Paris and Notre Dame cathedral

Bon Jour. Welcome to  Notre Dame Cathedral.

Look over here…to your right. I am the statue sitting on the south side of the courtyard in front of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France. It’s okay…most people do not notice me at first. I really do understand as the view of the cathedral is quite spectacular. My name is Charlemagne and my story is a romantic one forever linked to the history of Notre Dame (Do some research if you are not familiar with my story.) I will be your tour guide today. 

I noticed that you entered off the street from the west onto this courtyard. Quite a spectacular view of the cathedral, n’est-ce pas.

Yes, there are lots of people but really the crowds today are quite small. Some days there are lines and lines of people just waiting to find a spot to take a photo. I jest you not!

Many just come, take a photo like the one above, and leave. Others sit in the courtyard forever and just soak in the magic. But we are not going to be like everyone...we are actually going to walk around the whole cathedral.

When we return to this spot you might be interested in going down those steps (to your left) and visit The Archaeological Crypt…many people do not even realize you can go down beneath the cathedral to explore this exhibit. 

Back to the street and enter again through that little gate…yes, the green one. Et voila, here we are on a path that goes along the south side of the cathedral. Quite a peaceful walk through the gardens, isn’t it.

 

But look up. There is the Rose Window.

Yes, I know you cheated. That photo was taken from a little park across the Seine, wasn’t it! …next to Eglise Saint Julien le Pauvre (where you went to a Gospel music performance last night.)

But I must admit it does focus in on the Rose Window (but do go inside later and see it in all its colorful splendor).

Since you are on the other side of the river look back at the cathedral. Quite a different view from the side, eh.

 (Oh, I should mention that you can click on any photo to enlarge it.)

Continuing on…

Behind the cathedral is a small, well used park that hosts many musical performances during the summer. Today it is high school band from England (Newcastle, I believe…or maybe it is Nottingham). Have a seat on a bench and enjoy.

You might want to bring a book next time and spend some time reading and enjoying the gardens. It is a very Parisian thing to do.

Now look back towards the cathedral. That is  a view most tourists miss.

Let’s continue along the north side of the cathedral.

Tacky souvenir shops to your right (if you walk north of those shops…do not cross a bridge, stay on Ile e Cite… you will find restaurants and wine shops and beautiful old residences. After our tour, do go check it out.)

Oh, how did we get so lucky! No line ups today. Some days the line of people waiting to climb to the top of the tower goes from one end of the building to the other!

This couple picked a good day to get their photos taken.

Now turn around and go to the bridge leading onto Ile Saint-Louis.

Look back at the cathedral.

And finally….Whatever you do, you must come back in the evening.

Notre Dame is something special when the subtle lighting highlights details you probably missed in the daylight. (Hint: click on the photo to enlarge it.)

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Visit more than once…

once is not enough if you want to really get to know

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. 

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Happy travels!