Notre Dame Cathedral – Reflections of a Paris Icon

Have you ever fallen so deeply in love with a place that you long for it? That you long to feel those deep-seated emotions that it conjures up within you whenever you’re there? I have had the great fortune to feel this a few times in my days of travelling. But one place always stands out from the crowd, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France

The warm feelings it stirs in me are not religious nor fanfare because it’s in Paris. There’s something more, something nearly unexplainable. One other place that tugs at me like Notre Dame is a small town in Ontario, Tobermory. And while there is a small handful more, these two always hold a special place in my heart.

The Day of the 2019 Fire

On April 15, 2019, I wrote this on my Facebook page:

800 years ago a grand cathedral was built in the heart of Paris. It has provided hope, wonder, and inspiration to millions over the years. And it has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve thankfully stood in awe of its majesty numerous times, I’ve wandered its aisles, lit candles, and consider it one of the most magical places in the world.

But sadly today, right now as I write this, it is in flames. I am absolutely devastated.

I still remember that shocking scene on CNN as the flames rose in Notre Dame. Tears flushed my eyes. My heart broke. Not just for the building, but the people who worship there, the people who devoted their life to build it, maintain it, and for all those who sadly will never see her in her glory.

It conjured up the book, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, whose grand cathedral was loosely based on Notre Dame. The following quote from Pillars of the Earth, when that cathedral was on fire, rings true for Notre Dame too:

“It was like watching a mountain fall down or a river run dry”

I cried again later that night when I watched as Paris stood together and sang for its fallen comrade. I cried for their loss, but also for their passion and unity to not let it fall alone. It gave me hope for humanity. That faced with such a loss people joined together to stand together. And say we will rebuild. And not just because it’s Notre Dame – a famous tourist attraction in Paris. But because that’s what we as a global community should do, come together. To me, Notre Dame, and it’s rebuilding and restoration is more than just brick and mortar. It signifies rebuilding of hope, peace, community, and so much more.

Memories of Notre Dame Cathedral

My First Visit

I still remember my first visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. During my first backpacking trip across Europe, in 2005, my friend and I spent a couple of days in Paris. And while I didn’t really take a liking to the city back then, I did however immediately fell in love with Notre Dame.

I remember approaching it from the south side of the Seine and being drawn into its grandeur. Standing in front, my eyes followed the twin towers up towards the sky, I felt a sense of peace I’d never felt before. And as soon as we entered I was struck. By its calming deep echoes, the cool darkness, and a feeling of unbelievable calm.

There are only two main things that stood out from that visit, my overwhelming love for a place, and the simple statue of Joan of Arc that seemed to be lit amongst the shadows.

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My Second Visit

During my second visit to Notre Dame, my friends and I made the ascent up the narrow, sloping spiral staircase. I remember passing by the immense bell and looking out over Paris thinking I’ve never seen a better view.

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My Third Visit

My third visit to Paris was with my father. I took him on a whirlwind tour of Europe for his first time. We had limited time in Paris and walked from one side of the city to the next and ended up spending a good portion of our time in or around Notre Dame. After a visit within and stroll through the back garden, we took up seats at the café across the street, Esmeralda (it is now something else). We sat outside, sipping our cafés and simply admiring the Cathedral and life around it.

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My Last Visit

My last visit to Paris was in 2015. I was thrilled to return to Paris and get to explore it solo. And during my stay, my hotel was in the 11th arrondissement and only a 25-minute walk from Notre Dame. During my five days in Paris, I literally visited the cathedral EVERY day. Sometimes I would venture in early in the morning to wander the aisles or sit in the pews. Other days I would sit and breathe in the red roses in the garden, Square Jean XXIII, behind the cathedral.

I relish these memories of Notre Dame and count myself so fortunate to have seen her in all her glory, to have walked within nearly every inch of her glorious space, and to have experienced her mesmerizing allure.

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Interesting Facts about Notre Dame Cathedral

* Its full name is Notre-Dame de Paris (meaning Our Lady of Paris)

*Did you know that Notre Dame is considered “point zero”? All distances, in France, to and from Paris are measured from Notre Dame. There’s even a plate on the ground in front of the church saying point zero, with a compass.

*Another fascinating fact about Notre Dame is that while it was sadly heavily damaged after the French Revolution, thanks, much in part, to Victor Hugo’s classic the Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the church recaptured the hearts of the community and massive renovations began.

*There are 10 bells in Notre Dame. And they all have names! The most famous bell is Emmanuel, which is the largest bell, weighing in at 13 tons.

Have you ever visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris? What is your favourite memory?

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