Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris went up in flames on Monday in scenes which left those all over the world in a shocked state of sadness. The Gothic spire of the iconic religious building, constructed in 1160, was captured crumbling two hours after the blaze began, at 9pm, while the beautiful stained glass panes of its iconic window formation were smashed with the impact of the flames. Firefighters spent the entirety of the evening dampening the blaze while French President Emmanuel Macron vowed it would be rebuilt. Just hours after the incident, Britons have flocked to show their support for the French capital and the re-build mission.
They have vowed to pay their respects to the famous cathedral, which attracts 12million visitors each year, by looking to pay a visit to the monument in person.
A spokesperson for travel site dealschecker told Express.co.uk exclusively: “The travel experts at dealchecker have seen a spike in searches to Paris since the heartbreaking fire at Notre Dame.
“The trusted price comparison platform has seen flight searches to Paris increase over 100 percent in the last 24 hours.”
It could well be a similar boost is shown in Eurostar passenger figures, which operate a route from London to Paris.
Yet it appears it would be too early for the train statistics to show this.
The Queen, 92, wrote: “Prince Philip and I have been deeply saddened to see the images of the fire which has engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral.
“I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.”
Prince Charles and Camilla issued an emotional statement, adding: “My wife and I were utterly heartbroken to learn of the terrible fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral this evening and wanted to let you know immediately how much we are thinking of yourself and the French people at this most agonising of times, and of the emergency services who are so bravely tackling the blaze.
“I realise only too well what a truly special significance the Cathedral holds at the heart of your nation; but also for us all outside France it represents one of the greatest architectural achievements of Western Civilisation.
“It is a treasure for all mankind and, as such, to witness its destruction in this most dreadful conflagration is a shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share.”
