The phase of securing and consolidating Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, devastated more than two years ago by a fire, has come to an end, giving way to the restoration phase, announced, Saturday, September 18, the Public establishment responsible for its conservation.

An announcement that coincides with the European Heritage Days.

However, it remains impossible for visitors to enter the cathedral.

On the occasion of Heritage Days, they have to be content with a village of trades organized at the foot of the building.

"The village of trades was an opportunity to highlight all the trades that participated in the phase of securing the cathedral", explains to France 24, Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, of the public establishment in charge of the restoration of Notre-Dame.

"It was important for us to show all the unique skills which are also the pride of France."

And possibly to arouse vocations, he continues, referring to the case of a young person who joined the safety site as a rope access technician.

"She stands firmly on her feet"

Today, "the cathedral is secure, it is firmly on its feet and we will be able to launch its restoration with the objective of 2024 for reopening to worship and visitors", adds Jérémie Patrier-Leitus.

Emmanuel Macron had promised that the cathedral would be rebuilt in five years.

The site will not be completed within this period.

On the other hand, the monument must be returned to worship by April 16, 2024, the day when a mass must be celebrated again in the nave, announced in December 2020 General Georgelin, president of the public establishment responsible for rebuilding the cathedral.

The establishment is now preparing to launch calls for tenders for works to select the companies that will take part in the restoration project and "a campaign to thoroughly clean the interior walls and floors of the cathedral begins this month" .

With AFP

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