The cost of rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris will be paid by the French Government, which owns the cathedral and is its insurer.

State-owned historical monuments in France, such as the 856-year-old cathedral, are self-insured and usually there is no private insurance against fire and other physical risks.

The repair work is expected to cost many millions of euros after fire gutted the property this month.

A global fundraising drive has raised at least €700 million ($1.1 billion), with many of France’s wealthiest families and biggest companies pledging to the cause.

French insurer Axa is donating €10 million ($15.9 million) to the rebuilding fund.

Axa may also face huge claims from the fire because it insured some historical items housed in the cathedral.

Two of the construction companies that were carrying out restoration work before the fire also had civil liability policies with Axa.

French investigators say there is no evidence of arson and the probe is continuing.