Notre-Dame, the top luxury and wine companies join to rebuild the Cathedral, symbol of Paris

Notre-Dame, the cathedral, symbol of Paris and the highest expression of Gothic Art, is still standing, almost miraculously saved, when a fire broke out yesterday afternoon, destroying the spire, the roof and part of the central nave, causing immense damage to the entire building. The images of the cathedral on fire were shown around the world while heartfelt messages of sorrow and solidarity from wold leaders were sent. And the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron's first words were of hope (“We will rebuild it, all together; that is what the French people expect, that is what our history deserves”) confident that the Cathedral of Notre Dame will be rebuilt as quickly as possible, also with the help of private firms. The first concrete sign of solidarity came within just a few hours as 300 million euros were donated by two giants of French luxury and wine: Bernard Arnault, at the helm of the giant LVMH, owner of iconic brands of Champagne, such as Dom Perignon, Ruinart, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug e Mercier, and from Bordeaux Chateau d'Yquem and Chatueaux Cheval Blanc, and Francois-Henri Pinault, at the head of the Kering Group, who owns fashion brands such as Gucci and Saint Laurent as well as wine companies such as Chateau Latour in Bordeaux and Clos de Tart in Burgundy. These are the first, decisive signs of solidarity from (also) the wine world, which is the production and cultural pillar of France and that will, as one can easily imagine, give its aid entirely to rebuild one of the symbols of its Capital known the world over.