Photo credit: magicinfoto / Shutterstock.com

François-Henri Pinault has pledged $113 Million to help rebuild Notre Dame, following the devastating fire that engulfed the 850-year-old cathedral yesterday evening.

The cathedral caught fire at around 6:30 pm (local time), causing its spire and roof to collapse. Thanks to firefighters, the main building – including the two bell towers – were saved.

“My father (François Pinault) and myself have decided to release a sum of €100 million from our Artemis funds to participate in the effort that will be necessary for the complete reconstruction of Notre-Dame,” the 56-year-old billionaire told French newspaper  Le Figaro.

Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault tied the knot in Paris back in 2009 (February 14 to be exact!) at the City Hall of the Sixth Arrondissement, which is less than a mile away from Notre Dame Cathedral. They also have a property near the cathedral.

“As many others I’m in deep shock and sadness to witness the beauty of Notre-Dame turn into smoke. I love you Paris,” Salma Hayek wrote on Instagram last night, alongside a picture of the historic cathedral in flames.

“Comme beaucoup d’autres, c’est avec effroi et tristesse que je regarde la beauté de Norte-Dame partir en fumée… Paris, je t’aime ! #notredame #paris.”

We have a feeling that François-Henri Pinault – whose company Kering owns Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga, among others – won’t be the only big name to donate to the Notre Dame rebuilding cause.

A public fundraising drive has opened in France from this morning, where members of the public are also welcome to donate anything they can.