French President Emmanuel Macron says 'we will rebuild it' after the famed Notre Dame Cathedral became engulfed in flames.
He added there would be a national fundraising effort to help pay for the reconstruction.
Mr Macron wrote on Twitter: "This Notre-Dame cathedral, we will rebuild it. All together. It is a part of our French destiny. I am committed to this: from tomorrow a national subscription will be launched and far beyond our borders."
After battling the blaze for several hours, firefighters have managed to save and preserve the main structure and towers, according to the Guardian.
The French President said firefighters managed to avoid the worst but 'the battle is not yet totally won'.
Thankfully, all precious artefacts and artwork have been saved from the historic building, according to a Notre Dame cathedral priest.
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In a tweet, French journalist Nicolas Delesalle cited Père Frédéric, writing: "Good news: all the works of art were saved. The treasure of the Cathedral is intact, the Crown of thorns, the Holy sacraments."
The historic building's spire and roof have already collapsed. No casualties have been reported as of yet.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, however, officials have indicated it could be linked to current renovation work. A preliminary investigation has ruled the fire an accident.
Last year the Catholic Church launched an urgent appeal for funds to repair the building, which was showing serious signs of decay. It was in the middle of a €6 million refurbishment.
The construction of Notre Dame - which means 'Our Lady' - began in 1160 and was mostly completed a hundred years later in 1260.
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It has been modified on numerous occasions throughout the centuries since.
The Church of England's director of cathedrals and church buildings, Becky Clark said in a statement: "The fire and the destruction it has caused are heart-breaking. We stand together in prayer with all who love Notre Dame: its worshipping community, those who have visited, and those who only know it from afar.
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"We understand their sense of loss, and the uplifting connection people feel with cathedrals and churches the world over.
"But no matter the destruction, the spirit of what it means to be a cathedral can and does survive such catastrophes."
Mr Macron will announce details of the fundraising appeal later today, with no doubt many people wanting to pitch in to help bring this beautiful building back to it's former glory.
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