Ah, Notre Dame. Magnifique!!
Bonjour,
Yes, yes, yes! We did get into magnificent Notre Dame last night about 8:30 after the Mass. It was a mad rush of people with a long line. BUT it moved fast. We were thrilled but of course the beautiful stained glass windows which have all been cleaned were not visible because of the night visit. We will still work on getting “real” tickets during the day and try to bring you those gorgeous windows.
The bad news is that I took a nasty fall outside in the line to get in. I scuffed up my phone but it still works and thought I had really damaged my left knee. But miraculously, it seems fine this morning after ice, rest, Tiger Balm, and Tylenol. These are probably not my best photos because I was pretty shaken up but you will get the gist of the beauty. 
Hope you enjoyed the tour. Our day also held time with Pierre and Laurie, Bernie’s cousins. We said a very tearful good-bye knowing with almost certainty it would be our last time together. What WONDERFUL memories we share.
It was an emotional day from every possible angle. That Bernie got to share the Notre Dame experience with his son was also phenomenal.
Much love to all,
L & B
December 14, 2024 @ 8:14 am
So fortunate to finally see Notre Dame. The photos are so lovely. I hope you do get in during the day while you are there, but I am thankful you were able to see it. Also very thankful that you were not injured badly. As always, it is exciting to read your post and imagine being there.
December 14, 2024 @ 8:25 am
Oh Linda, How gorgeous, All clean and sparkly! And I bet the windows will be spectacular now in the daylight! When I was in Paris one summer in HS, I lived with a french family who went to Mass every Sunday morning at ND. While I am not Catholic, I thought at the time it would have been awkward for me not to go t with the 6 children and parents every Sunday. And so I went to Mass every Sunday morning, As my father said later, it did improve my French and Latin and I loved being in the Cathedral! it was spectacular even them, I was taken on several special tours so at the time got to see so many nooks and crannies I felt privileged. Every time I go back to Paris I do attend one Mass, and do spend some time talking around ND. And then of course I visit Berthillon for a melangé. Thank you for the pictures, I cant wait to see it myself!
December 14, 2024 @ 11:12 am
So happy you were able to get to see Notre Dame last night! Thank you for sharing your photos and I hope you go easy with your knee for a few days!
December 14, 2024 @ 11:35 am
Wonderful to wake up to your fabulous photos!
I sure hope your knee is ok!
December 14, 2024 @ 11:50 am
The timeless beauty and miracle of restoration is overwhelming. Hope the knee doesn’t complain later. You’ve been having a tussle, Linda!
December 14, 2024 @ 12:31 pm
How absolutely stunning!!!!!!!!!!! What a labor of love for all the artisans who worked on the restoration. Hope you are able to secure those day tickets where the beautiful stained glass windows will radiate their glory. We will never forget our visit there in 2018.
December 14, 2024 @ 4:31 pm
You know that Jim is trying to help me with tix.
December 14, 2024 @ 12:44 pm
Notre Dame…..stunningly beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Thank goodness your fall wasn’t any worse….please take care!
December 14, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
The pictures are stunning! What a wonderful time to be in Notre Dame! I am sorry and concerned to hear about your fall, and certainly glad it appears no major injury!!!
December 14, 2024 @ 1:15 pm
Beautiful, Linda. Thank you!!
Hope your knee is all right!!
December 14, 2024 @ 1:31 pm
Thank you, thank you. The photos are wonderful. Sorry you fell, take care. Glad you are better.
December 14, 2024 @ 1:51 pm
Absolutely beautiful. So sorry about your fall.
December 14, 2024 @ 2:20 pm
Ah yes so happy you did get there. And that Bernie’s son saw it with him. Your pictures were excellent in spite of your fall. Please no more falls or illnesses while there. We want you to enjoy Paris
December 14, 2024 @ 2:25 pm
Magnifique!!! Thank you for these wonderful photos. Hope your knee continues to be ok.
December 14, 2024 @ 3:25 pm
The two men, in particular, certainly look Alsatian…
December 14, 2024 @ 3:25 pm
How wonderful you were able to get in and view the incredible interior. So sorry about your fall.
Thank you so much for taking us on your journey. I have enjoyed your posts for years. I too love Paris!
December 14, 2024 @ 3:38 pm
What a wonderful opportunity. So glad Bernie got his birthday wish. And to see it with his son is even more special. Take care of yourself and maybe stay off that knee today.
December 14, 2024 @ 4:12 pm
How beautiful…the colors are so vibrant! It is so exciting to see the objects with the colors as they originally were. Seeing the restored interior for the first time in photos was amazing and so different from the dark interior from the days when I saw it. I am so glad that you and Bernie were able to get to see the Notre Dame after its opening and sharing your experience in photos. A wonderful way to start the day. Thank you!!
December 14, 2024 @ 4:28 pm
What a blessed day in so many ways. The restoration is truly miraculous. So sorry about your fall. Take care and prayers for a continued beautiful journey.
Nancy Colin
December 14, 2024 @ 4:56 pm
Dinner at the top of the Eifel Tower.
Then the next day one of the first visitors to the restored Notre Dame.
Y’all are doing pretty good.
I’m glad that the restoration turned out so well and that you were able to visit.
Thank you.
December 14, 2024 @ 8:05 pm
Thank you so much, Linda, for sharing these gorgeous photos. I continue to try every afternoon (overnight your time) to get tix but it’s always the same — SOLD OUT. I’ll keep trying as long as you’re in Paris. I hope your knee doesn’t bother you too much.
December 14, 2024 @ 9:06 pm
Thanks for your continued help. We dearly would love to see the windows during the day!
December 15, 2024 @ 12:48 am
GLORIOUS photos. I’m so sorry you fell, so glad you seem to be fine. Your persistence paid off. What an experience. Here’s hoping you get to go again!
December 15, 2024 @ 5:48 am
I loved seeing this unbelievable restoration through your photos and explanations. Such a blessing in the times of today finding so many landmarks being defaced or destroyed. The results of the restoration feels as though time stood still like magic. Sorry about your fall. I’m looking forward to your continued adventures.