Notre Dame Bells Ring Again After 2019 Fire, Ahead of Cathedral’s Reopening

Paris, Nov 8, 2024 — The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang together on Friday for the first time since the 2019 fire that caused major damage to the historic building. The sound marked a key moment in the cathedral’s restoration, just one month before it is set to reopen.

Philippe Jost, who oversees the restoration, called it a “symbolic step” as the cathedral prepares to welcome visitors again on December 7. The 2019 fire destroyed parts of the cathedral, including its spire, and led to a worldwide outpouring of support for its restoration.

The restoration project involved hundreds of experts and companies and cost hundreds of millions of euros. The bells, which had been removed for cleaning and repairs, were reinstalled in the northern belfry. The heaviest bell, “Gabriel,” weighs over four tons, and the lightest, “Jean-Marie,” weighs 800 kilograms.

On Friday, just before 10:30 am, all eight bells rang in harmony for the first time. Alexandre Gougeon, who is in charge of the bells, said the test was successful and promised more improvements.

The cathedral’s grand reopening will take place over the weekend of December 7-8, marking the completion of the long restoration process.