<p>Three people died and another was seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a building in central Paris in the early hours of Saturday, fire services said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the victims died after jumping out of the window of the six-storey block of flats situated in the 11th district, which also housed a restaurant and a hammam, a spokesman for the fire services said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blaze was reported at around 5:00 am (0300 GMT) and it took nearly four hours for 200 firefighters to bring it under control, according to fire captain Florian Lointier.</p>

<p>By 08:45 am, the fire still wasn't fully extinguished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 27 people were treated for smoke inhalation, the rescue services said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Three people died and another was seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a building in central Paris in the early hours of Saturday, fire services said. One of the victims died after jumping out of the window of the six-storey block of flats situated in the 11th district, which also housed a restaurant and a hammam, a spokesman for the fire services said.

Three people died and another was seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a building in central Paris in the early hours of Saturday, fire services said. One of the victims died after jumping out of the window of the six-storey block of flats situated in the 11th district, which also housed a restaurant and a hammam, a spokesman for the fire services said. The blaze was reported at around 5:00 am (0300 GMT) and it took nearly four hours for 200 firefighters to bring it under control, according to fire captain Florian Lointier. By 08:45 am, the fire still wasn't fully extinguished. A total of 27 people were treated for smoke inhalation, the rescue services said.

Three dead in central Paris fire: Rescue services

Paris Air Show: State-Of-The-Art Aircraft On Display The 53rd International Paris air show began on Monday. Le Bourget Airport witnessed some fine aeronautic action. This air show is a main battleground for Boeing & Airbus. Major aircraft sales contracts are signed during the show. Here's a report on the highlights from the 53rd International Paris Air Show

Gravitas: 53rd international Paris air show

The 53rd International Paris Air Show kicked off on Monday, bringing together the world's largest aeronautic groups to showcase the cutting-edge technology of today and the future of the air and space industry.

Paris Air Show 2019 displays cutting-edge technology, aircraft

How cities around the globe fight rising rents

A small congregation wearing hard hats attended mass at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday (June 15), the first service to be held since fire devastated the Gothic landmark two months ago.

Worshippers in hard hats attend Notre-Dame's first mass since fire

<p>A small congregation wearing hard hats will attend mass at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-fire-under-control-partially-extinguished-210772">Notre-Dame Cathedral</a> in&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;on Saturday, the first service to be held since a fire devastated the Gothic landmark two months ago.</p>

<p>Church leaders are keen to show life goes on at the cathedral as donations to help rebuild it trickle in. Less than 10% of the 850 million euros pledged by billionaires, business leaders and others have been received so far, the French government said.</p>

<p>Saturday's mass, which commemorates the cathedral's consecration as a place of worship, is due to be held at 1600 GMT in a side-chapel, with attendance limited to about 30 people who will wear the protective headgear for safety reasons.</p>

<p>"It is a nice symbol. A very small group of people will attend and one can understand why as there are still major safety issues," Culture Minister Franck Riester told Europe 1 radio.</p>

<p>He told France 2 television on Friday the cathedral was still "in a fragile state, namely the vault, which has not yet been secured. It can still collapse".</p>

<p>The April 15 blaze caused the roof and spire of the architectural masterpiece to collapse, triggering a worldwide outpouring of sadness as well as the multi-million-euro pledges for reconstruction work.</p>

<p>Among the high-profile people who promised to donate to the rebuilding effort were luxury goods tycoons Bernard Arnault and François-Henri Pinault.</p>

<p>"There could be people who promised to donate then, in the end, did not," Riester said, without giving further details. "But more importantly, and this is normal, the donations will be paid as restoration work progresses."</p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has set a target of five years for restoring the cathedral, though Riester was more cautious.</p>

<p>"The president was right to give a target, an ambition. But obviously, what matters, in the end, is the quality of the work," he said. "So it does not mean that work will be totally finished in exactly five years."</p>

<p>The archbishop of&nbsp;Paris, Michel Aupetit will lead Saturday's service, which will be broadcast live on a religious TV channel.</p>


A small congregation wearing hard hats will attend mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday, the first service to be held since a fire devastated the Gothic landmark two months ago.

A small congregation wearing hard hats will attend mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday, the first service to be held since a fire devastated the Gothic landmark two months ago. Church leaders are keen to show life goes on at the cathedral as donations to help rebuild it trickle in. Less than 10% of the 850 million euros pledged by billionaires, business leaders and others have been received so far, the French government said. Saturday's mass, which commemorates the cathedral's consecration as a place of worship, is due to be held at 1600 GMT in a side-chapel, with attendance limited to about 30 people who will wear the protective headgear for safety reasons. "It is a nice symbol. A very small group of people will attend and one can understand why as there are still major safety issues," Culture Minister Franck Riester told Europe 1 radio. He told France 2 television on Friday the cathedral was still "in a fragile state, namely the vault, which has not yet been secured. It can still collapse". The April 15 blaze caused the roof and spire of the architectural masterpiece to collapse, triggering a worldwide outpouring of sadness as well as the multi-million-euro pledges for reconstruction work. Among the high-profile people who promised to donate to the rebuilding effort were luxury goods tycoons Bernard Arnault and François-Henri Pinault. "There could be people who promised to donate then, in the end, did not," Riester said, without giving further details. "But more importantly, and this is normal, the donations will be paid as restoration work progresses." French President Emmanuel Macron has set a target of five years for restoring the cathedral, though Riester was more cautious. "The president was right to give a target, an ambition. But obviously, what matters, in the end, is the quality of the work," he said. "So it does not mean that work will be totally finished in exactly five years." The archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit will lead Saturday's service, which will be broadcast live on a religious TV channel.

Notre-Dame to hold its first mass after two months since fire

French emergency room workers held a protest in Paris on Tuesday (June 11) in front of the Health Ministry to denounce the deterioration of their working conditions and call on the government to take measures to remedy the situation such as increasing salaries and the number of employees.

French emergency room workers protest over lack of resources

Animal rights activists splattered buckets of red liquid on a Paris monument on Saturday to demand the closure of slaughterhouses in the country. Watch full video to know more.

Hundreds march in Paris to call for closure of slaughterhouses

Animal rights activists splattered buckets of red liquid on a Paris monument on Saturday (June 8) to demand the closure of slaughterhouses in the country. The protesters doused the notable monument at the French capital's Place de la Republique square with red fluid which meant to symbolize the blood of animals killed to produce meat.

'Freedom can't wait': Hundreds march in Paris to call for closure of slaughterhouses

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (June 7), that he hoped a final ratification of the Canada-European Union Free Trade Agreement (CETA) can be adopted by French lawmakers in the coming weeks.

Macron wants to ratify EU-Canada trade agreement in coming weeks

<p>Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, wants to lower the speed limit of the capital's ring road from 70 to 50 kilometres/hour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At its creation in 1973, the periphery was intended to facilitate travel in the capital. Today, this eternally bottled urban highway is especially the daily nightmare for the 1.1 million drivers who use it every day, as well as for the 100,000 residents living along 35 kilometres of asphalt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the PS mayor of the capital, Anne Hidalgo, should take up a large part of the conclusions of the information and evaluation mission (IPM) launched in the autumn and involving elected representatives from all political groups of the Paris Council.</p>

<p>This mission proposes in particular by 2020/2030 to lower the speed of 70 to 50 kilometres/hour and reduce the number of lanes to twice three lanes (against 4 to 5 in some places now), one of which will be reserved "clean" vehicles (carpooling, electric cars, hybrids, public transport, etc).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also advocates the prohibition of the ring road to heavy goods in transit, the establishment of noise barriers or the filtering of the air in tunnels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recommendations are to be discussed at the next Paris Council on 11 June. Anne Hidalgo hailed from the end of April an approach that "will concretely improve the living environment of the many inhabitants who live near this road".</p>

<p>On the environmental front, the situation is alarming: Paris is one of the most polluted cities in Europe, and its air quality is lower than that of Rome, according to a Greenpeace report published in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beyond pollution "atmospheric, sound and visual", the device is also, according to the MIE, "a cultural break", separating the capital from its suburbs.&nbsp;</p>


Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, wants to lower the speed limit of the capital's ring road from 70 to 50 kilometres/hour. At its creation in 1973, the periphery was intended to facilitate travel in the capital.

Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, wants to lower the speed limit of the capital's ring road from 70 to 50 kilometres/hour. At its creation in 1973, the periphery was intended to facilitate travel in the capital. Today, this eternally bottled urban highway is especially the daily nightmare for the 1.1 million drivers who use it every day, as well as for the 100,000 residents living along 35 kilometres of asphalt. On Tuesday, the PS mayor of the capital, Anne Hidalgo, should take up a large part of the conclusions of the information and evaluation mission (IPM) launched in the autumn and involving elected representatives from all political groups of the Paris Council. This mission proposes in particular by 2020/2030 to lower the speed of 70 to 50 kilometres/hour and reduce the number of lanes to twice three lanes (against 4 to 5 in some places now), one of which will be reserved "clean" vehicles (carpooling, electric cars, hybrids, public transport, etc). It also advocates the prohibition of the ring road to heavy goods in transit, the establishment of noise barriers or the filtering of the air in tunnels. The recommendations are to be discussed at the next Paris Council on 11 June. Anne Hidalgo hailed from the end of April an approach that "will concretely improve the living environment of the many inhabitants who live near this road". On the environmental front, the situation is alarming: Paris is one of the most polluted cities in Europe, and its air quality is lower than that of Rome, according to a Greenpeace report published in 2018. Beyond pollution "atmospheric, sound and visual", the device is also, according to the MIE, "a cultural break", separating the capital from its suburbs.

Paris mayor wants to lower speed limit on city's ring road from 70 to 50 kilometres/hour

Can you sue a government for climate change? The French govt is facing a lawsuit for air pollution in Paris. This report from Gravitas tells you where India stands on combating pollution.

Gravitas: Mother & daughter sue France for failing to protect them against air pollution

Volunteers jumped off a platform hanging from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday for a thrilling ride down an 800 metre zipline. All of the volunteers wore a pair of goggles, so they were able to admire the Paris skyline as they sped down the zipline at over 90 kilometres per hour.

Thrill-seekers take zipline ride off Eiffel Tower at over 90 kilometres per hour

Barbadian singer Rihanna unveiled her new fashion brand with Louis Vuitton owner LVMH on Wednesday (may 22), a rare move by the French group to set up a label from scratch as it taps into soaring demand for celebrity collaborations in the luxury world.

