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| By Moonik (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0] via Wikimedia Commons |
The Sassy Guide to the City of Light
As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, N, is for Notre Dame.
You can't visit Paris without visiting Notre Dame. Like, literally, you can't because it's in the middle of the city and you're sure to pass it even if you're trying to stay off the beaten path. But some things are ON the beaten path for a reason - they're totally worth seeing. Notre Dame will take your breath away the first time you see its façade. As you venture inside (don't be afraid of the line, it moves quickly) your breath will be taken away again as you marvel at the vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows.
The belltower is worth a visit as well, and though you have to pay, it's not expensive. The line forms on the north side of the cathedral and it does NOT move as quickly as the line for the church itself. So you have to decide how much you want it, but the views are amazing and you can get an up-close look at the gargoyles.
I also recommend crossing the river to the Left Bank and viewing the church from there. Since the church is so big, it's easier to get a good view once there's a little distance between you and Our Lady.
Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City
