The cross was lifted by crane and secured to the top of the spire at just after 3pm. The contours of the tower have been visible through the scaffolding for several days. The new spire is identical to the previous one designed by the 19th century architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, which collapsed in the fire.
In two days, French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the Gothic cathedral, which was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. His visit takes place exactly one year before the planned reopening of Notre-Dame (on December 8, 2024).