Rihanna launches new fashion brand in Paris with LVMH

<p>American singer Taylor Swift and her British actor boyfriend Joe&nbsp;Alwyn were seen spending some quality time together in Paris, France.</p>

<p>According to E-News, the duo caught the attention of several onlookers at a local cafe, strolling around the streets of the city and admiring the architecture on Friday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an eyewitness, the pair kept things very low-key (and romantic!) during their outing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, they were seen sporting baseball caps and dark sunnies to look more incognito, the source pointed out.</p>

<p>"Taylor has been working in Europe the last few days and she and Joe arrived in Paris late Thursday," a source told E! News.</p>

<p>"They will be spending the weekend in the City of Love where she`s appearing on The Voice."</p>

<p>The insider continued, "On Friday morning they had a leisurely breakfast at Cafe de Flore. They sat inside and sipped on coffees. They seemed very comfortable together, just talking and people watching."</p>

<p>After coffee, the two "walked around the streets of Beaubourg, holding hands and stopped to have some water," according to the insider.</p>

<p>During their outing, the insider said they looked "excited to be in Paris and were taking in the sites and architecture."</p>

<p>''They enjoyed a nice walk on a crowded street where they could mix-in with the locals and not be bothered," the source shared.</p>

<p>"They were then picked up by a car and taken back to their hotel."</p>

<p>Apart from appearing on `The Voice` and hanging with her 28-year-old boo thang, Swift was a guest on Friday`s episode of `The Graham Norton Show`.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 29-year-old star performed on the talk show and joined in on the fun with Sophie Turner, Jessica Chastain, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy.</p>

<p>"Feeling pretty lucky that I got to be a guest on the same night as Sophie Turner, Michael Fassbender, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy - They were all so sweet, now I want to just walk around yelling GO SEE DARK PHOENIX," the 29-year-old star captioned her Instagram post.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2DcP1D59e/" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2DcP1D59e/" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2DcP1D59e/" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2DcP1D59e/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thank you @thegrahamnortonshow for having me and the band!! It airs tonight. Feeling pretty lucky that I got to be a guest on the same night as @sophiet, Michael Fassbender, @Jessicachastain and @Jamesmcavoyrealdeal- They were all so sweet, now I want to just walk around yelling GO SEE DARK PHOENIX. 📸: So Television / BBC</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Taylor Swift</a> (@taylorswift) on <time datetime="2019-05-24T12:03:37+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 24, 2019 at 5:03am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The couple first went public with their relationship back in May 2017. Since then, they kept their romance private, only showing PDA and stepping out together in rare moments.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


American singer Taylor Swift and her British actor boyfriend Joe Alwyn were seen spending some quality time together in Paris, France. According to E-News, the duo caught the attention of several onlookers at a local cafe, strolling around the streets of the city and admiring the architecture on Friday morning.

American singer Taylor Swift and her British actor boyfriend Joe Alwyn were seen spending some quality time together in Paris, France. According to E-News, the duo caught the attention of several onlookers at a local cafe, strolling around the streets of the city and admiring the architecture on Friday morning. According to an eyewitness, the pair kept things very low-key (and romantic!) during their outing. In fact, they were seen sporting baseball caps and dark sunnies to look more incognito, the source pointed out. "Taylor has been working in Europe the last few days and she and Joe arrived in Paris late Thursday," a source told E! News. "They will be spending the weekend in the City of Love where she`s appearing on The Voice." The insider continued, "On Friday morning they had a leisurely breakfast at Cafe de Flore. They sat inside and sipped on coffees. They seemed very comfortable together, just talking and people watching." After coffee, the two "walked around the streets of Beaubourg, holding hands and stopped to have some water," according to the insider. During their outing, the insider said they looked "excited to be in Paris and were taking in the sites and architecture." ''They enjoyed a nice walk on a crowded street where they could mix-in with the locals and not be bothered," the source shared. "They were then picked up by a car and taken back to their hotel." Apart from appearing on `The Voice` and hanging with her 28-year-old boo thang, Swift was a guest on Friday`s episode of `The Graham Norton Show`. The 29-year-old star performed on the talk show and joined in on the fun with Sophie Turner, Jessica Chastain, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy. "Feeling pretty lucky that I got to be a guest on the same night as Sophie Turner, Michael Fassbender, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy - They were all so sweet, now I want to just walk around yelling GO SEE DARK PHOENIX," the 29-year-old star captioned her Instagram post. View this post on Instagram Thank you @thegrahamnortonshow for having me and the band!! It airs tonight. Feeling pretty lucky that I got to be a guest on the same night as @sophiet, Michael Fassbender, @Jessicachastain and @Jamesmcavoyrealdeal- They were all so sweet, now I want to just walk around yelling GO SEE DARK PHOENIX. 📸: So Television / BBC A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on May 24, 2019 at 5:03am PDT × The couple first went public with their relationship back in May 2017. Since then, they kept their romance private, only showing PDA and stepping out together in rare moments.

Taylor Swift spends romantic time with boyfriend Joe Alwyn in Paris

The Eiffel Tower was evacuated and surrounding streets locked down on Monday (May 20) after a man was spotted scaling the upper heights of the monument in the heart of the French capital.

Unidentified man climbs the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Paris' Iron Lady Completes 130 Years Laser light show displays Eiffel Tower in all its splendour as the iconic monument celebrates 130 years. Take a look.

Gravitas: Eiffel Tower celebrates its 130th Year

French President Emmanuel Macron and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern co-chaired a meeting in Paris that seeks to have world leaders and chiefs of tech companies sign the "Christchurch Call." Watch this video to know more.

U.S. declines to join the Christchurch Call

In response to the Christchurch attack, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Senegalese President Macky Sall arrived in Paris on Wednesday (May 15) to attend a meeting to discuss tackling terrorism and online extremism.

