The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang for the first time since the devastating fire of 2019, marking a significant milestone in the restoration process.

The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set to reopen in December 2023 after extensive restoration work that involved 250 companies and hundreds of experts, at a cost of hundreds of millions of euros.

On Friday, just before 10:30 am, each of the eight bells was tested, culminating in a harmonious chime.

Philippe Jost, the leader of the restoration team, described the event as a beautiful and important step.

The 2019 blaze, which captured global attention, destroyed part of the northern belfry, necessitating the removal and meticulous restoration of the bells, including the largest, 'Gabriel,' weighing over four tonnes.

President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to restore the cathedral to its former glory within five years.

The upcoming reopening celebrations are scheduled for December 7 and 8, 2023.