During the week, I reviewed Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame–a wonderful and surprisingly complex Disney cartoon. Naturally, for Saturday Snapshot, I thought I’d share some pictures from my visit to the cathedral last September!
I went in the morning, on the theory that it would be less crowded. Contrary to what this picture suggests, this actually worked–it was even busier by the time I left.
The lighting is very bad for photos inside the cathedral, so apologies for the fuzziness–but I managed to get a shot of this lovely statue of Mary and Jesus. And after I got home and rewatched Hunchback, I realized this is the statue Esmeralda addresses her beautiful song to, “God Help the Outcasts.”
After seeing the inside of the cathedral, I went around the corner and got in a long line to go up in Quasi’s towers–and up many, many narrow winding steps. Google brings back differing numbers on how many steps it is, but the majority opinion seems to be 387. I believe it! If you watch Hunchback, look for a scene of Quasi and Phoebus on steps that look a lot like these.
It’s worth all the steps for the views from the top! And definitely worth it for the gargoyles. After all, I had to go up and see Quasi’s gargoyles. 🙂
After I came down from the towers, I went in search of another literary/movie reference–also by Victor Hugo. Apologies, as it’s somewhat grim…but I remembered that in the 1998 film of Les Miserables, when Javert went into the Seine there was a beautiful view of Notre Dame behind him. So I went down to the walkway beside the Seine, and I’m pretty sure this is the spot…
Not to mention, from down there you can’t see all the crowds!
All in all, Notre Dame was wonderful to visit–a beautiful place, and then there’s all the literary references too.
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Oi those stairs remind me of the stairs at the Cadet Chapel at West Point where we used to go to church when I was a kid. They scared me! Old spiral stairwells like that still scare me a bit.
And ah, Javert. 😦
Wow, it’s quite something, isn’t it? Must’ve been awesome to see in person. (And I would’ve wanted to figure out “the spot” from Les Mis, too, lol.)
I’ve visited Notre Dame twice, but never made it up the stairs for the view. I joined the queue last time (which was really, really long) but after it didn’t move at all in 20 minutes we had to move on. I went back one evening when I thought it was open, but it was shut. Next year, will be the year. I always plan to read The Hunchback of Notre Dame when I’m in Paris, and yet I haven’t read it yet. Next time. Thanks for the memories.
The line is definitely a downside for the towers–I got in it before they were even open, and it still took forever. Worth it, though! I hope you make it next year!
Bear With Me…Wonderful architecture and history♫
One of these day….I want to go there! I love the picture of the stairs. I’m not so sure I’d love going up 387 of them….but I’d probably do it.
Here’s my Snapshot.
I’m not a big fan of stairs, but it wasn’t as bad as 387 sounds!
Wonderful photos! I can not wait to see the new Les Mis when it releases later this month, maybe they will get some shots of Notre Dame… Anyhow, thank you for sharing your pictures today, I hope to see Notre Dame in person at some point 🙂 Book Savvy Babe
Oh how I love Notre Dame and Paris!
Ohhhh I remember those spiral stairs. I climbed them in 40°C heat one summer! Thanks for the memories 🙂
Yikes! At least it was pretty cool when I was climbing.
Nice! It looks like we’ll be going to Paris in the spring. I need to start re-watching some movies so I can visit my favorite spots.
Excellent! Have a great trip!
That looks like an amazing experience! I hope that I will see it someday!
I love how you were able to get a shot of the Eiffel Tower in the background of the gargoyles. Beautiful pictures.
Fabulous! I do love cathedrals…they are so imposing and impressive.
What fun to be able to visit this lovely cathedral with the books and movies in mind!
Beautiful shots! I feel as though I was there with you.
What an amazing building! I’ve never seen it in person but it is fascinating. I love the gargoyles!!
Thanks for sharing these photos! I think it would be amazing to see in person!