The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is finally looking pristine again five years after a devastating fire. French President Emanuel Macron has taken a look inside before the building reopens to the public.

The roof and spire sustained major damage in a massive blaze in 2019. But the arched ceiling is now looking like new. The walls and pillars are a cream color after being cleaned of soot and grime.

Workers disassembled and cleaned each of the 8,000 pipes from a giant organ. They also polished the stained-glass windows.

The restoration involved about 1,300 people. Macron said on Friday that the fire was a "national wound", and praised the workers for realizing the impossible.

An opening ceremony is planned for December 7, and the cathedral is scheduled to open to the public the next day.

An architect who took part in the restoration of the roof said Notre-Dame may look different, but she hopes people will be pleasantly surprised.