Leaders of Jordan and Senegal arrive in Paris to join plea against extremism

<p>French lawmakers on Friday approved a controversial law for restoring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-popularity-still-weak-after-notre-dame-fire-poll-212330">Notre-Dame</a> within five years after the famous Paris cathedral sustained major fire damage last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Renovating the 850-year-old Gothic cathedral, whose wooden roof was largely destroyed in the April 15 blaze, will be an unprecedented challenge for the government, which drafted a special bill for managing the huge project. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Images of the ancient cathedral going up in flames sparked shock and dismay across the globe as well as in France, where it is considered one of the nation's most beloved landmarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Days after the fire, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-special-forces-rescue-four-hostages-from-burkina-faso-217512">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> set a target for the restoration to be finished within five years, meaning it should be ready by the time Paris hosts the Olympics in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the legislation, aimed at speeding up the construction process, sparked controversy because it would involve removing some of the red tape protecting the ancient structure.</p>

<p>After thirteen hours of debate, the bill was adopted by 32 votes in favour, five against and 10 abstentions. It will now be forwarded to the Senate for further scrutiny scheduled for May 27.</p>

<p>As the session opened, Culture Minister Franck Riester told MPs that although five years was "an ambitious timeframe" for renovating Notre-Dame, which took 200 years to build, the project would "not be done in haste".</p>

<p>"Yes, we want to move quickly. Some have accused us of wanting to move too quickly but the outpouring of generosity was very fast so we can and must respond, which is what we are doing," he said.</p>

<p>So far, nearly one billion euros ($1.1 billion) has been donated or pledged for Notre-Dame, with Riester pledging that the funds will go "entirely and exclusively" to its restoration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts believe the total bill will come to between 600-700 million euros, with some raising questions over what will be done with any leftover money, suggesting it could be channelled to other crumbling churches and cathedrals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France's Observatory for Religious Heritage (OPR) says there are between 40,000 and 60,000 churches and chapels in France, 5,000 of which are in a state of dilapidation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;'Precise rules</strong>'&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law also outlines the creation of a public body to oversee and carry out the work within a rapid time frame, but more controversially grants the government power to override regulations on planning, environmental and heritage protection and public tenders.</p>

<p>But Riester said the provision would not be used to cut corners.</p>

<p>"There are very precise rules which apply to the restoration of heritage buildings and property which are formalised in the code on cultural heritage and which correspond to France's excellence in this field," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It goes without saying that these rules will be applied, I will guarantee it."</p>

<p>The law does not mention the architectural aspects of the project, with some MPs keen to push through legislation stating that the work will ensure the cathedral is rebuilt exactly as it was without any creative additions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notre-Dame has figured as a central character through the ups and downs of French history since construction began in the mid-12th century.</p>

<p>It was vandalised and plundered during the French Revolution in the 18th century but went on to feature as a central character in a Victor Hugo's 1831 novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" which is credited with helping save it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It survived the devastation of two global conflicts in the 20th century and famously rang its bells on August 24, 1944, the day of the Liberation of Paris from German occupation at the end of the World War II.</p>


French lawmakers on Friday approved a controversial law for restoring Notre-Dame within five years after the famous Paris cathedral sustained major fire damage last month.

French lawmakers on Friday approved a controversial law for restoring Notre-Dame within five years after the famous Paris cathedral sustained major fire damage last month. Renovating the 850-year-old Gothic cathedral, whose wooden roof was largely destroyed in the April 15 blaze, will be an unprecedented challenge for the government, which drafted a special bill for managing the huge project. Images of the ancient cathedral going up in flames sparked shock and dismay across the globe as well as in France, where it is considered one of the nation's most beloved landmarks. Days after the fire, French President Emmanuel Macron set a target for the restoration to be finished within five years, meaning it should be ready by the time Paris hosts the Olympics in 2024. But the legislation, aimed at speeding up the construction process, sparked controversy because it would involve removing some of the red tape protecting the ancient structure. After thirteen hours of debate, the bill was adopted by 32 votes in favour, five against and 10 abstentions. It will now be forwarded to the Senate for further scrutiny scheduled for May 27. As the session opened, Culture Minister Franck Riester told MPs that although five years was "an ambitious timeframe" for renovating Notre-Dame, which took 200 years to build, the project would "not be done in haste". "Yes, we want to move quickly. Some have accused us of wanting to move too quickly but the outpouring of generosity was very fast so we can and must respond, which is what we are doing," he said. So far, nearly one billion euros ($1.1 billion) has been donated or pledged for Notre-Dame, with Riester pledging that the funds will go "entirely and exclusively" to its restoration. Experts believe the total bill will come to between 600-700 million euros, with some raising questions over what will be done with any leftover money, suggesting it could be channelled to other crumbling churches and cathedrals. France's Observatory for Religious Heritage (OPR) says there are between 40,000 and 60,000 churches and chapels in France, 5,000 of which are in a state of dilapidation. 'Precise rules' The law also outlines the creation of a public body to oversee and carry out the work within a rapid time frame, but more controversially grants the government power to override regulations on planning, environmental and heritage protection and public tenders. But Riester said the provision would not be used to cut corners. "There are very precise rules which apply to the restoration of heritage buildings and property which are formalised in the code on cultural heritage and which correspond to France's excellence in this field," he said. "It goes without saying that these rules will be applied, I will guarantee it." The law does not mention the architectural aspects of the project, with some MPs keen to push through legislation stating that the work will ensure the cathedral is rebuilt exactly as it was without any creative additions. Notre-Dame has figured as a central character through the ups and downs of French history since construction began in the mid-12th century. It was vandalised and plundered during the French Revolution in the 18th century but went on to feature as a central character in a Victor Hugo's 1831 novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" which is credited with helping save it. It survived the devastation of two global conflicts in the 20th century and famously rang its bells on August 24, 1944, the day of the Liberation of Paris from German occupation at the end of the World War II.

