Paris is witnessing a remarkable resurgence of tourism, fueled by the recent Olympic Games and the much-anticipated reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The winter holiday season has seen tourists flock to the city, eager to soak up its historic atmosphere and exciting events.
Among the visitors is Elena from Argentina, who expressed her enthusiasm over the cathedral's reopening. "It caught my attention and really made me want to come," she shared with RFI, underscoring how significant events are drawing global interest to the iconic city.
Notre-Dame reopened its doors on December 1, 2024, after four years of restoration following the devastating fire. Since then, attendance has been staggering—with around 270,000 visitors welcomed within just eight days. The rector of the cathedral, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, confirmed, "Around 30,000 people a day enter the cathedral," showcasing the immediate effect of its reopening on tourism.
During the Christmas season, visitors from various parts of the world have faced long lines to catch glimpses of the revived landmark. Laetitia, visiting from Switzerland, commented, "We arrived at 11 am, and it’s already 1:30 pm, but we’re determined to see this cathedral." Similar sentiments are echoed by Eric and Noa from Madrid, who noted how the crowds were larger than they had expected. "Despite all the people, we’re going to try to see as much as we can," they shared, highlighting the collective eagerness to experience Paris during the holiday rush.
According to the Paris Tourist Office, the momentum from the Summer Olympics is also contributing to the city's tourism growth. Foreign passenger numbers at major airports surged by 15% just one month later, reaching approximately 1.3 million travelers. Hotel bookings for the Christmas weeks approached 70%, nine percentage points higher than the same period last year, confirming the rising allure of Paris as travel restrictions ease.
Frank Delvau, president of the UMIH hotel and restaurant union for the Paris region, remarked on the "Olympic effect" driving this renewed interest. "They tell themselves it's time to go to Paris," he stated, highlighting how the past summer’s events have sparked both nostalgia and excitement among potential tourists.
The calendar for 2025 is also packed with high-profile concerts and events, with major acts set to perform at notable venues across the city, including the Stade de France and Accor Arena. DJ Snake, Tokio Hotel, and Linkin Park are just some of the performers already generating buzz, with many shows quickly selling out. Fans of all genres have much to look forward to, from rock to pop and K-pop, creating vibrant atmospheres across multiple arenas.
For example, on February 5, 2025, Papa Roach is set to electrify audiences at the Zénith de La Villette, followed by concerts from heavyweights like Pantera and James Blunt later in the month. The diversity of acts promises to cater to various musical tastes and facilitates lively cultural exchanges among attendees from diverse backgrounds.
The energy showcased during the Olympic Games and the resurgence of cultural events seem to be breathing life back not just to the venues but to the entire city. Establishments catering to tourists have benefited immensely as well, with fine dining and high-end hotels experiencing increased occupancy thanks to well-heeled international customers eager to indulge.
With Paris firmly positioned as one of the top global destinations for concerts and festivities, the coming months promise to showcase the city's unwavering spirit. Tourists are returning to the streets, now filled with expectations and excitement, all the more evident during the festive season.
Those seeking to experience the highlights of post-Olympic Paris can immerse themselves not just with cultural excursions but also by strolling through the historic districts where traditions blend harmoniously with modern vibrancy.
Indeed, it seems Paris remains undeterred, inviting visitors to partake in its timeless allure. From the artistic expressions displayed at concerts to the architectural marvels of its restored landmarks, the city's cultural fabric continues to be woven with threads of history and modernity alike.