Visiting Our Lady of Paris

Confession: yes, the Disney movie is one of the reasons the Notre Dame Cathedral made my list of must-sees on a whirlwind, one-day trip to Paris. But there was a little more to it than that. Coming from a family heritage steeped in Roman Catholicism that dates back to ancestors in northern France and Italy, the cathedral was my first stop of the morning after an overnight flight.

The iconic facade

Seeing the cathedral from a distance for the first time across the Seine River was an emotional moment. It is simply an unmistakable icon and a structural masterpiece, even from afar. Every detail is thoughtful with an artistry that isn’t created today - it is easy to see why people flock to see it. The iconic stained-glass rose windows gleam in the interior and the cathedral has that same comforting ambiance that can only be felt in sacred and spiritual spaces.

The altar

The altar of the church is understandably blocked off to visitors, as it is a sacred place of worship; however, there are plenty of pews and seats available for quiet moments of prayer. The inside of the cathedral has a lot to visually absorb. Some of the more striking details include a triptych of The Last Judgement of Christ, and my favorite: a space devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

A walk around the exterior of the building allows for a better view of its famous spire - originally worn by weather and ultimately reconstructed in the 19th century. And don’t forget to stop and listen to the bells ringing in perfect harmony when they sound.

The back

The spires