I know.. I know your all wondering where I am at the moment. Life has been a little harsh recently b...
I know.. I know your all wondering where I am at the moment. Life has been a little harsh recently but harsh recently but will be getting sorted...
Member since:30.04.2002
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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 a building that is so exquisite in my entire life. 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 to it and the way it was built that leaves me standing there gasping. Remember people this building took
170 years to be built and it is obvious even today the care and attention that went into it.
But the bit that must interest us now is the interior of our destination. The first thing I can say on that front is its dark. You walk into the cathedral from outside and the temperature drops five degrees at least. Just looking down the length of the cathedral as you enter is inspirational. The closest analogy I can come up with is from the “Fellowship of the Ring” movie and your first view of Moria. Notre-Dame is not as big as Moria and it does have windows but entering it has that same awe struck feel to it as you first look up at the ceiling and then down the length of the cathedral.
The architecture of the cathedral is just magnificent. Every aspect of the cathedral is a work of art. From the pillars through to the beautiful Rose windows. It is truly inspirational and shows the devotion that the masons and other workers had in building the cathedral. The one thought going through our minds was why couldn’t we build masterpieces like this today. It would be marvellous to see buildings of this beauty being built in this modern age. However as we all know a large number of the skills involved in the construction of Notre-Dame have been lost over the years.
Although you do not really spend much time at all looking around the cathedral really I would say if you get the chance GO! This building is quite possibly one of the greatest pieces of design of the last millennium. It has a magnificence and beauty that just has to be seen to be believed. Photographs do not do it justice at all. Considering how many buildings of this age have been destroyed over the years it is a tribute to an age and a knowledge that we have left far behind but should not be forgotten.
Paris has a history and a culture that revolves from one point in the city, Notre-Dame and the Ile de la City. This area is where Paris grew from its humble roots and Notre-Dame is the centre point of Paris itself. This cathedral has influenced every aspect of the cities development over the past 700 years. Not just culturally but architecturally as well. Paris is a city of ornate architecture and their distant ancestor is Notre-Dame.
If you wish to get an idea of Paris and how it has developed pop down into the Crypte Archealogique. It is archaeological dig just by the cathedral (right in front of it) showing ancient Paris. Giving an overview of how Paris has developed over the centuries. Although it’s a bit dry for some tastes (including mine) the wealth of information and the insight you can obtain is well worth the price of €3 (£1.80).
One thing you have to remember with the cathedrals of Paris. They do have a dress code for entry. It is simply wear a shirt or blouse on entry and while inside. They will not let anyone in a state of undress inside the cathedral at all. You see Notre-Dame is still a working cathedral even while we were there a mass was going on down the far end. Their other rule is keep the noise down although virtually everyone was keeping quiet because the atmosphere of the Cathedral invoked respect in the people visiting the site.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame Telephone: 01 42345610 Metro Station: Cite Opening Times: 0845 – 1845 (daily) Towers: 1000 – 1900 (Summer)
Masses (If you are interested?) 0800, 0900, 1200 and 1815 (Mon-Sat) 0800, 0845, 1000, 1130, 1230 and 1830 (Sun)
Crypte Archaelogique Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame Telephone: 01 44595878 Metro Station: Cite Opening Times: 1000-1800 (Tues-Sun)
I've seen Notre Dame from the outside briefly, but after reading this I think I may have to pay it a proper visit!
chachaqueen 11.09.2002 12:51
I think I may have to go to Paris soon, and this will be on the list to see! Tanya
CherryBlossom 10.09.2002 12:21
Aww, now I want to go! I've never been to Paris, and if my present financial situation is anything to go by, I'm not likely to get there in this lifetime either! ~Sharon
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Advantages: beautiful sceneries, plenty of stations, good quality hotels, fancy food, great attractions. Disadvantages: Expensive, The history of France isn't always appreciated.
hyperbunny62 13.07.2007 ·
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Aug 20th, 2002
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