Notre Dame Cathedral, Episode 4

Categories: First Time in Paris, Paris

This episode features our frequent and very popular guest Elyse Rivin. If you enjoy her episodes, please consider supporting her on Patreon.

The first time I walked inside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, I thought "this is so small compared to Saint Peter in Rome!" I had just visited Rome, and although I had driven past Notre Dame Cathedral many times, I had never stepped inside. You would be surprised the number of French people, even Parisians, who have never stepped foot inside of Notre Dame! But I suppose it's no different than New Yorkers never going up the Empire State Building. Locals often ignore what's right in front of their noses.

By the time I went into Notre Dame Cathedral, I was a woman in my 40s who had just visited Rome, so that was my point of reference. What I didn't know at the time, because my passion for French history was born a few years later, is that the first stone of Notre Dame Cathedral was laid in 1163 whereas they laid the first stone for Saint Peter in 1506. 343 years separate these two massive churches! Notre Dame is a Cathedral whereas Saint Peter is a Basilica. There are lots of differences between the two and my point is, it's best not to compare them too much.

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast Elyse explains how  Notre Dame Cathedral came about. The construction of this Cathedral is one of the most monumental undertakings ever completed in Paris and the stars had to line up just right to get it done.  Why is Notre Dame so special? Why does it get so many visitors?  There are so many churches in Paris, some are incredibly beautiful, what sets Notre Dame apart?

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If you enjoyed this episode, you should also listen to related episode(s):

Inside view of Notre Dame Cathedral with no people inside, empty cathedral

Let's Review

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is the one place in Paris everybody should see. Even if you're not religious at all, even if you're of a different faith. It's a Medieval masterpiece and will set the tone for everything else you'll see in Paris.

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Show Notes 

Categories: First Time in Paris, Paris

3 Replies to “Notre Dame Cathedral, Episode 4”

  1. An absolute must for Art History & Architecture aficionados!
    I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of several of Elyse’s walking tours in Toulouse and these podcasts transport me back to France! Elyse shares her expertise through stories and histories of the art and architecture of France. She is incredibly passionate about the cities and sites she explores and shares wonderful stories that are both educational and awe inspiring. A visit to France is not complete without a walking tour with Elyse. These podcasts are a wonderful precursor to any trip or a wonderful way to spend a snowy afternoon dreaming of adventures to be had! These podcasts inspire me to do further research delving into the details of the stories and histories shared. This site is wonderful and Elyse’s walking tours are absolutely fantastic!!! I look forward to future podcasts!

  2. Bonjour,
    Great Episode… Notre Dame is my most favourite place in Paris. I spent from dawn till dusk there recently taking photos of the stages of light that hit it.
    One thing that is good to know is that in the park at the choir their are toilets as you mentioned but also there is a free wifi hotspot. I was able to face time ,y wife and four children back in Australia. It felt as though they where there with me.
    Thanks so much for my favourite podcast in iTunes…

    1. Correct! In Paris (and many other French cities) any place you have a city park (i.e. a place with a fence and a gate and opening hours) should have free WiFi. They turn it off when the park is closed to the public, but it’s there during the day.