One of world's most sacred landmarks expected to welcome record crowds this year

The cathedral is projected to receive over 12 million visitors by the end of this year - with some predictions as high as an unprecedented 15 million visitors. 

The Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, a nonprofit founded in 2017, has led international fundraising efforts to rebuild and restore the cathedral. Michel Picaud, president of the group, told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview the cathedral reached 8 million visitors for the year by August.

"We expect to have 12 million visitors this year. So it's typically a very high level of visits, and we are very happy [about] that."

"In the interior of the cathedral, we had to replace what had been destroyed in the fire," said Picaud. 

He said the next phase of the restoration will last four years, and will address the exterior.

New stained-glass windows will also be installed, he said. 

The tower reaches 226 feet tall, with a spire reaching 315 feet high, according to Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Picaud said it offers a "wonderful view of Paris."