French MPs approve law on speedy Notre-Dame restoration

<p>An Italian intelligence agency's employee has been found dead near his hotel in Paris, sources said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>His body was discovered was on Sunday night in the northern 18th district of Paris, not far from the hotel he had been staying in since May 3.</p>

<p>The investigators have ruled out any foul play, for now, The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an inquiry into the matter.</p>

<p>"We're talking about a classic search for the cause of death," a source close to the inquiry said.</p>

<p>The 50-year-old man has been identified as a "high-ranking civil servant in Italian intelligence," one source told AFP.</p>

<p>He was found in a pool of vomit, and had a gaping wound on his chin, possibly suffered during a fall, according to investigators.</p>


An Italian intelligence agency's employee has been found dead near his hotel in Paris, sources said on Tuesday. His body was discovered was on Sunday night in the northern 18th district of Paris, not far from the hotel he had been staying in since May 3.

An Italian intelligence agency's employee has been found dead near his hotel in Paris, sources said on Tuesday. His body was discovered was on Sunday night in the northern 18th district of Paris, not far from the hotel he had been staying in since May 3. The investigators have ruled out any foul play, for now, The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an inquiry into the matter. "We're talking about a classic search for the cause of death," a source close to the inquiry said. The 50-year-old man has been identified as a "high-ranking civil servant in Italian intelligence," one source told AFP. He was found in a pool of vomit, and had a gaping wound on his chin, possibly suffered during a fall, according to investigators.

Italian intelligence employee found dead in Paris

It was a year ago that Virginie Viard took her first bow alongside Karl Lagerfeld at the end of a Chanel show, underlining her role as the legendary designer's right-hand woman.

Virginie Viard presents first  collection as Artistic Director

Unions and "yellow vests" joined forces in the western French city of Nantes to mark May Day on Wednesday (May 1) where several thousand took to the streets.

WION Gravitas: "Yellow Vests" protests on May Day

<p>French police fired tear gas to push back masked demonstrators in central Paris on Wednesday as thousands of people used an annual <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-police-deployment-planned-for-paris-may-day-marches-214839">May Day rally </a>to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's policies.</p>

<p>Labour unions and so-called "yellow vest" protesters were on the streets across France just days after Macron outlined policy proposals including tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros ($5.58 billion).</p>

<p>A Reuters witness said riot police used tear gas to disperse a group of hooded and masked protesters that had converged at the front of the traditional <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-labour-day-or-may-day-15115/amp">May Day</a> union march.</p>

<p>Some protesters wearing hoods or yellow vests responded by throwing projectiles at the police. Television footage showed a van with its windows smashed.</p>

<p>French police had warned on Tuesday of possible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-celebrates-international-labour-day-traditional-rally-in-moscow-215017">May Day</a> clashes with far-left anarchist groups, known as Black Blocs, after calls on social media for radicals to hit the streets.</p>

<p>Authorities said they expected some 2,000 Black Bloc protesters from France and across Europe to turn up on the sidelines of the traditional May Day union rallies. Police had already arrested 88 people on Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>The "yellow vest" protests, named after motorists' high-visibility jackets, began in November over fuel tax increases but have evolved into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.</p>

<p>Many in the grassroots movement, which lacks a leadership structure, have said Macron's proposals do not go far enough and most of what he announced lacks details.</p>


French police fired tear gas to push back masked demonstrators in central Paris on Wednesday as thousands of people used an annual May Day rally to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's policies.

French police fired tear gas to push back masked demonstrators in central Paris on Wednesday as thousands of people used an annual May Day rally to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's policies. Labour unions and so-called "yellow vest" protesters were on the streets across France just days after Macron outlined policy proposals including tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros ($5.58 billion). A Reuters witness said riot police used tear gas to disperse a group of hooded and masked protesters that had converged at the front of the traditional May Day union march. Some protesters wearing hoods or yellow vests responded by throwing projectiles at the police. Television footage showed a van with its windows smashed. French police had warned on Tuesday of possible May Day clashes with far-left anarchist groups, known as Black Blocs, after calls on social media for radicals to hit the streets. Authorities said they expected some 2,000 Black Bloc protesters from France and across Europe to turn up on the sidelines of the traditional May Day union rallies. Police had already arrested 88 people on Wednesday morning. The "yellow vest" protests, named after motorists' high-visibility jackets, began in November over fuel tax increases but have evolved into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch. Many in the grassroots movement, which lacks a leadership structure, have said Macron's proposals do not go far enough and most of what he announced lacks details.

French police fire tear gas at protesters in Paris May Day rally

<p>French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on Tuesday said more than 7,400 police and security forces would be deployed in Paris for Wednesday's May Day marches in case of violence by protesters.</p>

<p>The government is bracing for a repeat of last year's May 1 violence, when the government was caught off guard by some 1,200 trouble-makers who ran amok in the capital, vandalising businesses and clashing with police.</p>

<p>Castaner said the authorities had found several groups on social media urging protesters to turn Paris into "the capital of rioting" on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"Based on the information we have, 1,000 to 2,000 radical activists, potentially reinforced by individuals coming from abroad, could try to spread lawlessness and violence," he told a press conference.</p>

<p>Nearly 200 motorcycle units will be deployed across the capital to respond quickly to flare-ups of violence, and drones will be used to track protesters' movements.</p>

<p>Castaner said police would also avail themselves of a new law allowing pre-emptive searches of anyone planning to march, saying a handful of individuals had already been detained Tuesday.</p>

<p>One man was found with a backpack containing "an extendable truncheon, a switchblade and protective gloves," Castaner said.</p>

<p>French security forces have already been on high alert for nearly six months over the weekly "yellow vest" demonstrations that have often spiralled into rioting and running battles with police.</p>

<p>Many of the violent protesters are anti-capitalist youths dressed in black and wearing face masks, often called "black blocs".</p>

<p>Adding to the risks, police worry that yellow vests may turn out for the traditional May Day march for workers' rights.</p>

<p>Though so far, union leaders have been eclipsed by the grass-roots movement, many of whose leaders have rejected calls to make common cause to secure improved living conditions and spending power.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on Tuesday said more than 7,400 police and security forces would be deployed in Paris for Wednesday's May Day marches in case of violence by protesters.

