In this historic weekend of Notre-Dame de Paris’ reopening, we humbly “add our stone to the building” to celebrate the cathedral devastated by fire on April 15, 2021. What is the link between the Automobile with a capital “A” and Notre-Dame de Paris? The French automotive industry was once our greatest pride, similar to Notre-Dame, which will always represent French craftsmanship, a legacy of great builders we can all be proud of. Thus, Notre-Dame de Paris far exceeds its religious scope as a symbol of France. This article, dedicated to a monument belonging to humanity, opens a debate: what is the place of the automobile in the capital today?
The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is undoubtedly the international event of this year’s end. During our automotive reports, we used the cathedral and its lights as a “setting” to showcase the Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupe and the Aston Martin Vantage in 2018. Each photoshoot left us awestruck by the beauty and splendor of Notre-Dame de Paris. This emotion is what we mainly wanted to share with you, thanks to three magnificent shots by our photographer, Alexandre Besançon.
However, it seems impossible today to recreate this experience by photographing supercars and other exceptional vehicles on a Seine quay with Notre-Dame de Paris in the background.
There’s no need to explain why, as everyone knows who controls the capital. Thus, this is likely the last time we publish these three photos, in honor of the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris.
The Automobile’s Place in Paris
Parisian monuments, like Notre-Dame de Paris for us on a smaller scale, have often been used since the late 19th century for automotive events. The first Paris Motor Show, or the A.C.F. International Exhibition, took place in the Tuileries Garden in July 1898. Later, from 1901 to 1961, it was organized at the Grand Palais, becoming what is now the Mondial de l’Auto.
Finally, we hope Paris and the Automobile will remain intertwined. The traditional Tour Auto exhibition was held at the Grand Palais for many years and, in another historical link, at the Tuileries Garden (from 2009 to 2011). So, this weekend of Notre-Dame de Paris’ reopening, we hope for more automotive events in the capital. This tradition continues with the Traversée de Paris and RM Sotheby’s auctions, regularly held alongside Rétromobile at the Louvre.
Text: Frédéric Lagadec
Photos: (Alexandre Besançon)
