A great way to see the sights
in Paris on your own schedule is the
Big Bus Paris, hop-on-hop-off tour.
You hop on the bus, go to the
site of your choice, hop off and spend
as long as you want there.
Then you just hop back on the next
bus that comes by to go on to your
next destination! We weren't
interested in guided tours (our son
had been to Paris before and was
very knowledgeable)
so it was perfect for us.
had been to Paris before and was
very knowledgeable)
so it was perfect for us.
It was a beautiful day so we climbed
the steps to the top for a glorious ride
through the streets of Paris!
Our destination... Notre Dame Cathedral!
As we enjoyed the wind blowing through
our hair, the sunshine sparkling through the leaves
and all the incredible scenery, we
finally approached this historical icon.
There it was!
The great Notre Dame Cathedral!
My first memory of this place
was as a kid watching old matinee movies
on TV in the summer and seeing
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame".
I thought it quite spectacular.
Also known as
Notre Dame de Paris
it translates to
Our Lady of Paris.
She was built in 1345 and still stands
tall, graceful and strong.
This Roman Catholic Church is located in the
4th arrondissement of Paris.
In front of the cathedral is
the bronze statue of
Charlemagne, King of the Franks,
on horseback. He's holding a lance or
staff while guided by two leudes,
which are believed to be the figures
of Oliver and Roland. Charlemagne holds
an important place in European history,
being the first Emperor of Western
Europe around 800AD, known at that time
as the Carolingian Empire.
The arches around the doors were
very intricate...
and the inside breathtaking!
There was a lovely calm area
to the right that we were drawn to
to light candles for loved ones and
say prayers for the needs of others.
We felt it such a blessing to have the
opportunity to actually say prayers in
the great Notre Dame Cathedral
in the City of Lights, Paris France!
There are masses taking place
all day in Notre Dame. It goes on as if hundreds
of people aren't touring around the edges
of cathedral.
Of course, ALL are welcome
to join in the service.
The windows are magnificent!
So many prayers, streaming up to
heaven like glistening strands of pearls.
These friezes were fabulous.
I loved coming across this
statue of Joan of Arc.
I recently had done a class
with my granddaughter on Joan
of Arc in French history. It was very
exciting to take a photo of this
great woman to show her!
Window after window
brought another stream
of colored light dancing through,
another beautiful altar,
another saint,
each as heart touching as the last and
the next.
I lingered here a long time
soaking in the beauty.
This is my favorite photo of
Notre Dame. When I think of this
place I see this picture in my mind.
It's in the photo album of life for me now.
This brilliantly lit model of Notre Dame
was tucked in one of the alcoves.
It was so intricate!
Gisant de Simon Matifas de Bucy, 1360
Such beauty.
Mary & Jesus
This huge basin was filled with holy water
and on each side was a different language.
" I know the way that looks for travelers."
Right across the side street from the
cathedral was a little sidewalk cafe...
where we dined on French crepes and
sparkling water...
and this was our scenery.
Wow!
saw our Big Bus rolling up to
take us to our next stop.
This one was quite incredible!!
Thanks for joining us to see
Notre Dame Cathedral.
Our next stop on the Big Bus will
be the Arch de Triomphe.
Hope you can hop on board and come
along with us!
Bisous, Edie Marie
