Ottawa·Photos

Paris attacks: Hundreds gather for vigils at French Embassy, Nepean Point

The French Embassy became a focal point for Ottawa's grief Saturday after more than 120 people were killed the day before in a string of terror attacks in Paris, while on Sunday people gathered for a daylight vigil at Nepean Point.

Flower bouquets, sympathy cards line iron fence near Sussex Drive embassy

Hundreds gathered at two separate vigils in Ottawa this weekend after more than 120 people were killed Friday during a string of terror attacks in Paris.

On Saturday, the French Embassy became the focal point for Ottawa's grief, with bouquets of flowers — some containing cards bearing heartfelt messages — lining the embassy's iron fence.

At around 5 p.m. Saturday, people gathered near the Sussex Drive embassy for a candlelight vigil.

"It's really hard. You can't be with the people you care about," said Alexia Ruesche, a first-year University of Ottawa student from France who attended the Saturday vigil.

 "Even if we live here, we're still French and we still care for the country."

A second vigil was held Sunday afternoon at Nepean Point near the National Art Gallery, drawing about 200 people.