French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on Tuesday said more than 7,400 police and security forces would be deployed in Paris for Wednesday's May Day marches in case of violence by protesters. The government is bracing for a repeat of last year's May 1 violence, when the government was caught off guard by some 1,200 trouble-makers who ran amok in the capital, vandalising businesses and clashing with police. Castaner said the authorities had found several groups on social media urging protesters to turn Paris into "the capital of rioting" on Wednesday. "Based on the information we have, 1,000 to 2,000 radical activists, potentially reinforced by individuals coming from abroad, could try to spread lawlessness and violence," he told a press conference. Nearly 200 motorcycle units will be deployed across the capital to respond quickly to flare-ups of violence, and drones will be used to track protesters' movements. Castaner said police would also avail themselves of a new law allowing pre-emptive searches of anyone planning to march, saying a handful of individuals had already been detained Tuesday. One man was found with a backpack containing "an extendable truncheon, a switchblade and protective gloves," Castaner said. French security forces have already been on high alert for nearly six months over the weekly "yellow vest" demonstrations that have often spiralled into rioting and running battles with police. Many of the violent protesters are anti-capitalist youths dressed in black and wearing face masks, often called "black blocs". Adding to the risks, police worry that yellow vests may turn out for the traditional May Day march for workers' rights. Though so far, union leaders have been eclipsed by the grass-roots movement, many of whose leaders have rejected calls to make common cause to secure improved living conditions and spending power.

Massive police deployment planned for Paris May Day marches

Large or small, round or slender: models of all sizes march past the Eiffel Tower in Paris to promote a different image of the female body than that offered by haute couture or advertising.

Large, round, small, thin: 'All Sizes' catwalk show in Paris

Macron offers tax cut to French workers to quell anger and protests. Watch full video to know more.

French President Emmanuel Macron offers tax cuts to workers

<p>At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-popularity-still-weak-after-notre-dame-fire-poll-212330">Emmanuel Macron pledged</a> to cut taxes on Thursday&nbsp;and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority.</p>

<p>Speaking in a gilded hall at the Elysee Palace, seated behind a white desk with the French tricolour and European Union flags flanking him, Macron took reporters' questions for nearly two-and-a-half hours, part of an effort to redress the rocky relationship he has developed with the media.</p>

<p>He apologised - not for the first time - for his sometimes sharp tongue and cutting comments, which have earned him a reputation for arrogance and contributed to a deep slump in his popularity ratings, which are showing some signs of recovery.</p>

<p>Almost two years into his five-year term, and following a national listening tour, the prime-time event was also Macron's attempt to quell nearly six months of 'yellow vest' protests that have brought weekly unrest to the country.</p>

<p>A first slate of economic measures put forward last December, and worth some 10 billion euros ($11.13 billion), failed to calm anger among lower-income workers and prompted Macron's decision to hold a "great debate" with citizens.</p>

<p>The 41-year-old president, a former investment banker and economy minister, said he wanted a significant cut in income taxes, saying it would be worth around 5 billion euros, financed by closing loopholes for some companies.</p>

<p>Macron said pension reform would be presented to cabinet this summer and that future increases in the lowest pensions would be indexed to inflation, another effort to provide lower-income workers with some succour.</p>

<p>Macron said he wanted to abolish the Ecole Nationale d'Administration, the elite school that trains France's corporate and political leaders, saying new ways needed to be found of recruiting top-class civil servants.</p>

<p>He also talked of a new push to decentralise government, breaking away from the "dirigisme" of the past, with policy decided and directed from Paris. He said changes would come within a year, including no more schools or hospitals being closed without the backing of the local mayor.</p>

<p>Although the number of demonstrators has declined since a peak in November, protesters clashed with police for a 23rd straight week last Saturday and the sustained unrest has had a draining effect on business, tourism and the economy.</p>

<p>Thursday's policy proposals are the direct result of the three-month national debate, during which Macron toured the country, literally rolling up his sleeves to discuss everything from high taxes to local democracy with groups of citizens.</p>

<p>Despite the criticism levelled at him, and opinion poll ratings that show his support at around 30 per cent, Macron did not pull back from any policies on Thursday, saying his government would push on with his reform drive.</p>

<p>The 'yellow vest' street rebellion erupted over planned diesel tax hikes last November but quickly developed into a broader backlash against inequality and a political elite perceived as having lost touch with ordinary voters.</p>


At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority.

