The whole of France and people all over the word are grieving, following the fire that burnt down Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. As I was reading the reports of the fire on Tuesday morning, tears started to well up in my eyes. I was so fortunate to have been able to visit the cathedral on July 14, 2015, and to have been on the gallery linking the two towers during the fly past that celebrated the national holiday. The internet is awash with pictures and videos of the fire and its aftermath, and there are many speculations as to how and why the fire started – I hope you won’t mind that I will not repeat any of that here.
One thing seems to be certain – Notre Dame will rise again! In the process, some long forgotten skills will be learnt anew, and discoveries will be made about the building and the structure of the cathedral. If it feels like doom and gloom now, think of the many churches and cathedrals that lay in ruins at the end of WWII. Most of them rose from the ashes and are as beautiful today as they were before the war.
I have every hope that in years to come, Notre Dame de Paris will be once more the pride and joy of Paris and France!
I leave you with a picture from happier days, taken from one of the towers during my 2015 visit.
midihideaways 
My love affair with France began when I visited Paris at the age of 17. I couldn’t watch the live fire blazing. It was too upsetting but I was very moved by the sight of Parisians singing hymns etc. I’m sure you are right and it will be rebuilt.
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What a great memory from Bastille day! Must have had a brilliant view.
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Yes, the views were absolutely fantastic!
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I think it is amazing that so many people donated to the reconstruction fund. Of course there are always those who are never happy with anything, but for me this international response means hope for humanity.
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