paris
Since a huge fire tore through Paris’ iconic Notre Dame, architects have been designing new ways to rebuild the Cathedral’s famous roof and spire. Submissions for the new design have featured illuminated crystal, golden flames, beams of light, a greenhouse and even a swimming pool. However, it looks unlikely that any of these designs will become a reality after the French senate stated that the roof of the 850-year-old landmark must be built exactly as before.
Several temperature records were broken across Europe as a heatwave moves across the continent. While people sought pools and beaches to cool off, authorities in Belgium issued their first ever "code red" alert. High pressure is drawing scorching air from the Sahara desert, leading to the soaring temperatures which have reached over 41 degrees in Paris, 37 in London and 39 in Brussels. According to climate experts, heatwaves are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions.
The square is currently named after opera singer Maria Callas.
A zipline from a balcony at Paris' Eiffel Tower has been installed to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the tower and celebrate the French Open. The 800-metre line begins from the balcony of the Eiffel Tower balcony and ends at the Ecole Militaire military complex.
A team of firefighters and a climbing specialist are at the scene.
The cathedral is still being stabilised.
Churches have long been centres of communities, places of help for the orphan and widow – but their communities are declining and so are their buildings
Former first lady Michelle Obama sent her thoughts to the people of Paris, urging them to unite in response to the Notre Dame fire. Obama was visiting the French capital to promote her new book.
Parisians and tourists stood in shock on 15 April 2019 as flames billowed out the iconic Notre Dame cathedral. Building on it started in 1163, meaning the cathedral has overlooked Paris for over 850 years, surviving kings, emperors, the French revolution, two World Wars and Nazi occupation. Twelve million tourists pass through its doors each year, coming to see the incredible French-Gothic architecture as well as holy relics and religious artwork. The fire destroyed the spire and two-thirds of the roof. French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to restore the Lady of Paris.
