The iconic landmark’s smallest residents survived the devastating fire that destroyed most of the 850-year-old Gothic roof and toppling its famous spire. It was thought 200,000 bees that were living in the roof perished on Monday. Nicolas Géant, the cathedral’s beekeeper, confirmed the insects are alive.
The hives were installed in 2013 on top of the sacristy by Notre Dame’s south side about 98 feet below the main roof.
Mr Géant said the bees remained untouched by the fire.
European bees stay by their hive when they sense danger, unlike other bee species.
The high temperatures posed the most serious risk, but any smoke would have just made them drunk.
The cathedral’s beekeeper since 2013 said: “Instead of killing them, the carbon dioxide makes them drunk, puts them to sleep.”
Beekeepers commonly use smoke to sedate them in order to get into their hives.
The bees were introduced to the cathedral to try and boost bee number across Paris.
Mr Géant said it was a miracle the bees survived.
He told CNN: “I was incredibly sad about Notre Dame because it’s such a beautiful building.
“But to hear there is life when it comes to the bees, that’s just wonderful.
“Thank goodness the flames didn’t touch them. It’s a miracle!”
Investigators believe the cause of the fire was an electrical short-circuit.
The official said while the cause has been determined work to begin repairing the cathedral is still on hold.