PARIS — Five years following the devastating fire that left Notre Dame Cathedral in ruins, a recent visit, featuring French President Emmanuel Macron, offered a first look at the cathedral’s fully restored interiors. This significant transformation is astonishing: light reflects off beautifully restored stones, and gilded features shine, rejuvenating the cathedral’s grandeur. Beginning on December 8, the public will once more be able to experience the impressive blend of history and artistry within this iconic site.

**Nave: A New Radiance**
The nave, which was previously shrouded in soot and debris, now glows with celestial light. Visitors can appreciate the true colors of the cathedral’s walls — a light Lutetian limestone, named after the Roman term for Paris, Lutecia — that shines brightly under the sunlight flowing through the restored stained-glass windows. The warm, blonde tones enhance the lofty Gothic columns and ribbed vaults, creating a bright and uplifting environment that has not been seen in centuries.

The polished checkerboard marble floor beneath appears so sleek and shining that one might think they could glide across it, complementing the golden grilles partitioning the choir area. Chandeliers hang gracefully from the high arches, casting glowing, soft light throughout the nave.

The comprehensive restoration included cleaning over 42,000 square meters of stone using advanced techniques that preserve the material while removing layers of accumulated grime. It’s remarkable that during this work, artisans’ etchings from the medieval period were uncovered, showing the delicate marks left behind by those who built Notre Dame in the 12th and 13th centuries. This glorious revival starkly contrasts the wreckage left behind in 2019.

**Altar: A Symbol of Resilience**
The altar within the cathedral’s chancel serves as a haunting reminder of the fire’s impact. The Pietà by Nicolas Coustou from the Vœu de Louis XIII ensemble endured the flames with only minor damage, although molten lead now adheres to Christ’s hand. Restorers made the choice to maintain this aspect as a solemn yet poignant tribute to the tragedy suffered.

Surrounding the altar, the intricate marquetry floor, once obscured by dirt, has been carefully reconstructed with pieces salvaged from the aftermath of the fire. Nearby, the illustrious Cross of Glory, which once shone amidst the fire, has been restored to its full splendor, standing prominently against the backdrop of the nave’s newly bright stonework.

**Organ: A Detailed Restoration**
The impressive grand organ, recognized as one of France’s largest and most historic, has experienced a thoughtful revival. While it was spared from the blaze, it was coated in lead dust, requiring meticulous disassembly, cleaning, and retuning of its 8,000 pipes — varying from the size of a pen to towering over 10 meters (33 feet). This process unfolded over a two-year period within the cathedral’s expansive interior, with harmonization achieved solely by ear.

Presently, the organ regains its majestic presence. Its grand wooden case, featuring carvings by past artisans, beams brightly under the light streaming through the restored clerestory windows, commanding respect and admiration even in silence.

**Chapels: Revitalized Beauty**
The 29 chapels that surround the nave and choir have been unveiled in their former vibrancy, colors and details brought back from years of grime and neglect. Restorers have revealed ornate murals, golden stars adorning ceilings, and the vivid motifs originally crafted under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Each chapel offers a distinct narrative through its designs and themes.

Among these, the Chapel of Saint Marcel captivates with its vibrantly restored mural of the saint’s relics. Visitors often compare its stunning colors to the visual splendor of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Furthermore, hidden traces of color tests from 19th-century artists discovered in various chapels provide tantalizing insights into their creative processes.

**Transept Crossing: A Monumental Task**
The transept crossing, the site where the original spire collapsed, presented one of the most significant challenges in the restoration. Above, new vaults made from Lutetian limestone replicate the medieval counterparts with astonishing accuracy. Excavations beneath revealed artifacts from Notre Dame’s medieval jubé, or choir screen, buried within the wreckage, further enriching the site’s historical narrative with intricately carved stones still adorned with faint traces of paint, echoing its colorful 13th-century decor.

**Roof, Spire, and Safety Innovations**
Above, the restored roof beckons the eye upward, showcasing faithfully recreated medieval timber craftsmanship, famed as “the forest.” Although it remains hidden behind the roofline, glimpses into the rafters illustrate the synergy of ancient and contemporary engineering.

Externally, the spire extends 96 meters, mirroring Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century design. Constructed using oak and lead, it is crowned with a gilded rooster that encloses relics of St. Denis, St. Genevieve, and a fragment of the Crown of Thorns, in addition to a scroll honoring contributors to the restoration effort. The spire also memorializes General Jean-Louis Georgelin, who led the project until his passing in 2023, with his name engraved at its base.

This restoration offers more than what is visible; Notre Dame is equipped with cutting-edge fire prevention systems to protect against future hazards. The roof is monitored using thermal cameras, and an integrated misting system is designed to extinguish any flames at their source. Fire-resistant barriers are strategically placed throughout the roof to limit the spread of fire. Additionally, strengthened supply lines can deliver 600 cubic meters (21,188 cubic feet) of water each hour, ensuring the cathedral is now far better shielded than ever before.