Never before have we seen such a construction site. You all had your share in the project of the century,
We are very eager to welcome the whole world under the roof of our cathedral,
The fire was a terrible event for us because suddenly we had not only to restore part of the cathedral but to rebuild it, which means the extent of what we had to do was much bigger. We were very hopeful that we would succeed in rebuilding this considerably,
I F THIS MONUMENT is one day finished, ... no other will ever compare.”
It was an exceptional renovation project,
Point zero des routes de France".
You have achieved what was thought impossible,
We are all very proud of what we have done together,
In this monument, there is a soul,
It’s been repaired, reinvented, and rebuilt all at once,
It was a challenge many deemed impossible, yet one we will have met on,
This project was a human adventure of epic proportions in terms of building and prowess, involving the patient and dedicated work of a chain of talents working with one another passing the torch to those of the centuries to come,
This once-in-a-century project has been conducted in extraordinary conditions. It required a collaboration of France’s best experts and specialists,
The shock of the reopening will, I want to believe, be as powerful as the one of the fire. But it will be a shock of hope,
Even more beautiful than before, in the renewed radiance of the blonde stones and the colour of the chapels,
This final site visit is an opportunity to thank them in particular - from wood craftsmen to those of metal and stone, from scaffolders to roofers, from bell makers to art restorers, from gilders to masons and sculptors, from carpenters to organ builders, from architects, archaeologists, engineers and planners to logistical and administrative functions
This is an immense source of pride for the entire nation,
We were told many times at the beginning that it wouldn't be possible, that it was crazy, that it was arbitrary, that we were going to do it wrong,
It is much more welcoming,
The blaze at Notre Dame was a national wound, and you have been its remedy through will, through work, through commitment,