At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority. Speaking in a gilded hall at the Elysee Palace, seated behind a white desk with the French tricolour and European Union flags flanking him, Macron took reporters' questions for nearly two-and-a-half hours, part of an effort to redress the rocky relationship he has developed with the media. He apologised - not for the first time - for his sometimes sharp tongue and cutting comments, which have earned him a reputation for arrogance and contributed to a deep slump in his popularity ratings, which are showing some signs of recovery. Almost two years into his five-year term, and following a national listening tour, the prime-time event was also Macron's attempt to quell nearly six months of 'yellow vest' protests that have brought weekly unrest to the country. A first slate of economic measures put forward last December, and worth some 10 billion euros ($11.13 billion), failed to calm anger among lower-income workers and prompted Macron's decision to hold a "great debate" with citizens. The 41-year-old president, a former investment banker and economy minister, said he wanted a significant cut in income taxes, saying it would be worth around 5 billion euros, financed by closing loopholes for some companies. Macron said pension reform would be presented to cabinet this summer and that future increases in the lowest pensions would be indexed to inflation, another effort to provide lower-income workers with some succour. Macron said he wanted to abolish the Ecole Nationale d'Administration, the elite school that trains France's corporate and political leaders, saying new ways needed to be found of recruiting top-class civil servants. He also talked of a new push to decentralise government, breaking away from the "dirigisme" of the past, with policy decided and directed from Paris. He said changes would come within a year, including no more schools or hospitals being closed without the backing of the local mayor. Although the number of demonstrators has declined since a peak in November, protesters clashed with police for a 23rd straight week last Saturday and the sustained unrest has had a draining effect on business, tourism and the economy. Thursday's policy proposals are the direct result of the three-month national debate, during which Macron toured the country, literally rolling up his sleeves to discuss everything from high taxes to local democracy with groups of citizens. Despite the criticism levelled at him, and opinion poll ratings that show his support at around 30 per cent, Macron did not pull back from any policies on Thursday, saying his government would push on with his reform drive. The 'yellow vest' street rebellion erupted over planned diesel tax hikes last November but quickly developed into a broader backlash against inequality and a political elite perceived as having lost touch with ordinary voters.

French President Macron outlines response including tax cuts to months of 'yellow vest' protests

There was still no claim of responsibility for the attacks on three churches and four hotels, mostly in and around the capital Colombo. One of the explosions was at St. Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic church and a tourist landmark.

Nearly 300 killed in Sri Lanka bombings, candlelight vigil in Paris for victims

<p>Before the restoration of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-at-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris-210725">Notre-Dame de Paris</a> can begin, engineers may have to tap nearly every stone in the cathedral and listen for subtle sounds of damage, according to specialists who repaired one of the largest cathedrals in the world in New York after a devastating 2001 fire.</p>

<p>The rebuilding is unlikely to be quick, warned architects and engineers who spent over five years repairing the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine after its fire. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-hopes-to-rebuild-notre-dame-in-five-years-211025/amp">French President Emmanuel Macron</a>`s vow to restore the Paris landmark within five years after a fire consumed Notre-Dame`s roof and toppled its spire on Monday may prove unrealistic, they said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everything is done in `cathedral time,`" said James Patterson, director of facilities and capital projects at St. John`s on Manhattan`s Upper West Side near Columbia University. "Cathedral clocks move much slower than everybody else`s clocks."</p>

<p>Patterson, along with other specialists who worked on the St. John`s restoration, described the challenges and satisfactions that may lie ahead in Paris where $1 billion has been pledged to restore the 850-year-old landmark.</p>

<p>The fire at St. John`s destroyed much of the unfinished north transept of the 19th-century Gothic Revival structure, silenced its grand organ and left what remained blackened with thick, tarry deposits.</p>

<p>Patterson and others recalled the joy of discovering sculptors, stonemasons, stained-glass specialists and others around the world who can rival the artisans of earlier centuries in their decorative work. There were less obvious considerations to contend with, too, such as how to ensure the majesty of the nave`s acoustics were not dampened by repairs to the walls and ceiling.</p>

<p>"The organ masters are very sensitive to it," said Raymond Pepi, the lead building conservationist on the project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But before all that, the specialists had to inspect, repair and clean the fire-blasted stones.</p>

<p><strong>SOUNDING STONES&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As with Notre-Dame, much of St. John`s masonry is limestone. If rapidly heated by a fire and then rapidly cooled by water, limestone can crack, weakening the structure`s stability, and its surfaces can powder and flake.</p>

<p>To check which blocks needed to be patched up or replaced outright, Nat Oppenheimer, the structural engineer on the St. John project, and his colleagues "sounded" thousands of limestone blocks throughout the cathedral over a period of months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though more modern technology and techniques were used in aspects of the restoration, Oppenheimer said the old-fashioned approach of tapping stones with a small hammer or dragging a chain across them, listening for tell-tale sounds of hollowness, had not been supplanted.</p>

<p>"It`s like playing an instrument," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some cracks can be strengthened with plastic or steel pins. The St. John`s team also mixed up centuries-old mortar recipes to fill in damaged joints. Where a stone`s surface is flaking or "sugary," it can be mechanically tooled away, although that comes with drawbacks.</p>

<p>"If one stone is slightly recessed from another stone, that throws a shadow on the stone," said Pepi, the president of Building Conservation Associates, which helped oversee the St. John project. "It`s not aesthetically satisfying or pleasing."</p>

<p>Notre-Dame`s fire appears to have been mainly fueled by centuries-old oak timbers that made up its roof. That will have left deposits of wood fibres and resins clinging to stones throughout the cathedral, and trial and error may be needed to determine the best way to clean them, Pepi said.</p>

<p>At St. John`s, Pepi and his team conducted "literally hundreds" of tests, which took about a year.</p>

<p>"We tested chemical reagents, organic solvents, mineral abrasives," he said. "We tried trying to shoot crushed-up dry ice at the stone under high pressure."</p>

