A stage of the construction site has just been completed. Less than a year before the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, ravaged by a fire on April 15, 2019, a branch was placed at the top of the choir frame this Friday. “It’s a small thing but symbolically strong,” greeted Philippe Jost, president of the public establishment responsible for the reconstruction project.
“We set aside a branch of the most beautiful tree, we mounted it on the roof” and it “protects” the building, added Jean-Louis Bidet, technical director of Ateliers Perrault, responsible for the reconstruction of the framework. of the choir in front of the carpenters gathered for this event, which traditionally represents the end of a construction site.
“As important” as the handover of ministers
“It feels like a transfer of power between ministers,” while several take office on Friday, joked one of the carpenters. “It’s at least as important!” », replied Philippe Jost in the same tone, while the youngest worker took charge of fixing the branches, as tradition dictates.
Coincidentally with the calendar, the new Minister of Culture Rachida Dati had cited earlier, when she took office, the reopening of the cathedral, scheduled for December 8, among her priorities.
“We are proud”
Philippe Jost praised the “collective state of mind” of the team of carpenters. “We are sad to see them go,” he said. “Thank you, we are proud of what you have done for Notre-Dame,” he added.
The installation of the final bouquet was greeted by applause from the workers. This stage completes the assembly of the forest of Notre-Dame, the framework of the vaults of the nave and the choir, restored according to the medieval design.