Secrets From Centuries of Paris History Are Emerging From Archaeological Digs After the Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire
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Archaeological excavations near Notre-Dame Cathedral are revealing significant historical artifacts as part of a redevelopment project. The digs, which began in January 2026, are expected to last around eight months and have already uncovered items dating back to Roman times. This project aims to protect the city's historical remnants while enhancing the cathedral's surroundings with new trees and a visitor center.
- ▪Excavations near Notre-Dame Cathedral are uncovering artifacts from various historical periods.
- ▪The digs are part of a redevelopment plan that includes adding 160 new trees and transforming an underground parking lot into a visitor center.
- ▪Researchers have found hundreds of objects, including pottery shards, coins, and animal bones, dating back nearly 2,000 years.
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Secrets From Centuries of Paris History Are Emerging From Archaeological Digs After the Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire Ahead of planned redevelopment around the iconic Gothic landmark, researchers are digging into the city’s past, through medieval and Roman layers Sarah Kuta | Daily Correspondent June 3, 2026 10:13 a.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source Archaeologists are conducting excavations in the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Jean-Baptiste Gurliat / City of Paris Archaeologists are conducting excavations near Notre-Dame Cathedral, offering a rare glimpse into centuries of French history. The famed cathedral, located in the heart of Paris, reopened in late 2024 after suffering severe damage in a 2019 fire.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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