By now you’ve likely heard about the devastating fire that gutted Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, collapsing the roof and spire and destroying much of the interior (but thankfully not killing anyone). If you haven’t, you can read about it here, here, or here.
Notre Dame is an icon of Paris, and as some locals described it “the heart of France.” It’s also an international icon, a place many people wished to see in their lifetime, and an unparalleled historic monument. What was lost in that fire is far more than just a building. We can take heart in the fact that the bell towers, the rose window, and even the rooster from the top of the spire were saved; that much of the artwork was removed in time; and that Notre Dame will be rebuilt. But it will never be the same.
The first time I saw Notre Dame, I was in a cab heading from Charles de Gaulle airport to my hotel. We approached the Cathedral from the back, alongside the Seine, and as I caught my first glimpse I realized I was looking at Notre Dame. The Notre Dame. The next thing that went through my mind was “I thought I knew Gothic architecture. I had no idea what it was until now.” This wasn’t the neo-Gothic Victoriana I was used to seeing at home in Canada– this was a 900-year-old Gothic masterpiece. You know what else? Flying buttresses are awesome.
When I’d booked it, I didn’t realize my hotel was so close to Notre Dame–just around the corner. I ended up spending time in and around the Cathedral every day while I was there. When I left, I expected I would see it again one day (hopefully when the cherry trees were blooming this time). I’m not sure what will be waiting for me the next time I go, but in honour of what has been lost, I thought I’d share some of the pictures I took on the trip when I got to know Notre Dame.
Did you get a chance to see Notre Dame? Do you have any special memories of it? Please share in the comments.
Aspasía S. Bissas 
Your photos are absolutely beautiful, Aspasia. I have not had the pleasure of going to France yet. I know the cathedral has had many renovations and changes over the centuries, but I wish I could have seen it as you did. More could have been lost and we should be grateful for that.
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Thank you so much–that’s a great compliment from a talented photographer like you. You’re right that the fire could have been much worse. I believe Macron said it would be rebuilt even more beautiful than it was–I hope he’s right. And I hope you make it to France too–if you like art, architecture, history, and food, you won’t be disappointed (nice gardens too).
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Incredible photos! Notre Dame was always on my list of things that I wanted to see someday – sadly, I will never get to experience it in its original glory. I am very curious to see how the restoration unfolds, and if the Cathedral will ever regain some semblance of its former majesty.
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Thank you! I’m sorry that it was on your list and you didn’t get a chance to see it. I’ve heard rebuilding it will take anything from 5 to 40 (!) years, so hopefully the results will be worth the wait.
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