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Final update on Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris reopening December 7 and 8 ,2024

Anna Cameron

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Time of past OR future Camino
2018 (CF); 2022 (Via Tolosana -part)
Salut! I am overwhelmed with emotion after watching the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics and this has reinforced my wish to participate in the ceremonies leading up to the re-opening and blessing of Notre Dame Cathedral, on Dec 8th this year. Thanks to Bradypus and others, I am aware of the "7 routes Notre Dame" pilgrimages in France, which I believe are setting off today from various locations in France, but although tempted, I was unwilling to travel to France at the same time the Olympics are in train. However, I think I can organise myself to travel from Oz in November-December this year, with an intention to attend the Cathedral opening.
So, can anyone advise me or point me in the right direction for information, to enable me to fulfill this wish? I should add that this is a religious/spiritual desire, rather than a TripAdvisor sort of ambition. I am proficient in French, so no problem dealing with French sites, I just need guidance, merci!
 
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JabbaPapa said:
Be careful I'd say, mentioning the Olympics opening ceremony in the same breath as the re-opening of Notre Dame later this year may cause some disturbances.
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Why so, if I may ask?
 

I'd love to walk a pilgrimage to Notre Dame for the re-opening. Is there anything being organized for when the cathedral is actually open?


I can read french, and put some sentences together very slowly.

I was on the Frances when the fire happened...
 
LesR said:
Why so, if I may ask?
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I think that you fell into a trap.

kelleymac said:
I'd love to walk a pilgrimage to Notre Dame for the re-opening. Is there anything being organized?
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No pilgrimage is organised for the re-opening of Notre Dame in December 2024 but there is a multi-way 7-weeks pilgrimage event organised that started yesterday and will end in September at Notre Dame. It has a strong Catholic component, see their website:

Home - Les 7 Routes

Les 7 routes Notre-Dame is the first-ever national pilgrimage to mark the rebirth of Paris Cathedral. ✓ 7 roads that criss-cross France ✓ 7 great saints carried in procession. ✓ 7-week walk to the Cathedral.
les7routes.fr
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

So... I am looking for details. Where are people sleeping? Are there stopping points? Can I join in a few weeks? (Obviously, I'm coming in a bit late on this idea.) Do I have to be signed up? Are there auberges and abbeyes to stay in? What should I pack? Sleeping bag? Tent? Baguette?

kate
 
JabbaPapa said:
Be careful I'd say, mentioning the Olympics opening ceremony in the same breath as the re-opening of Notre Dame later this year may cause some disturbances.
Click to expand...
I guess you are referring to the possibility of industrial action which can so often accompany big events in France? Hélas, that just goes with the territoire, en France au moins, but tant pis, I want to do my best to attend the ceremonies, if I can.
 
Kate, did you look at the link that Kathar1na inserted above (les 7 Routes)? As we've mentioned, it is an initiative of the French Catholic communities and it started on July 28th, so it's already underway. I did consider contacting them to register and participate, but finally decided that I didn't want to be in France right now, so never proceeded with it. But, if you are interested, click on that link which takes you to the website with descriptions of the 7 routes and answers to your questions, including, 'oui,' you do have to be signed up to participate.
Meanwhile, I am still attempting to find out any way to be included in any organised events leading up to the re-opening on December 8th. I may actually try and communicate with the "7 Routes" committee for information.
I will share any findings here on the Forum but would still value input from those in France or involved in the Notre Dame initiatives, to assist me in my own personal pilgrimage. Merci d'avance!
 
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Kerry R May said:
so exciting for You Anna
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Well, yes, if I can make it happen, Kerry. Not sure but I'm doing my research. The alternative would be to go over sooner and join in on one of the 7 routes that have already started, but the Olympic season, JO and Paralympics will be going on nearly all of the time up to the end of the Pilgrimage at Senlis in early September. I prefer to aim for November-December if that is possible! Join me?
 
I am not one of those who are in France or involved in the 7 Routes / Notre-Dame initiative but I am good at finding relevant information on the internet.

I would think that the office of the archdiocese of Paris would be a good point of contact. I’ve not yet looked at their webpages but immediately found a first article with a timeline and info about events in November and December related to the re-opening of Notre-Dame in Paris:

Notre-Dame de Paris : tous les détails du calendrier des festivités pour la réouverture de la cathédrale

À moins d’un an de la fin du chantier, l’archevêque de Paris, Mgr Laurent Ulrich, a dévoilé le calendrier des festivités qui accompagneront la réouverture de Notre-Dame, prévue le 8 décembre 2024. Elles s'étaleront jusqu'au 8 juin 2025, jour de la Pentecôte.
www.lepelerin.com
 
I wish you every success in your effort. You are so right to pay attention to members who offer facts and information that can be verified in order to help you make an informed decision. Bon chemin!
 
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a first article with a timeline and info about events in November and December related to the re-opening of Notre-Dame in Paris:
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For general information, a quickly edited machine translation of this timeline:
  • November: A procession will be take place to accompany the return of the statue of Saint Mary. Everyone is invited to participate.
  • December 7: The cathedral will be inaugurated: A liturgical celebration, a Magnificat or Te Deum. In the evening, Vespers will be said.
  • December 8: The first Mass will be celebrated.
  • December 9: Celebration of the Feast day of the Immaculate Conception.
  • From December 8 to 15: An Octave is organized: every day, for eight days, a solemn celebration will be given on a particular theme.
  • Until June 8, 2025: Whitsun marks the official end of the "reopening period".
The article and the letter from the Archbishop of Paris announcing the timeline was published in February 2024. There may be more details available by now. The article ends with this comment:

The Archbishop of Paris is considering a proposal for pilgrimages for Parisian parishes, in order to allow everyone to participate in the masses, readings and prayers of which they were deprived for five years. He considers these pilgrimages as an opportunity to rediscover this cathedral that he describes as the "lieu-source" of the Catholics of the region of Paris.​
 
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Thank you Kathar1na! This is why I value this Forum so much and appreciate your research skills.
I will delve into the article and see what I find, and will take your advice about the archdiocese. I spent a couple of hours today on the "7 Routes" pages and feel confirmed in my preference to go later this year.
 
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Many, many thanks! This is exactly what I'd hoped to find when I posted my question. My local Anglo-Catholic parish and priest (here in Adelaide) are very encouraging and supportive of my wish to do this, too.
 
Acknowledging the "spiritual" element of this post can I just say what an impressive feat it has been rebuilding it. More than 180 years to build but only 3 years to rebuild (not a full rebuild I know but everything that was left would have been checked and re-checked)
 
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Too bad the video won't play here in Australia, but I watched it on YouTube. And, I am going to Paris on December 7th! Is it true it will cost me 10 euros to enter the Cathedral after the opening on Dec 8th?
 
Anna Cameron said:
Too bad the video won't play here in Australia, but I watched it on YouTube. And, I am going to Paris on December 7th! Is it true it will cost me 10 euros to enter the Cathedral after the opening on Dec 8th?
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From their website "Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and CASA volunteer guides are pleased to offer you free tours around the cathedral (duration : about one hour)."
 
David61 said:
From their website "Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and CASA volunteer guides are pleased to offer you free tours around the cathedral (duration : about one hour)."
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But "There is no admission fee to enter Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and it is free of charge. However, if you wish to explore the towers or the crypt, you will need to purchase tickets. Here are the tickets prices: For the towers: €10 for adults €8 for children aged 11 18 and no charge for children under 11."
 
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I have arrived at my friends' place in Toulon and I've got accommodation booked in Paris 7 - 11 December. I've downloaded the schedule of events for the opening week ("octave") and I'm watching the Cathedral website every day, waiting for the booking system to open so I can get a free ticket to enter and marvel at the restoration, and give thanks for the efforts of so many. One way or another, I am going to take part in this glorious event.
 
I won't be in Paris during 7-11 December but I, too, am watching the Notre-Dame website which has excellent and up to date information, and I am waiting for the (free) online ticketing system to open this Tuesday. Fingers crossed for you, @Anna Cameron. I hope that you will report back to us who are watching the ceremonies unfold from far away.

To everybody who is interested in visiting Notre-Dame de Paris in the coming weeks and months: Go to their website. Don't rely on outdated information. Comments in earlier posts of the thread about tours and prices for tickets for climbing the towers are of course out of date. Group tours inside of the Cathedral will only be possible from the 9th of June 2025 onwards. The Cathedral Treasury is already open for visits and the fee is €10. Towers and bells are still closed to the public.

A novelty is a managed reservation system where you book a ticket for a specific time window - free of charge but one can also just turn up and queue and wait for much longer.

Also (from the official ND website): Specific entrances will also be designated for services and masses, allowing the faithful to enter more peacefully. The chairs in the nave are reserved exclusively for those wishing to attend the services.

An app will be made available soon on the Notre-Dame website which may be quite useful to get oneself organised.
 
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The Cathedral website now shows that the reservation app will be opening from tomorrow, December 3d. I plan to try and log on to book my ticket at midnight and one minute TONIGHT. There is going to be a huge rush to book these tickets, for sure. Wish me luck!
 
I wish you the very very best of luck, Anna!
 
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Even if access to any of the initial events were not possible, once the Cathedral is open again, access will be free just as any other church, so simply go to Holy Mass.

I love that church, and began my 1994 Camino from there and from the Cathedral Parish, or rather from not far away at the Bastille and via the Tour Saint-Jacques.

The Camino passes right before the main entrance.

I spent a good part of some years living directly opposite on the Left Bank.

Have a good and blessed pilgrimage to Notre-Dame de Paris !!
 
This French account from France tv explains what will happen for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral on the evening of December 7 and the day of December 8 and how wherever in the world you may be you may watch on tv.


