Notre Dame de Paris: or how to fit a forest in a church

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Well one forest went up in flames and the entire world heard. And soon the forest will make people talk, standing once again.

Notre Dame de Paris, a world-renowned cathedral in the heart of Paris, France, with its towering spires, intricate façade, and breathtaking stained glass, has stood as a symbol of French culture for over 850 years. Sadly, in April 2019, the iconic monument and active place of worship was the victim of an accidental fire that destroyed its roof and could have done worse if it wasn’t for the city's fire brigade.

So what's the link with trees you ask? The best way to explain is with the renovation of the church itself.

The fire’s devastation was a profound loss, particularly the destruction of "the forest," the 13th-century wooden roof frame constructed from ancient oaks. The juxtaposition of the beams, many dating back to the Middle Ages, was a marvel of medieval engineering.

To restore this lost “chef d’oeuvre”, more than 2,000 artisans have come together, using traditional techniques with modern precision. Over 100 oak trusses, each sourced from carefully selected French forests, have been crafted to match the originals. Some beams are 33 feet high and span 43 meters across, identically recreating the medieval structure.

Notre Dame’s rebuild is more than just a construction project—it’s a cultural milestone. French president Emmanuel Macron’s call to rebuild the cathedral “more beautiful than before” sparked an international response. Donations totaling over 840 million euros poured in from across the globe, reflecting the deep connection people everywhere feel toward this iconic landmark.

While the French government oversaw structural repairs, the Catholic Church took on the restoration of the interior. The dedication of countless artisans, stonemasons, sculptors, and glass restorers has ensured that every detail, from the soaring arches to the delicate stained glass, is as breathtaking as it was before the fire.

On December 7th, Paris will celebrate a historic milestone, the reopening of Notre Dame de Paris, just five years after the historic fire.

For travelers, nationals, the faithful or simply the curious, Notre Dame’s reopening is an invitation to witness history in the making. Whether you’ve been to Paris before or it’s still on your bucket list to visit “one day”, Notre Dame’s revival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Danielle is the daughter of Lorraine Vanderwalker who grew up in Wahkiakum county and lives on Puget Island.