Some of France's richest families have pledged millions of pounds to rebuild the iconic Notre Dame cathedral.

The 850-year-old Cathedral was devastated by a blaze that destroyed two thirds of the roof and toppled the iconic spire.

Now the French President Emmanuel Macron and some of the countries billionaires have pledged eye-watering sums of money to rebuild the much-loved landmark - reports Mirror Online.

Actress Salma Hayek's husband Francois-Henri Pinault and his family have pledged €100million (£86million) to help return the building to its former glory.

Francois-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek at the British Fashion Awards at the London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, in London.

Mr Pinault is chief executive of international luxury group Kering, which owns brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, and is the president of French holding company Groupe Artemis, which owns the Christie's auction house.

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Another French billionaire, Bernard Arnault, owner of LVMH Group, which includes Louis Vuitton and Fendi, has pledged €200m.

He said in a statement: "The Arnault family and the LVMH group would like to show their solidarity at a this time of national tragedy, and are joining up to help rebuild this extraordinary cathedral, which is a symbol of France, of its heritage and of French unity."

Bernard Arnault is sighted around the 'Hermitage' hotel before the Royal Wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock

Emmanuel Macron made an impassioned speech on Monday night where he said: "I am solemnly telling you tonight: this cathedral will be rebuilt by all of us together."


Describing Notre Dame as "our history" and "the epicentre of our lives", he added: "It's probably part of France's destiny and it will be our project for the years to come."

French President Emmanuel Macron, center, and his wife Brigitte walk away from Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019.

France's Fondation du Patrimoine, a private organisation which works to protect French heritage, said it would be starting an international appeal.

It tweeted: "For our Lady to be reborn from her ashes we are launching an international appeal.

"All donations received will be paid in full to the restoration site."

The US-based French Heritage Society also said it would be establishing a restoration fund, while several appeals have already been set up on crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe and Just Giving.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, with an investigation continuing.