Notre Dame Cathedral

On By JR

In the middle of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral lies on an island in the Seine called Ile de la Cite (Island of the City). Just downstream of the Ile de la Cite is a second island called Ile Saint-Louis. Our little 16th century hotel was on the Ile Saint-Louis. The islands are connected to the sides of the Seine by several bridges and to each other by a single pedestrian bridge. The Ile de la Cite is about 6 blocks long while tiny Ile Saint-Louis is only about 4 blocks long. Given that we weren’t able to get into the cathedral when we were here a year ago Christmas, and this time it was only about 2 blocks from our hotel, we made a point to visit this time. We had been by there several times but there was always a long line. So we took Rick Steves’ advice and went early one morning. They open at 8 am and we got there at 7:45 and got right in with only about 10 other people. It was great. They were holding a small private mass that was barely visible but certainly could be heard and that just added to the atmosphere. Built in 1163, the cathedral is amazing.

(By the way, there’s new “Paris” blog music. Check it out.)

My favorite view this time. These pink trees are gorgeous.
My favorite view. This pink tree is gorgeous.

 
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As seen from the left bank.
As seen from the left bank.

 

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Interesting front doors.
I love the detail work on these front doors.

 

The doors from further back showing the stone detail.
The doors from further back showing the stone carving.

 

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One of the famous rose windows.

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Did you know that some of the windows open?
Did you know that some of the windows open?

 

Here's another open window.
Here’s another open window.

 
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There are a couple of windows like this. Somehow they don't seem to fit with the rest.
There are a couple of windows like this one. Somehow they don’t seem to fit with the rest.

 
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3 thoughts on “Notre Dame Cathedral”

  1. Carol

    welcome home!….i bet elvis baby was glad to see you…

    i have always found the gothic notre dame cathedral to be somewhat creepy with all its gargoyles but the the windows and doors are spectacular…….that tree with the wisteria growing through it is beautiful……

    well, we have come to the end of another wonderful trip……thank you so much for sharing it via your splendid blog…..oh, and i am equally impressed with your energy!….i would be worn out!

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  2. Denise Heilman

    Loved Notre Dame Cathedral – have seen pictures of it all my life, but none of them did justice to it. The stained glass windows (and no, I had no clue that some of them opened – thanks for that little bit of information) were all so colorful and the arches and the front door were magnificent. I love the way you find these little things that most people would have no desire to photograph, like the open windows. That’s what makes your blog so darn good Aunt Joyce!!!

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