Notre Dame, Paris

Advantages: Its Magnificent
Disadvantages: Too many people

The sun is shining! A casual walk down the Seine has chilled me out after my recent height skirmish and littlemissy and I have both tried out some absolutely gorgeous ice cream. The stroll has brought us to our next victim… sorry destination I mean. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, which after yesterday I really hope to get inside this time. Considering that the cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th century it is truly innovational. I have never seen ...
...It is that stunning. Thanks to the tourist infestation yesterday littlemissy and I had not been able to explore the innards of the Notre-Dame. However it had given us the chance to get a good look around the exterior of the cathedral in its entirety and take lots of photos of gargoyles (woo hoo). The cathedral at certain points, even though it is quite obviously stone, makes me think of the building as being grown rather than built. There is vitality ... Read review

Advantages: Windows
Disadvantages: Religion

Notre Dame must be one of the most famous churches in the world, and visiting it you can really see why. The church is situated on Ile De La Cite, in the heart of Paris on the Seine. The foundation stone was laid in 1163 beginning the long and illustrious history of this impressive Catholic church. Kings were crowned here, Joan of Arc was canonized here in 1920 and perhaps most famously of all Victor Hugo wrote about the church. The building itself ...
...is both intricate and solid looking. Entry to the church is free but you must be careful what you take photos of, never wear a hat, remain fairly silent and dress decently (this means covered shoulders for women). The silence is enforced by this weird guy saying 'shhhh' through a speaker system every few minutes. You can pay 15 francs if you want access to the church 'treasures' but I didn't bother as it didn't look too interesting (priest outfits ... Read review

Advantages: Grand example of church history and architecture
Disadvantages: none

Notre Dame Cathedral is a Parisian Catholic church which welcomes parishioners from all over the world, for worship, as well as travellers who come to appreciate over 700 years of divinity and fine architecture. I've been past it on several visits but this year fate called me in on a historic day, one remembered in sadness: the day the Pope John Paul II died. My sister and I walked around this massive, beautiful interior and we slowly realised the ...
...evening we went back to Notre Dame and took part in his special Mass, attended by the French Prime Minister. The entire area was closed off to traffic, police were everywhere and we were so moved to join many thousands for this really special Catholic farewell to the Pope who had visited for a special service at the Notre Dame 'Our Lady' in May 1980. Notre Dame de Paris, as it stands, was not the first church on this site but the church as it is ... Read review

Advantages: Stunning Views, Free Entry To Inside of Cathedral
Disadvantages: Narrow Passageways, Poorly Lit inside (adds to ambience though!)

...middle of the river Seine, Notre Dame cathedral represents the apitome of gothic design. Although construction began at around 1160, it wasn't until 90 years later that the two towers on the west side were erected and another 550 years when the grand spire was added. The towers were to have had spires of their own, but these were never completed. In 1804, it was at the cathedral that Napoleon was crowned as Emperor of France. The 386 steps that take ...
...well worth the climb, as you are rewarded with stunning views of central paris and beyond and the Gargoyles and statues that are built on the roof and facade just cannot be appreciated from ground level. Inside the cathedral the three stain-glassed rose windows are nearly 10 meters (32 feet) in diameter and create a spectacular colour and light display on a bright day. Although the cathedral itself is free to enter, there is a nominal charge to climb ... Read review

Advantages: see op
Disadvantages: none, apart from paying for other rooms

I went in when my French class went over to France for a week. I have to admit it looks great from the outside. All my classmates didn’t want to bother going in, as it "isn’t anything special!" That’s what they think!! As soon as you walk in you can see only darkness, the stained glass windows are dark, the walls are dark, and the whole place is dark. Soon, you eyes become accustomed to it, and it is wonderful. Everyone is walking ...
...them!!) and everyone is silent. However, there is a feeling in it, a loud, eventful, panicking feeling inside. I wasn’t planning to spend so long in there, but I ended up sat inside for about an hour, that’s how easy it is! I lit a candle, the only thing I had to pay for. There were some bits you had to pay for, but getting in is actually free. ... Read review

Advantages: Charming Hotel in an Unsurpassable Location
Disadvantages: Small Bathrooms...Otherwise Few & Far Between.

...Hotel de Notre Dame, Paris The four-star Hotel de Notre Dame is a small & picturesque 'boutique' hotel located in the very heart of Paris. Its location is quite simply superb. Although set in a quiet and attractive side-street, it is little more than a stone's throw from the Seine, and is situated right on the fringe of the vibrant Latin quarter. Some rooms have views above the rooftops to the Notre Dame, and the bells of the cathedral can be heard tolling across the river. I've stayed at this delightful little hotel three times now, and unless that proverbial ship comes in, enabling me to stay at the George V, I doubt I'd ever consider staying anywhere else in Paris ever again. The entrance to the hotel is burgundy in colour and somewhat unprepossessing in appearance; in fact, it rather resembles an old, converted shop... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Memorable musical with songs to remember
Disadvantages: No orchestra

...Based on Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame, Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most innovative shows ever to hit the West End. Do not expect a "normal" traditional musical. The cast sing live to backing tracks, the scenery is simplistic but powerful, and the storyline is fairly weak. However, the performances given by the cast are 110%. Garou - who plays Quasimodo - has one of the most amazing voices you will ever hear on a West End stage. The dancers are more like acrobats, whose fitness level is incredible. The songs are all memorable, and the final scene is one of the most moving, powerful bits of theatre I have ever seen. Go see it, I guarantee you will be standing at the end with a lump in your throat. PJ... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: great musical
Disadvantages:

...... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful