When traveling to Paris, you will hear a lot about the Left Bank or Right Bank, but what's in the middle? This oldest part of Paris called Ile De La Cite. It's a tiny island in the middle and connects the Right and Left Banks.
On the Ile De La Cite is Notre Dame, along with really expensive restaurants. I highly suggest waiting to eat once you get back to a regular neighborhood. Everything is marked up near Notre Dame; food, souvenirs, and maps. The shops have a good thing being that close to Notre Dame and they know it!
Depending on the time of year, there may be a long wait to get into church. Be prepared to wait, but be mindful of your surroundings. Don't fall prey to pickpockets.
I suggest getting the Museum pass. Not only will you get access to more Museums that you can see in one trip, you will also have access to take the steps up (387) to the cross walk between towers. It's not for the faint at heart or weary traveler, so do this early in the day.
Once inside the church the stained glass windows are breathtaking. There may be a service going on, if there is, you'll want to be respectful of the parishioners. This is a functioning church (meaning - it's not just for tourists). You may be limited to which areas you can see and take photos of.
My favorite thing to see in the church is the statue of Joan of Arc. What an amazing story of a passionate and determined female leader in a time and place where female leaders were not encouraged or recognized by the world.
After you've had an opportunity to see the inside of the church, wonder around the back to see the famous flying buttresses. There's a quaint park behind the church where locals play Bocce ball and rest for a moment before they continue their morning walk.
Happy Traveling!
On the Ile De La Cite is Notre Dame, along with really expensive restaurants. I highly suggest waiting to eat once you get back to a regular neighborhood. Everything is marked up near Notre Dame; food, souvenirs, and maps. The shops have a good thing being that close to Notre Dame and they know it!
Depending on the time of year, there may be a long wait to get into church. Be prepared to wait, but be mindful of your surroundings. Don't fall prey to pickpockets.
I suggest getting the Museum pass. Not only will you get access to more Museums that you can see in one trip, you will also have access to take the steps up (387) to the cross walk between towers. It's not for the faint at heart or weary traveler, so do this early in the day.
Once inside the church the stained glass windows are breathtaking. There may be a service going on, if there is, you'll want to be respectful of the parishioners. This is a functioning church (meaning - it's not just for tourists). You may be limited to which areas you can see and take photos of.
My favorite thing to see in the church is the statue of Joan of Arc. What an amazing story of a passionate and determined female leader in a time and place where female leaders were not encouraged or recognized by the world.After you've had an opportunity to see the inside of the church, wonder around the back to see the famous flying buttresses. There's a quaint park behind the church where locals play Bocce ball and rest for a moment before they continue their morning walk.
Happy Traveling!
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