and foster dialogue between cultures.
