French PM launches competition to re-design Notre-Dame spire

Notre-Dame Cathedral "will be closed for five to six years" as it recovers from a disastrous fire, its rector has said.

Bishop Patrick Chauvet made the admission as he spoke to local business owners two days after a blaze that destroyed its roof and spire and left it mere minutes from total collapse.

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has launched a competition for international architects to rebuild the spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

“The international competition will allow us to ask the question of whether we should even recreate the spire,” Philippe said, noting that the old 295-foot tall spire was only added to the cathedral in the 19th century.

Phillipe, speaking after a special Cabinet meeting focusing on the reconstruction of the cathedral, said the competition is aimed at "giving Notre Dame a spire adapted to techniques and challenges of our times."

He called it "a huge challenge, a historic responsibility."

The prime minister said ministers have no idea of the total cost of the renovation work, but hundreds of millions of euros have been pledged to repair the iconic Gothic landmark.

Notre-Dame was within "15 to 30" minutes of complete destruction during Monday's fire, according to junior interior minister Laurent Nunez.

France's president, Emmanuel Macron has said he wants it rebuilt within five years.