If you go to Paris, you have to go to Notre Dame. It’s a beautiful cathedral, and although it's a typical tourist stop, it's with good reason. The Rose window is gorgeous, and even though I have seen it three times now and have been in other cathedrals, this window still makes me stand in awe for a moment. I always forget just how beautiful it is until I see it.
To go into the cathedral is free. You are free to walk around or even attend service when it’s going on. It’s also fairly easy to take photos without really getting any dirty looks.
I highly recommend, if you are up for it, the climb up to the bell tower. I have been to the cathedral three times, and this is the first t
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To go into the cathedral is free. You are free to walk around or even attend service when it’s going on. It’s also fairly easy to take photos without really getting any dirty looks.
I highly recommend, if you are up for it, the climb up to the bell tower. I have been to the cathedral three times, and this is the first time I have done the climb. This is where you can get the classic gargoyle shots and amazing views of Paris. It costs about 6 euros to climb the tower. Be ready for a somewhat strenuous climb up narrow, winding stairs. When you think it can’t get any narrower, it does.
When you get to the landing with the gargoyles, you can actually continue up again to see the actual bell. It’s huge and was very cool to see. I spent a lot of time taking photos of the gargoyles. It was a lot of fun to get shots with the gargoyle and Paris in the background.
I was carrying a bunch of bags (shopping!), and it was a pain to drag those up and down the stairs. I really wanted a hand to hold onto the railing on the way down. The tight, narrow, winding spaces kind of freak me out a bit, I guess. Be ready for your calves to be a bit wobbly once you are back down on the ground.
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