Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and their three children, visited the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on February 12, 2025. The visit took place during Vance’s first official overseas trip, which included attending an international summit on Artificial Intelligence. Despite the diplomatic nature of the trip, the vice president made time for a personal excursion with his family, reflecting his commitment to balancing work and home life.
During the cathedral tour, Vance carried his three-year-old daughter, Mirabel, while his five-year-old son, Vivek, stole the spotlight with his enthusiastic curiosity. Young Vivek peppered his father with questions about the cathedral’s towering structure, its history, and the ongoing restoration efforts following the 2019 fire. Their seven-year-old son, Ewan, walked alongside Second Lady Usha Vance, taking in the grandeur of one of France’s most historic landmarks.
The visit to Notre Dame comes as the cathedral nears the final stages of its restoration, with plans to reopen fully by December 2024. The iconic church, which suffered devastating damage from a fire nearly six years ago, has undergone extensive reconstruction to preserve its medieval architecture while integrating modern fire safety measures. Vance, who has expressed admiration for European history and culture, noted the importance of preserving historical landmarks and their significance in Western civilization.
Observers noted the warm family dynamic during the tour, particularly Vivek’s energetic engagement with his father. His playful nature and animated questions drew smiles from those nearby, including members of the vice president’s security detail. The lighthearted moment provided a contrast to the serious diplomatic engagements that characterized much of Vance’s European trip.
Following the visit, Vance and his family continued their itinerary, which included discussions with French officials on U.S.-Europe cooperation in artificial intelligence and economic development. While the trip was primarily focused on policy matters, the stop at Notre Dame offered a personal glimpse into the vice president’s life and values.
