Five years ago, hundreds of Paris residents gathered in shock as Notre-Dame Cathedral burned before their eyes. The sight of the medieval landmark engulfed in flames left an enduring imprint on the city’s memory.
For Josy Touchard, a Parisian born and raised, the collapse of the spire brought tears and emotions, reminiscent of cherished childhood memories. Albert Cohen, a radiologist, expressed his astonishment at the scene, transcending religious boundaries. Laurence Alsina, a Seine bank bookseller, recalls the overwhelming terror as smoke billowed from the iconic structure.
Despite uncertainty during the blaze, global support poured in, with France’s billionaires pledging millions toward the cathedral’s reconstruction.