<p>In the end, they settled on spraying the tarry stones with liquid latex rubber. After the rubber dried, it could be peeled away, bringing the deposits with it, leaving clean stone behind.</p>

<p>With the restoration funded in part by an insurance settlement of $42 million, the full length of the cathedral was reopened to the public in 2008, Patterson said, although building work on what is sometimes nicknamed "St. John the Unfinished" continues to this day.</p>

<p>The renovation of Notre-Dame will also be an opportunity to consider modern upgrades.</p>

<p>Pepi also worked on the recent $175 million restoration of St. Patrick`s Cathedral, a landmark Neo-Gothic structure on Manhattan`s Fifth Avenue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As with Notre-Dame, St. Patrick`s roof has wooden scaffolding, and Pepi recalls the city`s Fire Department all but insisted that a modern fire-prevention system be installed.</p>

<p>"The Fire Department told us: `We`re not going up there if there`s a fire,`" Pepi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They settled on a modern misting system that would quell a fire in the rafters, but would minimize water damage that sprinklers might cause in plaster vaulting below.</p>


Before the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris can begin, engineers may have to tap nearly every stone in the cathedral and listen for subtle sounds of damage, according to specialists who repaired one of the largest cathedrals in the world in New York after a devastating 2001 fire.

Before the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris can begin, engineers may have to tap nearly every stone in the cathedral and listen for subtle sounds of damage, according to specialists who repaired one of the largest cathedrals in the world in New York after a devastating 2001 fire. The rebuilding is unlikely to be quick, warned architects and engineers who spent over five years repairing the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine after its fire. French President Emmanuel Macron`s vow to restore the Paris landmark within five years after a fire consumed Notre-Dame`s roof and toppled its spire on Monday may prove unrealistic, they said. "Everything is done in `cathedral time,`" said James Patterson, director of facilities and capital projects at St. John`s on Manhattan`s Upper West Side near Columbia University. "Cathedral clocks move much slower than everybody else`s clocks." Patterson, along with other specialists who worked on the St. John`s restoration, described the challenges and satisfactions that may lie ahead in Paris where $1 billion has been pledged to restore the 850-year-old landmark. The fire at St. John`s destroyed much of the unfinished north transept of the 19th-century Gothic Revival structure, silenced its grand organ and left what remained blackened with thick, tarry deposits. Patterson and others recalled the joy of discovering sculptors, stonemasons, stained-glass specialists and others around the world who can rival the artisans of earlier centuries in their decorative work. There were less obvious considerations to contend with, too, such as how to ensure the majesty of the nave`s acoustics were not dampened by repairs to the walls and ceiling. "The organ masters are very sensitive to it," said Raymond Pepi, the lead building conservationist on the project. But before all that, the specialists had to inspect, repair and clean the fire-blasted stones. SOUNDING STONES As with Notre-Dame, much of St. John`s masonry is limestone. If rapidly heated by a fire and then rapidly cooled by water, limestone can crack, weakening the structure`s stability, and its surfaces can powder and flake. To check which blocks needed to be patched up or replaced outright, Nat Oppenheimer, the structural engineer on the St. John project, and his colleagues "sounded" thousands of limestone blocks throughout the cathedral over a period of months. Though more modern technology and techniques were used in aspects of the restoration, Oppenheimer said the old-fashioned approach of tapping stones with a small hammer or dragging a chain across them, listening for tell-tale sounds of hollowness, had not been supplanted. "It`s like playing an instrument," he said. Some cracks can be strengthened with plastic or steel pins. The St. John`s team also mixed up centuries-old mortar recipes to fill in damaged joints. Where a stone`s surface is flaking or "sugary," it can be mechanically tooled away, although that comes with drawbacks. "If one stone is slightly recessed from another stone, that throws a shadow on the stone," said Pepi, the president of Building Conservation Associates, which helped oversee the St. John project. "It`s not aesthetically satisfying or pleasing." Notre-Dame`s fire appears to have been mainly fueled by centuries-old oak timbers that made up its roof. That will have left deposits of wood fibres and resins clinging to stones throughout the cathedral, and trial and error may be needed to determine the best way to clean them, Pepi said. At St. John`s, Pepi and his team conducted "literally hundreds" of tests, which took about a year. "We tested chemical reagents, organic solvents, mineral abrasives," he said. "We tried trying to shoot crushed-up dry ice at the stone under high pressure." In the end, they settled on spraying the tarry stones with liquid latex rubber. After the rubber dried, it could be peeled away, bringing the deposits with it, leaving clean stone behind. With the restoration funded in part by an insurance settlement of $42 million, the full length of the cathedral was reopened to the public in 2008, Patterson said, although building work on what is sometimes nicknamed "St. John the Unfinished" continues to this day. The renovation of Notre-Dame will also be an opportunity to consider modern upgrades. Pepi also worked on the recent $175 million restoration of St. Patrick`s Cathedral, a landmark Neo-Gothic structure on Manhattan`s Fifth Avenue. As with Notre-Dame, St. Patrick`s roof has wooden scaffolding, and Pepi recalls the city`s Fire Department all but insisted that a modern fire-prevention system be installed. "The Fire Department told us: `We`re not going up there if there`s a fire,`" Pepi said. They settled on a modern misting system that would quell a fire in the rafters, but would minimize water damage that sprinklers might cause in plaster vaulting below.

For Notre-Dame, lessons from a fire-damaged New York cathedral

paris

Paris, News on Paris, stories on Paris, articles on Paris, Paris stories at Wion, Paris news, Paris latest news