This third report by the Cour des comptes, following those of 2020 and 2022, comes just as the towers of Notre-Dame, closed since the fire on 15 April 2019, are preparing to reopen for the European Heritage Days on 20 and 21 September. The Cour des comptes reviewed the completion of the restoration work following the fire, as it did for the conservation work, by examining the conditions under which the work was carried out and its financial cost in relation to the forecast amount. The Cour des comptes also paid particular attention to the framework for the reopening of the cathedral, drawing on lessons from the past, both in terms of the resolution of relations between the State and the Diocese of Paris, and in terms of the new fire safety and security measures and their management. The report provides updated details of the proceeds of the national fundraising campaign and the amounts raised from patrons by the foundations and the public establishment in charge of the restoration, and looks at how the funds were used in accordance with legislative provisions. The Cour des comptes also calls for lessons to be learnt from the management of this exceptional situation and project in terms of public action, and proposes a global approach to cultural and tourist development with a view to the creation of the museum on the work announced by the President of the Republic.
