2024-12-27
26 分钟This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.
It's a cold and rainy morning here in Paris and I'm standing right by the River Seine, looking across at the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
And I can see up in the scaffolding the construction workers are hammering.
They're moving around the tower.
Cranes are swinging overhead as well.
The reason I'm standing in the rain at 8 in the morning by the River Seine in the heart of Paris is because of the incredible structure before me.
For almost 900 years, the cathedral of Notre Dame has been a jewel in the crown of Paris.
A Gothic structure dating back to the 12th century.
One of the world's great cathedrals.
Over to my left, I see a lady.
She appears to be praying.
I'm going to approach her, say, hello, Colin.
I'm Colm Flynn and for Heart and Soul from the documentary on the BBC World Service.
I've come to Paris to hear what the restoration and rebirth of this cathedral means to the people of France.
What is your name?
Sylvie.
Sylvie.
Are you from Paris?
Yes, I'm born in Paris.
I just walked past you here next to Notre Dame and I saw that you were.