In April 2019, the world watched in horror as the Notre Dame Cathedral burned. 850 years of history in flames.
President Macron promised a renovation within five years. Today, nearly a year and a half later, we’re finally starting to see the progress. Much of the parvis out the front has reopened, and so has the crypt.
But what next?
Well, to see the broader picture it can help to take a big step back. And that’s exactly what author Agnes Poirier has done with her new book Notre Dame: The Soul of France.
We met at the Saint Regis Cafe on the Ile de la Cité to discuss her book, the cathedral, and why she likes being a tourist in her own city.
After Agnes, you’ll hear the voice of Ariel Weil, the Mayor of Paris Centre, who doubts the president’s five-year plan will come to fruition.
“It won’t be reconstructed in five years, that’s for sure. There’s no way,” he said.
You can listen to the full episode below – and be sure to subscribe for more like this every week. (You can also find the episode anywhere you find podcasts!)
Meanwhile, if you’re interested to know more about the Notre Dame, you should absolutely check out the wonderful book by Agnes. More info on it here.
This book is the Earful Tower Book Club choice for August 2020, so get reading now and join the Facebook group to discuss it with me and 1,300 others.
Want even more about Notre Dame? Well perhaps you’d like this video I made from inside the cathedral just months before the fire. No tourists, no waiting time, and some incredible background music from the practicing choir.
Or perhaps watch this longer video where I explored the perimeter with an expert tour guide, also soon before the blaze.
Meanwhile, here’s a full episode with the Mayor of the Marais about the Notre Dame fire, which was recorded in November 2019.
Still want more?! Here’s a sobering chat with Philippe Hertzberg about the night the cathedral burned down. He was right there when it all happened.
OK, that’s enough Notre Dame for now.
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