The transformation is nothing short of breathtaking: light dances across brilliant stone, gilded accents gleam anew, and the iconic monument's majesty is reborn. From Dec. 8, visitors will once again marvel at the cathedral's blend of history and craftsmanship. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the newly restored Notre Dame cathedral on Nov. 29, eight days before its official reopening to the public and five years after it was partially destroyed by fire. Macron took a two-hour televised tour of the famed 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Live broadcasts showcased the soaring ceilings, intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and carved stone gargoyles, all appearing to have been restored to their former glory.