Suicide in Notre Dame de Paris

One of the world's top travel destinations was shocked by a tragic suicide, making headlines in all the major news sources.  As reported by EuroNews, the man, believed to be Dominique Venner, shot himself beside the main altar in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.  Travelers by car rental in Paris are not likely to be affected by road closings or inconveniences from the investigation at Notre Dame on May 21.

Notre Dame Cathedral, which is open every day of the year, was cleared of visitors for investigation by French police after the 78-year-old writer and essayist ended his life.  Not only is it incredibly rare for the church to be evacuated, but it is the first suicide associated with Notre Dame in decades.  

Travelers with upcoming plans to visit Notre Dame by car rental should pay close attention to news sources for re-opening of the church to the public.  The Notre Dame de Paris official website lists the hours and church service times, though they have yet to post any information on the site as to closures due to the police investigation.

More than 13,000 tourists visit Notre Dame Cathedral each year, though it is not the top tourist attraction in Paris by far, whose Eiffel tower sees as many as 6 million visitors in a year!  You can tour other popular attractions in Paris, France including the Arch De Triomphe, Champ Elysee, Place de la Concorde, and the Louvre Museum with the freedom of a Paris Airport car rental.