We didn't go into Notre Dame this trip, but we did walk past it on our way from the crypt to lunch. I took these shots along the way. I was so enthralled by the archeological history show in the crypt that I neglected to take any pictures.
I wanted to show how these plane trees were pruned, but I managed to cut off the top of the cross.
Here's a picture with the cross but no bases to the trees. We saw this kind of plane tree shaping in several locations all over France.
Notre Dame and Sainte Chappelle are within a couple of blocks of each other.
Sainte Chappelle isn't exactly a cathedral, but the stained glass is so extraordinary you might think you are in one. This chapel was created by Louis XIV for his collection of Christian relics. Even though it was severely damaged during the French Revolution and restored in the 19th century, it has one of the largest collections of 13th century stained glass still in place. Go to the Wikipedia article linked for more on Sainte Chappelle.
Since stained glass is its claim to fame, let's get to it. The chapel is actually pretty small, but the glass panels are very tall with little structure between them. We were there on a cloudy day, so the glass isn't quite as beautiful as it could be, but it is so breathtaking that people are usually very quiet inside.
This is probably the case most any day, but the day we were there, some restoration work was going on.
As spectacular as the stained glass is, I was equally overwhelmed by the structure and the wall painting.
Many of the scenes have been restored.
But not all.
I also loved the floor.
And the ceiling.
You enter downstairs where the servants worshipped. Still not too shabby.
I liked this part of the entrance.
Trout's always into the gargoyles.
We got there early in the day and didn't have to wait too long to get in. We had a museum pass, so that helped, but everyone must go through heavy airport-like security at these monuments, so that's what takes so long.
