A ringing that was missing from the Paris sky. This Friday morning, the eight bells of the north bell tower of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, which is preparing to reopen its doors on the weekend of 7 and 8 December, rang around 10.30 am, more than five years after the fire which devastated the building, AFP noted.
“It is a beautiful, important, symbolic step”, greeted Philippe Jost, head of the public body in charge of the restoration of the cathedral, a jewel of Gothic art, who announced in our columns this Friday the imminence of these first attempts at restoration the bells in flight. These “will ring at times” over the next month, “to check that everything is working”. A further step towards the reopening of the emblematic place of worship.
“Everything is not perfect yet. We will solve the problem perfectly, but this first attempt is conclusive”, said an emotional Alexandre Gougeon, of the Gougeon company, responsible for the bell refitting project for the ATC group, welcoming “a great result”. The tests took place on Thursday individual bell by bell.
Dusted and restored
This sound signal marks a further step in the resurrection of one of the greatest cathedrals in the West, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visited monuments in Europe. During the fire on April 15, 2019, the flames reached part of the building’s north bell tower, which needed to be restored. To do this, the eight bells housed in this tower were carefully removed, cleaned of lead dust and restored before returning to their original location.
The eight bells – Gabriel, Anne-Geneviève, Denis, Marcel, Étienne, Benoît-Joseph, Maurice and Jean-Marie, their nicknames – returned to their cathedral last September, after major cleaning and renovation work. Blessed before their return to power, they are “the sign of the meeting of believers but also of non-believers”, declared the archpriest rector of the cathedral, Msgr. Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas, at the moment of their blessing.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Philippe Jost
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Philippe. It’s a pleasure to have you with us. The recent ringing of the bells at Notre-Dame de Paris marks a significant moment after such a long period of silence. Can you share with us the emotions surrounding this event?
Philippe Jost (PJ): Thank you for having me. Indeed, it was an emotional moment for all of us. The bells of Notre-Dame have always been a crucial part of the cathedral’s identity and are deeply intertwined with the history of Paris itself. Hearing them ring again was both a relief and a celebration of our progress in the restoration efforts.
TNE: Could you elaborate on what the ringing of the bells signifies for the restoration process?
PJ: Absolutely. The bells ringing is an important symbolic step in the restoration journey. It signifies that we are moving forward, testing the systems put in place, and ensuring everything is functioning smoothly as we approach the reopening of the cathedral next month. This moment feels like a beacon of hope for the community and for fans of Gothic architecture worldwide.
TNE: You mentioned that this is a first step and that there’s still work to be done. What specific challenges are you facing as you move forward with the restoration?
PJ: There are definitely challenges ahead. While we are excited about the bells ringing, we are also conscious that not everything is perfect yet. We have to ensure that the refitting of the bells is entirely successful and that all mechanical systems are in optimal condition. It requires meticulous attention to detail to preserve the integrity of this historical monument.
TNE: Alexandre Gougeon expressed that the first attempt was “conclusive.” What talents or expertise does the Gougeon company bring to this restoration project?
PJ: Alexandre and his team possess a wealth of experience and craftsmanship that is crucial for such delicate restoration work. They understand the historical significance of the bells and how to approach their refitting with respect and precision. Their passion for preserving this piece of heritage is evident in every step they take.
TNE: As we look toward the reopening of Notre-Dame in December, what can visitors expect when they come to see the cathedral?
PJ: Visitors can expect a cathedral that not only honors its rich history but also reflects the efforts of our restoration teams. While some areas may still be under construction, the essence of Notre-Dame—its stunning Gothic architecture and its spiritual ambiance—will be very much alive. The sound of the bells will be a welcoming greeting, inviting everyone back to a place that is both a historical and spiritual sanctuary.
TNE: Thank you, Philippe, for sharing these insights with us. It sounds like the future of Notre-Dame is promising, and we look forward to seeing the enchanting cathedral restored to its former glory.
PJ: Thank you! We are equally excited and grateful for the support from the community and beyond.
TNE: It was a pleasure speaking with you today.