Notre Dame

" la couverture en plomb donnait des signes de faiblesse. Toute la structure est en bois."
The lead covering was giving signs of weakness.
All the structure is of wood,

I have only been to Paris once, on a day trip about 20 years ago, and it is to my regret that we didn't have time to go and see Notre Dame.

I assume they will be able to renovate, as they did with York Minster, but the "feel" of those 850 years of history just won't be there.

What an absolute tragedy this is.

According to French newspaper Le Monde, the fire broke out in the attic of the historic monument before spreading to engulf a large section of the roof.

A spokesperson for the cathedral said the blaze was first reported at 5.50pm (GMT) and the building was evacuated soon after.

The cathedral is one the finest example of French Gothic architecture in Europe, and one of the most visited buildings in the world.

Notre Dame - which means 'Our Lady' - was build in 1160 and completed by 1260, and has been modified on a number of occasions throughout the century.

It is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris, and is vistied by some 12million people every year.

Donald Trump is an idiot of the first order and should be forced to run every comment he wishes to make past a responsible adult with sensible hair.

Bloody awful about Notre Dame, beautiful structure.

The beautiful windows are melting

Such a stunning building. ?

Nothing last forever. It’s heartbreaking.

It will revive in a new form, I feel sure, and that in itself is something to embrace in time to come. This fire will become a part of it’s history.

Just watching it burn is horrendous. I hope it can be contained as soon as possible but it been on fire now for over an hour so the damage must be extensive.

Absolutely devastating

So sad We went there a few years ago. It is beautiful.

And Donald Trump suggested using water cannon - like that wouldn't cause further problems.

Apparently the spire has now collapsed. Very sad.

"Le feu est "potentiellement lié" aux travaux de rénovation de l'édifice, selon les Pompiers de Paris."
The fire is potentially connected to the renovation works of the building, acc. to the Paris firefighters.

I was gardening when my H shouted me in to see the news..end of gardening...feel absolutely saddened..when I went to Notre dame a few years ago...it took my breath away...it's heartbreaking...

It seems that it might have been caused by some faults in renovations:
www.ladepeche.fr/2019/04/15/la-cathedrale-notre-dame-de-paris-ravagee-par-les-flammes,8132610.php

This is so, so sad

Heavens! the pictures look awful, hope to God it can be contained, what a tragedy.

Remember going in there years ago, and thinking what a beautiful building it was hope the fire services can control the blaze and it can be restored.
It was done for Windsor Castle

And we think we have problems in the UK. [sad}.

I am in tears , the history, those beautiful windows ,

The pictures are horrendous an awful lot of damage and still burning ?

Oh no I hope it can be saved!!!

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/04/15/notre-dame-cathedral-paris-fire-witnesses-describe-plumes-smoke/

Really? Must catch the news