Xi sends condolences following Paris blaze

"The Chinese have built the largest airport in the world — a far larger job than rebuilding Notre Dame — in less than three years," Macfarlane said. "They could be of immense help."

At the scene of the fire in Paris, Macron vowed an immediate fund­raising drive to rebuild the landmark, calling for international talent to contribute to the effort.

"We will rebuild this cathedral all together and it is undoubtedly part of the French destiny and the project we will have for the coming years. … A national subscription will be launched, and well beyond our borders we will appeal to the greatest talent, and there are many who will come to contribute and rebuild us. We will rebuild Notre Dame, because that's what French people expect, because it's what our history deserves and because it's our deep destiny," said Macron.

Already, two of France's wealthiest men pledged massive donations. Billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of the Kering Group, which owns the Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent fashion brands, pledged 100 million euros ($113 million) to help rebuild Notre Dame, AFP reported.

Shortly after, Bernard Arnault, chief executive of LVMH Group — owner of fashion labels including Louis Vuitton and Bulgari — said he would donate 200 million euros.