French president Emmanuel Macron has canceled a planned address to the nation after a major fire broke out at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.
Live video footage shows the devastating flames leaping up the medieval landmark as heavy plumes of smoke billow into the sky above.
Macron cancelled his planned address to the nation as the cathedral continues to burn.
He will instead go to the scene of the fire.
As fire fighters fight the blaze and ash falls from the sky fears are rising that the 850-year-old building could be damaged beyond repair.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Macron's cancelled speech was pre-recorded and was expected to address citizens' complaints that gave rise to the yellow vest protests that have rocked France since November.
It was due to be aired later today.
The cathedral sits on the natural island the Île de la Cité which has been completely evacuated.
Large numbers of people have gathered in nearby squares to watch the inferno.
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