200,000 bees living on the roof of Notre-Dame de Paris survived the devastating fire in April 2019. Smoke put them to sleep, and their hives were not melted. Urban beekeeping is popular in Paris.
There are around 200,000 bees living in three hives on the roof of the sacristy of Notre-Dame de Paris, located on the south side of the cathedral, about 98 meters below the main roof. They were feared killed when a devastating fire tore through the upper roof beams of the Paris landmark on April 30, 15. However, temperatures never got high enough to melt the hives and the abundance of smoke only put the bees to sleep. Insects lived on the roof of Notre-Dame as part of an effort to help conserve bee populations.
What’s the buzz in Paris?
Beekeepers use smoke to sedate bees when they need access to a hive. The smoke is believed to interfere with the release of pheromones that bees emit to warn the hive of nearby danger.
Urban beekeeping is popular in Paris and beehives are plentiful. Bees can be found atop the Opera Garnier and the Musée d’Orsay, and in the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.
Nicolas Geant, a Notre-Dame beekeeper since 2013, was thrilled to see that the bees survived. “Thank goodness the flames didn’t touch them,” Geant exclaimed. “It’s a miracle!”
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
