Blog 8: St. Laurent, Madeleine, Notre Dame

My first trip to France was all about seeing as many cathedrals as possible (I visited more than 20).
But Paris is certainly the city of churches.  One of the great experiences of my life was being there on Easter Eve, and at midnight, all the churches of Paris rang their bells! 
Here are three of the five visited. 
St. Laurent was right around the corner from our hotel, the Petite Regina, and has one of the finest organs, well-maintained.  It dates back to 1685.

St. Laurent

On the way to the American Embassy, the Place de la Concorde

National Assembly, and Hotel des Invalides

Madeleine

Madeleine
Based on the Maison Carree in Nimes, the most complete example of a Roman temple
still standing, she was dedicated to Napoleon's armies, then later became a church.
She has 52 Corinthian columns.

Close to the church, Lalique

And Gucci

Looking back from the steps of the church

Immense Bronze doors

It was so great to get some good photos.  My only other visit, there was a mass
going on, and no photography was being allowed.

Small organ in behind the alter.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame
Started in 1163, finished in 1250.  Flying buttresses, some of the most beautiful ever devised, added in the 14th Century.
Abandoned after the revolution, Napoleon revived it for his coronation, and the Great Gothic scholar and architect
Violet-le Duc began restoring it in the mid 19th Century, adding many of the famous gargoyles.
When we first arrived, the light was as you see it, but by the time we were leaving, the light was perfect for
capturing the details of one of the most beloved cathedrals in the world.

The world-famous flying buttresses, added in the 14th century.

Plaque behind the cathedral. By the time Bruce and I had a break in a café (he with coffee. and
me with a pastiche, the sun had shifted to the front of the cathedral.

Bruce adding some prospective to the size.
It was unfortunate not to get in, it was extremely crowded, and a huge waiting line.
The last time I visited, I climbed the 300 steps to the towers.
Incredible views.

On the way to the Louvre, the tour de l'Horlage, the first public clock in
Paris, dating from the 14th century.

Barbara and the Seine.
My bucket list to be with her in Paris is fulfilled.

I am guessing this is St. Germaine L'Auxerois
This was the site of the infamous St. Bartholomew massacre in which thousands of
Huguenots were murdered in 1572

Next blog: St. Eustache and St. Chappelle !