My flat was near the Pigalle Metro station, which managed to get me everywhere I wanted to go directly or via transfers. I must say, the transit accessibility is pretty poor. The travel app did not work for me at all, and trying to buy a pass was a fool’s game. So I just got single trip tickets after a few headaches and rude transit workers. The Metro itself is quite nice, though!
I took the Metro everywhere, and hardly ever got lost! My flat was across the street from the Pigalle Metro station, which went or linked to everything.Attention, rabbits! Safety first, s’il vous plait.Unmistakable facade. It was hard to get detailed photos of the amazing reliefs, the guards were hustling people in and out and discouraging “loitering.” Shiny new nave!
By all accounts, the cleaning and restoration of the interior made the cathedral brighter than most people have seen in over a century. I found the chandeliers a bit trite, but really, the interior was aglow from freshly cleaned stained glass.
Glorious rose window.
There were hoards of people here. The cathedral had JUST opened, so crowds were thick. When the noise level got to certain decibels, the sound system would say “SSSSSHHHHHHHH.”
Mass at Notre Dame! I timed my visit well.
I was SO HAPPY to be at the cathedral for noon mass! The music was beautiful, and it was quite moving. I did take communion, and was amused to see the priest run after someone and make them put the wafer in their mouth, not carry it away for a souvenir.
Organ pipes, another rose window.What is Mr. Spock doing here??One of the chapels.St. Sword Swallower The reliquary for the Crown of Thorns. No, really!!Creeturs of the deep!Fear ye the creeturs of the deep!!
All of the side chapels were wonderful! So much mind-blowing art and sculpture.
Quickly captured entry.
So the guards outside the doors were ruthless about malingering, taking photos or not. Pissed me off a little, considering. I mean, how often are most of us going to be at Notre Dame? Let us have some time, puleeeeze.
Still under reconstruction after the fire.A leisurely chicken sandwich lunch on the way to Musee de Cluny. Only, I didn’t know I was on the way there. I really enjoyed this beer.
I was heading elsewhere, Jardin de Luxembourg to be exact, and passed the sign for Musée de Cluny. I had never heard of it! So I went in, and am so glad I did. An expansive medieval collection housed in an ancient Roman bathhouse.
Embiggen, and enjoy the detail.I was wondering why Eve was pissing standing up. Very engaging monsters.Ancient capitals from the baths, I think. Contemporary pieces were scattered throughout. Very well curated.This has a lovely Art Nouveau feel.This, too.Vast reaches above.Part of the Pillar of the Boatmen, the oldest monument in Paris.The Celtic god Cernunnos, a horned god associated with nature, fertility, and prosperity. It appears on the Pillar of the Boatmen (first century CE), the oldest monument in Paris. oh no you don’t!All y’allJesus being attacked by a duck.Early Gothic Green Man.Ancient and modern.Intricate ivory work. Person-headed scarab, or just creeping person?More fine ivory and metal work.Odd perspectiveStatues in conversationBig Mary, Tiny Jesus“Opening Virgin” – 14th C.The kid playing hobby horse really makes this painting.One of the modern pieces. I reallyreally like this one.ChapelAncient and modern, again.Rooster-footed flagon. I’d drink some ale out of that!Love the elegance Medieval science.16 year old me would’ve been in here all day. Unicorn Tapestries.More very old stones.Courtyard.Sunset, day 2.
No complaints about this day!! I made myself some pasta, enjoyed a cold cider, and contemplated this amazing sunset that just went on and on.
Debkakes in the UK 2025 