The Long-Awaited Restoration of Notre-Dame-de-Paris: A Journey Down the Seine
July 13, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
A historic moment for one of the world's most famous cathedrals, Notre-Dame-de-Paris, is unfolding as the much-anticipated restoration of its wooden roof structure commences. The timber beams, derived from 200-year-old Breton oaks, have been transported along the Seine river, mirroring the route taken during the original construction of the iconic Parisian edifice.
The restoration of Notre-Dame has been a topic of global interest since the devastating fire in April 2019 that led to the collapse of the cathedral's spire and roof. In an endeavor to preserve the authenticity of the landmark, restoration experts decided to replace the destroyed elements with materials as close as possible to the originals.
The oaks used for this undertaking were carefully selected from ancient forests in Brittany, France. These centuries-old trees were cut and prepared in a specialized manner, matching the traditional techniques used in the cathedral's initial construction. The painstaking process of preparing the timber beams was carried out with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining the architectural integrity of the cathedral.
The journey of these massive beams from Brittany to Paris echoes the route taken during the original construction of Notre-Dame. Transported along the Seine, the waterway served as a historical link between the cathedral's past and its ongoing restoration process.
This stage of the restoration marks a significant milestone in the cathedral's journey towards recovery. With the installation of the wooden roof structure, Notre-Dame-de-Paris begins to regain its original shape, bringing hope of a complete restoration of this emblematic symbol of French culture and heritage. As these mighty Breton oaks take their place in the heart of Paris, they carry with them a piece of history and a promise of resilience for the future.
