Theresa's Mixed Nuts: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

While our Louvre visit was a bust, the total opposite can be said for our stop at Notre Dame Cathedral. It was one of the first things I made sure to map out before we even left the States because I knew if I didn't put it on the itinerary, I was going to be bitter the rest of our trip if I missed it.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris in July is hot, and after walking the city all morning I was itching to get inside to shade myself from the sun and cool down for a bit. It was a little after noon when we arrived, so there were already quite a few other tourists standing in line to get in.

Notre Dame Cathedral Paris France

The line did look long, but it only took about 15 - 20 minutes of waiting in it before we reached the entrance. Notre Dame is a work of art in itself, so we were able to entertain ourselves by studying the sculptures on its exterior and snapping a few pics before going in.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

I thought we'd get a little relief from the heat once we entered, but even though the lighting was dim, it was still quite warm and stuffy inside. However, that did not keep us from walking around, soaking in all of its beauty.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

I was happy to see that even though there were quite a few tourists inside, everyone was quiet and respectful, taking care not to touch any of the relics or disturb any of the guests who were in prayer.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

To state that Notre Dame is stunning is an understatement. The sculptures inside are just as amazing as the outside. My photos certainly don't do it any justice, so I insist that if you are in the market for a trip to Paris, put a visit to the cathedral on your itinerary. You will not regret it!

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

We stayed for right around 45 minutes, but you can stay for as long as you like. We were hoping to visit the cat walk to catch a glimpse of the famous gargoyles, but couldn't find anyone to direct us to the staircase to lead us up, so we missed out on that portion of the visit. Notre Dame is free to enter, though they do have a fee to climb the towers, which I believe runs around 8 euros.

You can find a ton of pigeons in the courtyard in the front of Notre Dame. There was a lady that was passing out birdseed for those who wanted to feed them. My girls were delighted to partake on the pigeon feeding, so if you have kids, I bet they'd love to feed them also. Just be sure you have a few euros on hand to tip the birdseed lady and some hand sanitizer for afterwards.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I post travel related photography. I'll have the rest of my Notre Dame photos highlighted in my stories there over the next few weeks, so be sure to stop by and check those out!


Is Notre Dame Cathedral a stop you'd be interested in making on your Parisian getaway?





43 comments:

  1. Ewww pigeons are the dirtiest creatures evah... I bet they have to spray the towers of the church to keep them away, our local palaces are always covered in their poop. The front part of the church reminds me a bit of our local Franciscan church with that rosette. Where's the hunchback? So many gorgeous details on the facade, the eye can wander for hours I bet.

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    1. I could have spent all day in there, but my family was complaining about the heat and wanted to get moving along. It's truly a work of art in itself!

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  2. I love Paris, it's one of my favorite cites in the world! Great pics!

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  3. Those pictures are so cool. The pigeons are so funny.

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  4. I am in awe of the architecture of Notre Dame; it's so ornate and massive at the same time! Your photos are amazing; thank you for sharing!

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    1. It really is ornate. Such a work of art in itself!

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  5. Sure great shots indeed. The detail there one could stare at all day. Well I never seen pigeons get that close for seed before. Definitely bring the hand sanitizer lol

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    1. They were greedy little pigeons. Scooping up all the seed they could get their little beaks on lol

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  6. I would love to see Notre Dame in person one day. You can almost feel the history when you look at places like this.

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    1. You really can. It takes you back into a whole other time, it feels almost magical walking through.

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  7. Oh the details are so beautiful!

    The look on Allison's face when she was holding that bird just cracks me up!

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    1. She was unsure about the birds lol, but I think in the end she thought it was hilarious!

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  8. Being far far from religious, I don't have the urge to visit almost any church, but Notre Dame would be different. It does look quite beautiful.

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    1. I'm the same Adam, but I do find old churches and cathedrals to be lovely to wander through.

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  9. Awesome photos! The Notre Dame Cathedral is nothing short of breathtaking! It will be a must see when we visit Paris for sure.

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  10. Terry and I have been to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Despite the crowds, it was spiritually moving. You and I took a lot of the same photos ~ LOL! I love the photo of your daughter feeding the pigeons. She looks thrilled! I would go back to Paris in a heartbeat! Thanks for sharing your photos!

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    1. Great minds photo alike ;) I wasn't thrilled with out Paris trip at first (simply because everything that could go wrong did) but it's one of those places that beckons you to come back, so I for sure seeing us going again in the future.

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  11. The architecture is amazing. I would love to go there and see it in person one day.

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    1. It's way more beautiful in person than any photos you'll see of it. I hope you do go some day!

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  12. Great pictures.Reminded me of our trip few years back.You took me back again.

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  13. Thank you for your Notre Dame article. Been looking around for some reviews and your post really helps. Nice photos too. Looking forward to hear more about Paris.

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  14. I went to Notre Dame Cathedral last 2017. I fell in love with the structure. It's one of my favorite Church in Paris, France.

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    1. It's so easy to fall in love with! One of the most beautiful structures I've come across in my travels.

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  15. I absolutely adore Paris and all of the wonderful things it has to offer. I am so jealous of you right now!

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    1. It is such an incredible place to explore! And everyone is so nice there too!

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  16. I'd love to go to Paris. So many things that you read about and see in photos I would love to see, especially Notre Dame. Truly an amazing structure.

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    1. There's so much to see and do in Paris, but I think Notre Dame was easily one of my favorite stops.

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  17. You captured these cathedrals so beautifully. Its so enchanting and historical thanks for these shots great job.

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  18. I love the look on her face for the last picture. :) We didn't see anyone passing out bird seed. I did get approached by beggars there. Like you said, the inside was peaceful though. We went in March so it was a bit chilly! I loved visiting though.

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    1. I was worried about getting approached by beggers or scam artists, but thankfully we didn't have that issue there. I'd love to go in April when the flowers start blooming. Or even when the snow hits. I know, I hate snow, but I think Paris would be so amazing to walk through in the snow.

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  19. such beautiful photos I felt as if I were actually there.

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  20. I like visiting cathedrals. This one in Paris looks amazing.

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  21. Lovely pics. Would love to visit some day. Thanks for the virtual tour :)

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  22. Wow, what beautiful architecture!

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Thanks for your comments! I appreciate every one of them :) Except promotional posts with added links. Those will be deleted.

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