Many of those looking on as flames are crying, singing. France is not terribly religious, but this goes beyond that.
Last year, the Catholic Church in France successfully appealed for funds to save the 850-year-old Gothic building, which was crumbling. Notre Dame was undergoing a $6.8 million renovation when the devastating fire broke out
Churches around France are ringing their bells in solidarity with Notre-Dame.
Historian Camille Pascal told French broadcaster BFMTV the fire was destroying "invaluable heritage."
"For 800 years the Cathedral has watched over Paris", he said.
"Happy and unfortunate events for centuries have been marked by the bells of Notre Dame.
"We can be only horrified by what we see".