The Notre Dame fire has highlighted the global affection for Paris, showing how people around the world rally behind the city in times of crisis.

As flames ravaged Paris’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the world looked on in shock, with many voicing their heartfelt support for a city that seems constantly tested by hardship.

Paris seems to captivate the world in a unique way, drawing in both dreamers who imagine strolling along the Seine or savoring a meal on the Left Bank, and those enchanted by the glimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower.

Despite the tragedies it has faced in recent years, Paris continues to stand strong, repeatedly overcoming adversity to maintain its reputation as the eternal capital of romance.

The city’s undeniable charm as a destination is anchored by treasures like the Notre Dame, the Louvre, and its renowned cuisine, but it’s also the intangible magic of Paris that sparks a deep, lasting affection across the globe.

Alizée Moreau, a Paris native, notes that it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t encountered Paris through film, literature, music, or even through French fashion and cuisine.

“Unless someone belongs to an isolated community, they’ve likely seen images of Paris and absorbed its culture, even if they’ve never set foot there. It’s become part of our shared global heritage and collective imagination,” she adds.

Despite the challenges Paris has faced in recent years, its global appeal endures. The city has weathered protests by anti-government ‘yellow vests’ and the aftermath of two devastating terror attacks in 2015.

Strength and Affection

While tourism numbers may have fluctuated following these crises, Paris remains a top destination. A recent global tourism study ranked it sixth in the world, with nearly 16.9 million visitors in 2018.

For Paris’s global admirers, tragedy often seems to deepen their affection for the city.

Following the tragic 2015 Bataclan attacks, Facebook launched its temporary profile picture filter for the first time on a large scale, allowing users worldwide to show their support by overlaying their images with the red, white, and blue of the French flag.

“2015 was a particularly tough year for the tourism sector in Paris and France,” recalls Stéphanie Boutet-Fajol, CEO of the French tour company Sacre-Bleu Paris.

“Despite the hardship, tourists—especially Americans—showed remarkable resilience, and the city’s deep connection with them prevailed. Hotels, hit hardest by the downturn, ultimately emerged stronger, with improved services,” she explains.

American food journalist Catherine Down, who has lived in Paris for six years, also experienced the aftermath of these challenges.

After the 2015 terrorist attacks, Down revealed that some of her articles were canceled because editors believed that “people aren’t traveling to Paris.”

However, Down also recognizes that Paris will always remain a beloved destination, reassuring potential visitors that they should still make the trip.

“Even though news coverage might make it seem like Paris is unsafe or chaotic, life here largely continues as usual,” she shares with Dinogo Travel.

The Enduring Charm of Notre Dame

The fire at Notre Dame is unlikely to discourage visitors the way other tragedies have; in fact, as the city begins its recovery, it may even draw more tourists to see the rebuilding process firsthand.

Heidi Evans, a tour guide who leads the Women of Paris walking tours, believes the tragedy could actually draw more visitors, as people come to appreciate the fragility of these historic landmarks.

“If the crowds around Notre Dame are any indication, it seems everyone is eager to catch a glimpse of the wounded Lady,” she adds.

Yet, the fire will undoubtedly have an impact on the city’s spirit—both uplifting and disheartening.

As the flames consumed the cathedral on Monday, it felt like a personal loss for many, according to Down.

“Cathedrals, like Notre Dame, are meant to evoke the sublime. People form an emotional connection with it—it’s not just a building, it’s ‘Our Lady,’” she explains.

Notre Dame remains one of Paris's most iconic landmarks, drawing approximately 13 million visitors annually.

Older than the Eiffel Tower by 500 years, the cathedral has withstood significant historical events, including the French Revolution’s turmoil and the German occupation during World War II. It was immortalized in literature through Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.’

“Watching Notre Dame burn was a shocking experience,” reflects Moreau. “It never occurred to me that this medieval treasure, which was such a part of my childhood—the heart of Paris, the garden where my grandmother would take me on my tricycle, the trees in bloom, the golden stone, and the view from the tower—could one day be lost.”

“They’ve stood for centuries, and I always believed they would remain. Now, it feels like a broken thread, a profound collective loss.”

Emotional Bond

Beyond the borders of Paris and France, Down mentions there’s a deep “emotional connection” to the city. “For many, Paris is a dream, a fantasy,” she says.

“There’s something about the French way of life that captivates people. Many believe the French live life to the fullest. From the beauty of the city and its architecture to the rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like Notre Dame, as well as the intangible pleasures like French cuisine,” says Moreau.

“Paris has a way of making people feel different, like it has an effect on them when they’re here.”

In recent years, Paris has proven itself resilient, even thriving despite the challenges it has faced.

“Cities like London have also shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, especially after multiple terrorist attacks,” notes Moreau.

“Paris, however, exudes a sense of defiance, a pride in our way of life. We refuse to be subdued, and we’re determined to carry on. Paris is a city full of energy and fun, yet deeply rooted in culture and history,” she adds.

“We cherish and live our daily lives with purpose, so we can’t just stop when tragedy strikes. Every day becomes an act of defiance and a reaffirmation of life over sorrow,” says Moreau.

Paris will endure

Moreau’s sentiments are shared by Vivian Song, a Canadian journalist based in Paris.

“Paris is full of poetry,” says Song. “Like many tourists, when I arrived eight years ago, I was drawn to the city’s mythology—the Eiffel Tower, the wine, the cheese. It engages all the senses as a global hub for gastronomy, fashion, and literature.”

“The city exceeds expectations,” says Song, who has transitioned from visitor to local Parisian. “Now, I get to watch as starry-eyed tourists experience the Eiffel Tower for the first time or savor their first macaron. For many, the city casts a spell because it is so breathtakingly beautiful.”

Boutet-Fajol, the head of the tour company, remains hopeful, noting that even amidst the recent unrest, tourists' love for the City of Lights hasn’t diminished.

“Despite the protests, we’re seeing a surge in last-minute bookings, and business is back to great levels,” she shares. “It’s heartening to witness that the affection for Paris outweighs all else.”

“After what happened to Notre Dame, I’ve received numerous heartfelt messages from former clients and travel agencies expressing their sorrow,” she says.

“What struck me the most was seeing my guides, who were with clients yesterday, in tears,” she recalls.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such emotion. They love their work and their city so deeply,” she adds.