Rouen’s famous cathedral has caught fire, according to Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, who announced the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He stated that flames have engulfed the spire of the building, which dates back to the eleventh century. This monument is well-known for being a favorite subject of the celebrated French Impressionist Claude Monet, who painted it multiple times.
The mayor indicated that the cause of the fire remains unknown, and firefighters have been dispatched to the scene. Videos shared on social media display flames erupting near the top of the structure. According to French media outlets, restoration work has been ongoing at the cathedral since 2015.
Social media users report that firefighters have reached the scene and are actively engaged in battling the blaze.
The Gothic Notre-Dame de Rouen boasts the tallest church spire in France, reaching over 150 meters above ground level.
Local officials have confirmed the evacuation of the cathedral and the establishment of a security cordon around the building. The extent of damage sustained by the structure is presently unclear.
Images from the scene evoke memories of another devastating fire that occurred at the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris in 2019. That fire, which also broke out during renovations, resulted in the destruction of Notre Dame’s iconic spire. While arson was initially considered a possibility, investigators later concluded that no criminal activity was involved. The cathedral’s renovation is ongoing. Philippe Jost, head of the reconstruction project, previously promised that the spire would be reinstated by this summer’s Paris Olympics, scheduled to begin later this month. However, Paris authorities have announced that work will continue, and the cathedral will remain closed to the public until at least December.