2006 Europe Trip
Paris: Notre Dame
After re-grouping at our hotel, we took the short walk over to Notre Dame, this time in daylight. We arrived just before mass was to start (6:30 on the Saturday of Pentecost weekend), so we had the unique experience of touring while a service was going on. Though we didn't understand much of the language, we did sing along to some of the Alleluias and other responsoral hymns as we walked around.
A close up view of one door, giving perspective on the size of this building:
We really like this image - a window open in one of the many stained glass panels in the side-chapels at Notre Dame:
One of the side-chapels.
A crucifix towards the back of the cathedral.
A few views from the back (taken without flash, of course, to not disturb the mass), of the service in progress. Notice how big the room is!
These were taken with high-sensitivity mode, which gives a better view inside.
Leaving Notre Dame, we followed the guidebook's Historic Paris Walking Tour. This took us alongside the buidling, where we could see the architecture more clearly.
Statue of Charlemagne outside Notre Dame
Here's Matt, with the church behind him.
This close-up view shows the gothic spire of Notre Dame. It was added after the building was completed. Note the statues of three disciples in front (looking towards you), then a fourth figure looking away -- that is the architect of the spire - looking in towards his own work.
More views to the Cathedral
The walk took us to the end of the island, towards the Deporation Memorial. It was closed so we could only view the outside.
The sidewalks around the Seine by Notre Dame are lined with book and souvenier sellers. (Apparently, these booths have been there for centuries and are highly sought-after positions.) Anyhow, here's a random picture to find on the streets of Paris.
The walk progressed through a few other areas, eventually taking us by an older church that features gargoyles much like Notre Dame's (though easier to photograph)
After a brief trip through the Latin Quarter, we found ourselves back to Notre Dame, just as the clouds overhead were parting.
Several metro stops in the region are this art-nouveau style.
