Paris isn’t just a city for me. It is that irresistible lover you know better than to revisit and yet somehow always end up texting at midnight.

This is obviously a made up analogy. There was never anyone before or after my husband.

So back to Paris. Upon arrival in the City of Lights I am clocking miles, taking in the sights and then I realize that Notre-Dame is open.

This visit delivered a fresh jolt of infatuation in the miraculously, newly restored Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris.

Walking up to the exquisitely imposing front doors I felt anxious yet inquisitive.

The fire had left a wound on all of us, and I braced myself for melancholy.

Instead, I was overwhelmed by radiance and beauty and the reality that the exquisite restoration was completed in a mere 5 years.

The limestone gleams. The vaulted ceilings soar. The stained glass throws around color like a hyperactive Impressionist.

Notre-Dame didn’t just heal.

She staged a full-blown glow-up,.

I will admit, my expectations for global teamwork these days are low. Yet here we are. Billlionaire patrons and millions of everyday donors all pitching in to rebuild something beautiful. A rare, stunning moment where humanity collectively said, “Yes, let’s fix this,” instead of our usual dragged out bickering.

The amount raised totals 880 million Euros in dollars it is $995 million which covered the final bottom line of 703-850 million Euros as restoration is ongoing.

The crowds are humongous. Download the Notre-Dame official app and check the day before or day of your desired visit. The average wait without a reservation is 2 hours.

Join me in participating in the gloriously inspiring tour:

Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris. Open Sunday 8:15am-7:30pm, Monday-Wednesday and Friday 7:50am-7pm, Thursday 7:50am-10pm, Saturday 8:15am-7:30pm.