Réouverture de Notre-Dame : un lourd dispositif de sécurité annoncé

Le samedi 7 décembre prochain, la cathédrale Notre-Dame va rouvrir ses portes après cinq années de travaux de restauration suite à l’incendie qui a ravagé l'édifice. Pour garantir la sécurité des lieux, un dispositif de grande ampleur inspiré des Jeux olympiques de cet été va être mis en place.
www.francetvinfo.fr
 
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Well, zut! Perhaps predictably, the Cathedral website is blocked or has crashed, so impossible to reserve my ticket, for the moment at least. I actually started trying to reserve from midnight onwards, sleeping lightly and waking to check the website every half hour or so through the night, but there was no change or link until, suddenly, around 8am, it froze! And remains blocked. Well, ticket or not, I will be in Paris from the 7th to the 11th and I'll keep trying.
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Thank you so much for this update. It will be so special to watch.
I have a little bit of a vested interest: a relic of one of the women saints, the foundress of my congregation, will be included in the dedication of the altar. I am not that much into relics but this is a special occasion! Very special.
 

Visited Paris last month for the first time in a few years and most places require pre-booking. Most have a entrance fee now so a cheap visit to Paris will be difficult to achieve. At Musée d'Orsay, there were 4 different types of queues depending on member/non-member plus booked/not-booked. If you just rolled up you were looking at a 2 hour wait!! We declined.

So if you intend to travel a long way to get to Notre Dame or Paris, pre-planning/pre-booking is recommended. We just jumped on the train and hadn't pre-booked but enjoyed our walks through all the different areas and seeing how much had changed.

 
I feel for you, @Anna Cameron. You have probably already seen the new announcement on the Notre Dame website:

We inform you that all available seats for the celebrations of the Octave Week (December 8-15) have been reserved.​
​
Reservations for facilitated access to the cathedral (visits) will open two days prior, on Saturday, December 7.​

And:

Unfortunately, due to the strict limit of 1,500 faithful in the cathedral, we are unable to welcome additional attendees for these celebrations.​
​
I suppose that the celebrations will be broadcast on large screens on the Parvis? Even when it is the same as what is broadcast on TV - being there, so close and in a crowd of like-minded people, will be a special experience! Please keep us posted and best wishes for your trip to Paris.
 
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I have been looking for the official app "Compagnon de Visite" that is mentioned on their website and in news articles but have not found it. Has it not yet been made available for download?
 
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Thank you so much for the info and words of support! Hélas, I missed out on the invitation and I have NO idea how those lucky people managed to get onto the site- I was trying all night and both of my friends joined in this morning, to no avail. But, very helpful to have the details on those viewing sites, I was aware of the general plan and the limited, restricted entry, but not the locations. Now I can plan ahead a bit.
Luckily, my accommodation is in the 6eme, walking distance to the screen locations so maybe I will have more luck there. In any event, I am still very happy and grateful to be able to see the Cathedral, even from afar, and I've been watching some marvelous TV programmes this week, about the restoration. Honestly, a lot to be thankful for
 
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I would personally suppose that the combination of Parisian, and National, and International dignitaries with the local Parishioners of the church may simply have outstripped capacity.

Simple access to the Cathedral does in principle remain free, so you may still be able to get in outside of the event times, though even so I would suppose that any queues to attempt that would be ginormous. And in these exceptional days, plus in Advent leading up to and beyond Christmas and Epiphany, things might potentially not calm down much until some point in 2025.
 
Hola and thanks to the OP for the update. Five years ago when I saw the TV news vision I was afraid that I might not live to see Notre Dame restored. But now thanks to the wonders of medical science and the incredible skill artisans of France I will get another chance. I will be there in mid June next year to worship and wonder! Cheers
 
https://www.paris.fr/pages/cinq-ans-apres-notre-dame-de-paris-s-apprete-a-rouvrir-ses-portes-29209
It has details about how and where the public viewing areas are organised on 7 and 8 December.
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@Anna Cameron, I am kind of getting excited for you.

The information about the boxes in the viewing area is now also on the official Notre Dame website - see the tab A la Une. There is now also a link to an access map for the viewing area (on the police website). The map can be enlarged. The whole area of the Cathedral, the island and the viewing zone is within a périmètre SILT (Sécurité intérieure et lutte contre le terrorisme) as you can see on the map. All this reminds me of the summer. There will be lots of police and security staff and barriers and security channels to go through. If it's like it was for the JO, it will be superbly organised.

It looks like from the 9th onwards, there may be a chance to get close to the Cathedral and perhaps even inside in the afternoon when there is no mass / vespers / other event? It seems that an online reservation channel may open on the day before?
 
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Merci de nouveau! It is so helpful reading this - again, I had a general idea but these details are greatly appreciated. As is hearing about your experience during the JO. I will keep you posted as I progress towards Paris .
 
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