One of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions to reopen next year after being closed for five years
ONE of Europe's most popular tourist attractions, which was forced to close following a devastating fire, is set to reopen next year.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris stopped welcoming visitors after a fire swept through the historic building over four years ago.
In April 2019, hundreds of firefighters battled to save the landmark after a fire raged for more than 12 hours.
First responders managed to save parts of the structure, including the building's facade, the twin medieval bell towers, and other ancient relics.
However, parts of the building, including the cathedral's 12th-century spire, were destroyed in the blaze.
An investigation into the cause of the fire concluded that an electrical short-circuit was to blame.
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Following the fire, French President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild the medieval cathedral to its former glory.
In a television address to the nation, he said: "We will rebuild Notre Dame, more beautiful than before – and I want it done in the next five years."
Business moguls, celebrities, and members of the public donated hundreds of millions of euros to help restore the famous cathedral.
Salma Hayek's billionaire husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, who is the CEO of Kering, the group that owns luxury fashion brands Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, pledged £86million.
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Meanwhile, French billionaire Bernard Arnault, who is head of the LVMH group and thought to be France's richest man, pledged a further £173m (€200m).
Since the outbreak of the fire, construction workers have worked tirelessly to restore the building.
Last month, the 12th-century spire, which crashed through the cathedral's old roof, became part of the Parisian skyline once again.
According to , Macron said: "Deadlines will be met. It is a formidable image of hope and of a France that has rebuilt itself. This is an important and emotional moment."
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is expected to reopen on December 8, 2024.
While it won't be ready for the Paris Olympics, which will take place in the French capital next summer, it should open in time for next year's festive season.
In March, General Georgelin, the army general in charge of the reconstruction project, said: "My job is to be ready to open this cathedral in 2024 - and we will do it. We are fighting every day for that and we are on a good path."
Culture Minister Abdul-Malak was quick to point out that other renovation work inside the cathedral will continue into 2025.
Meanwhile, the French Government will ban smoking at all beaches, public parks, forests, and other public spaces, as part of a national anti-tobacco campaign.
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The proposal was presented by Aurelien Rousseau, the French Health Minister, in a statement made to French journalists last month.
Earlier this year, France unveiled plans to combat over-tourism at some of its more popular tourist sites.
