Located in Briey, eastern France, the devastating fire that engulfed the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris four years ago left the world in shock. The iconic spire, constructed from oak and metal, was completely consumed by the flames. However, in a remarkable feat, firefighters managed to save most of the church’s structure, while the 19th-century spire was destroyed. Efforts are now underway to restore the cathedral to its former glory.
In the depths of the French countryside, teams of architects, engineers, and artisans are hard at work. Using a combination of traditional methods and modern tools, they meticulously measure, cut, and chisel centuries-old oak to reconstruct the 300-foot spire according to its original design. A dress rehearsal was recently held in Briey to ensure the perfectly crafted components of the spire shaft fit seamlessly together.
French Army Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who oversees the project, expressed his relief as the final piece of the puzzle was lowered onto the 60-foot shaft. He described the reconstruction of the spire as a pivotal moment in the cathedral’s restoration, stating that it evokes strong emotions. The teams working on the project referred to the original 19th-century plans by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, while utilizing modern computers for 1,600 hours of calculations to replicate the construction process of the spire. They have created 320 different versions before arriving at the final design.
The timber for the spire was carefully sourced from both public and private woodlands across France, including historical lands previously owned by the monarchy and the Catholic church. Only the tallest and straightest oak trees, aged at least 100 years old, were selected. These pieces were then intricately assembled in complex patterns to form the shaft, which has been referred to as “the heart of the spire” by the architects.
Architect Axelle Ponsonnet, who has been involved in the reconstruction for two years, described the project as both exciting and complex. She emphasized the team’s commitment to being specific and meticulous in their approach, given the significance of rebuilding such a historic landmark. Ponsonnet’s colleague, Aurélie Ouzineb, praised the original designers and builders of the spire, considering them to be true geniuses.
Carpenter Benoit Angheben, who joined the project from Belgium, expressed his disbelief at being part of such a prestigious endeavor. He considered it a dream come true, especially after the sadness and devastation caused by the fire. The completion of the spire shaft marks an important milestone, as it will soon be transported to Paris and placed on the roof of the cathedral. The construction of the remaining sections of the spire will continue throughout the year, with the goal of once again gracing the Paris skyline.
French President Emmanuel Macron has promised that Notre Dame will reopen to the public by 2024. Gen. Georgelin is confident that they will meet this deadline, dedicating every minute of his life to the restoration. With the combination of craftsmanship, expertise, and determination exhibited by the dedicated teams, Notre Dame will soon regain its former magnificence.
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