Exterior of Notre Dame

the Cathedral is fenced in and blocked off. You cannot see the gorgeous rear of the Cathedral because of the temporary construction buildings; there was still a lot of scaffolding up when we were there this fall. You can see a lot of what is going on with the reconstruction especially from the road across the Seine from the building, but you cannot approach on the grounds as the whole area is fenced in. A good spot for an overhead view is the terrace of the Institute Mond Arabe which can be accessed for free by elevator. There are big panels outside on the fence discussing the steps being taken in the reconstruction. FWIW the restrooms to the front of the Cathedral are open again; this large terrace which was once totally blocked off is now partially open so you can approach fairly close from the front compared to a couple of years ago.

I was just there last month. There is a viewing platform on the roof of one of the temporary construction buildings at the rear of the cathedral. Obviously you can only see the back of the cathedral from there. The scaffolding is around most of the exterior, so that’s in almost every view.

The triptych (it’s not just three panels, but it’s in the style of a triptych) that Janet mentioned is incredibly interesting. It shows the artisans at work. It shows how some discoveries were made during the restoration. How the restoration is being done and more. Just awe-inspiring, really.

It’s along the north side of the cathedral. I, not sure about along the south side, as I didn’t walk around the whole thing.

Notre Dame live webcam streaming from Seine river:

https://www.sondelaterre.fr/live-webcam-paris-la-seine-et-notre-dame-ambiance-en-direct-du-bateau-le-son-de-la-terre/

There is still a good view of the main facade, and given how central Notre Dame is, you are almost guaranteed to pass close by. A good look won't take more than 15 minutes, in my opinion.

If anyone is interested in the rehabilitation process and artisan talents, pbs.org has had 3 programs on the progress. The program is called NOVA with episode titles that contain the words Notre Dame in them. The craftsmanship, careful progress and re-creation of materials using historical techniques is amazing. I enjoyed all the episodes and hope to see her in her reconditioned glory again some day.

I was there yesterday. Balso is, of course, right… you can see the front façade well. From the south side of the
river, you can see the front, the towers, and the side well. I got a nice photo from there yesterday. The entire building starting behind the towers is completely covered in massive scaffolding. Including the spire. You cannot access any of the grounds.
The plaza in front is accessible.
At some point, after finishing the restoration of ND, they say they will completely re-do the plaza and what was once the park at the back and along the south side, next to the river.

Susan, did you take the time to read any of the descriptive panels along the side of the cathedral describing the work? To me, they were so well done, and were so informative. I'm so glad someone thought to add them.

HappyToBeHere, i didn’t. I don’t like that side of Notre Dame so i don’t go over there. Plus, it’s so bitterly cold here now (28* for the last 9 days), with a breeze, that i can’t imagine standing still long enough to read them, lol. I’ve watched several TV shows about it very recently (NOVA on PBS, and 60 Minutes) so i believe i’m up to date on all they’ve done and all they’re doing.

@Happytobehere - In more pleasant temperatures than Susan is experiencing (last April, lol) I did stop to read the signboards. I agree with you that they are very well done. To me it was a matter of pride to the folks who are working on the assessment and restoration that their work be well-documented for the public. So interesting!

To the OP: I vote to go by Notre Dame. You may be able to work it in going from one place to another. It's amazing to see the scaffold, the exhibition signs and just the whole atmosphere of restoration. This is an historic time in the history of this building.

Time-wise- as little as just walking by. As much as maybe 30-45 minutes if you read the signs and then sit in the bleacher area if it's still set up out in front of the construction walls. (Was there last spring). DO be cautious in this area because it's a location where the petition girls work - they ask you to sign a petition. They pretend to be deaf and mute. They will try to pick your pocket while you sign some petition on anti-drugs or something. I never feel in danger there (old, solo, female) just want to have my phone in a zipped up interior pocket along with my CCs and any money I might have.

When are you going to visit? In April there is the most gorgeous wisteria vine a few streets away that is worth a detour just for the visual.

I have heard that the exterior will be finished in time for the Olympics but not the interior. Do we know if that means that the construction fences will be removed and we will be able to walk around the front and back like before the fire?

I heard they just recently removed the large scaffolding from the exterior that has been there for months, but replaced it with a new, smaller scaffold that still covers the church and spire. The picture I saw was slightly better, but it is still mostly covered.

Updates : the spire has been rebuilt, still invisible as hidden by scaffoldings
Not being able to remove all fences as there will still be works until everything is removed to be ready by 8th Decembre 2024 which is the reopening date.
As i am a tour guide, i ask for updates on the situation at the Journées du Patrimoine every year in September.
They are working with lead, to rebuild the roof, so as lead can cause health hazards, it is for that reason that everything is fenced off.
I still recommend to go there, it is amazing to see all the works