Notre-Dame and the Liberation of Paris

On 24 August 1944, at around 9pm...

The radio had just announced that General Leclerc's division had entered Paris. At the same time, the General Staff of the Paris Prefecture of Police was asked by the bishopric to go to Notre-Dame. At that very moment, the squadron of 8 police officers had no idea that they were about to activate the levers on France's most famous bell. With its deep tone, the Emmanuel bourdon rang out, joining the jingling of the many bells in the churches and chapels of Paris.

This joyful ensemble celebrated the beginnings of the Liberation of Paris.

Two days later, on 26 August, Notre-Dame Cathedral was once again the centre of attention.

General de Gaulle, back in the capital, began his triumphal tour of Paris. Popular jubilation carried him to the cathedral where a celebration was planned.

"The ceremony that was to take place there was not a Te Deum, contrary to what has often been written, but a Magnificat.   [...] This Magnificat is an important stage in the legitimisation of General de Gaulle's power. He was the first politician to include Notre-Dame in a republican itinerary" (extract from Notre-Dame des Siècles, Mathieu Lours, published by Le Cerf).

The ceremony had to be cut short. It will last no more than a quarter of an hour.

But do you know why?

As soon as General De Gaulle arrives on the square in front of Notre-Dame, gunfire breaks out. Bullets ricocheted off the façade of the cathedral. The rare recordings testify to the agitation and panic that gripped the crowd. Women, men and children retreated into the cathedral or tried to find refuge in the adjacent streets.

The General remained impassive and entered the church building accompanied by General Leclerc. But shots were also heard inside.

"The Magnificat rang out. Was there ever a more ardent Magnificat sung? But the shooting continued. Several soldiers, posted in the upper galleries, keep up the shooting. No bullet whistles in my ears. But the bullets, aimed at the vault, tear off splinters, ricochet and fall back. Several people were hit. The police officers, whom the Prefect of Police sent up to the highest parts of the building, found a few armed men there, who said that they had fired at indistinct enemies. Although the attitude of the clergy, the officials and those present never ceased to be exemplary, I will shorten the ceremony" (Charles de Gaulle, Mémoire de Guerre, T. 2 l'unité, 1922-1944, Plon 1956).

Attacks, German resistance, accidental shootings, retaliation? To this day, the mystery remains unsolved. This does not prevent the date of 26 August 1944 from becoming part of the history of Notre-Dame. It celebrates France returning home.

To this end, a plaque was placed in the cathedral choir in 2002.