COVER N. 285 - FRANCE

Postmark: Bureau Philatélique Lyon 69 Lyion Bellecour 10.07.23

Posted on the 10th July; Received on the 14th July 2023

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Notre Dame and its treasures... a loud one, this time.

The "Bourdon", the lowest note of the carillon, corresponding to the biggest bell.

That of the carillon of Notre Dame answers by the name of Emmanuel, as bestowed upon it by its godfather, Le Roi Soleil, Louis XIV.

Last cast in 1680, with an astounding  base diameter of 2.62 metres and a thickness of 2cm, the vibration of its 21 tons of solid bronze when it by the 500 kg hammer (light, isn't it?) produces an F sharp, just the right note to tickle the fancy of its bourdon companion, Marie, last cast in 1472, with whom it shares the South Tower.

Of note is the fact that the bells have been regularly recast, (to ensure their longevity? tuning?) and one could also note that Emmanuel is a transbourdon, since it began its career as Jaqueline, when it was first cast in the 14th century.

As a sad note, I read yesterday that the person in charge of the management of the reconstruction of this most iconic of all French Cathedrals, General Jean-Louis Georgelin,  has passed away due to an accident while trekking in the Pyrenees.

I am sure that when Emmanuel sounds again, it will do so in his memory!

Associating itself to the reconstruction campaign and calling on the attention of the public in general and of philatelists in particular, to the works in progress that are set to be completed by 2024,  La Poste inaugurated, on 17JUL2020, an annual stamp series, that will run during the period of the reconstruction of the cathedral, dedicated to the treasures of the much beloved building.

The issues have the format of  beautiful in taglio printed souvenir sheets with one stamp of the international letter base tariff at the time of issuing.

So far, four of these beautiful souvenir sheets have been issued and I am lucky to examples of all four thanks to the generosity of French fellow collectors.

The 2020 issue can be seen here

the 2021 issue can be seen here.

the  2022 issue can be seen here  or here.