Notre Dame! I so badly wish that the restoration was finished for us to see, but sadly it is still under construction from the fire that damaged it in 2019. They are hoping to open its doors in time for the 2024 Olympics.
Look how beautiful it sits along the river.
Can you believe this Cathedral started construction in 1163!! and it took nearly 200 years to complete. Notre Dame was built in the Gothic style and is meant to symbolize the power and influence of the Catholic Church. Notre Dame has also played a significant role throughout history. It is even at the center of one of the most classic books, Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. For me I mostly know it from the Disney movie.
Notre Dame remains a symbol of French resilience through centuries of wars, revolutions, and natural disasters. I'm so happy that throughout all of that (and the recent fire) that it still still stands.
The Gothic architecture is unmatched. So cool! From were we stood it was hard to see the famous gargoyles, but we were able to see them through pictures.
Next up, a walk to the catacombs!
The Catacombs of Paris are a vast underground ossuary that houses the remains of over six million people. Located beneath the streets of Paris, the catacombs were created in the late 18th century due to overcrowded cemeteries. In 1786, the city began transferring bones to the abandoned limestone quarries below Paris, consolidating the remains from several different burial sites.
This is the sign above the entrance to the catacombs:
“Halt! This is the Empire of the Dead”
Descending into the Paris catacombs feels like stepping into a hidden, eerie world beneath the glitz and glamour of the city above. It's a completely different feeling.
After heading down a winding staircase, you're suddenly in these long, dim tunnels that stretch for miles with walls of bones stacked neatly in rows. It's quiet, a bit cool, and feels a little creepy, but fascinating at the same time.
It was fascinating how organized and dare I say creative how they lined up all the bones. It really was mind boggling to think that these millions of bones were actually people. It was also morbidly tempting to want to touch them. I obviously refrained out of respect for the dead, but I will admit there was a slight temptation.
🤍💀
"They were as we are
Dust, the wind's plaything
Fagile as men
Feeble as the void"
It was such a labyrinth!
This was so cool. Don't know how they could make something so pretty out of something so morbid. The catacombs are something I definitely recommend to any going to Paris! It makes you think about how old and full of history Paris really is. It's an experience that is both haunting and humbling.
To end our trip in Paris we just lost ourselves to the city and explored while also grabbing some treats along the way.
Angelina's. Their hot chocolate was highly recommend by almost anyone who has been to Paris, so I'll admit I was very disappointed when I had it. It was way too thick and rich for my taste. It was almost like drinking straight up chocolate syrup. Maybe I was just spoiled from just being in Belgium, but Angelina's was not my fave.
I mean you have to have an eclair when in Paris?! I think it would be blasphemous if you didn't.
Such a beautiful city
Grabbed some carmels from Jacques Genin that a friend asked for us to bring home, and omg they are the absolute best!
Walked by Notre Dame at Night! This is the backside, but as you can tell its brightly lite up for all the construction work. It looks almost like a Christmas tree!
Town Hall! All decorated for the holidays as well as getting ready for the Olympics!
Our last dinner in the city. Bistrot de L'Ouette such a cute small intimate restaurant with a great atmosphere.
While in Paris we got the French onion soup as often as we could (and it never disappointed!), this time however at this restaurant the soup of the day was pumpkin and honestly it was probably the best soup I have ever had.
Leaving Paris was bittersweet, and I would go back in a heartbeat. This trip has easily been one of my all-time favorite vacations. I’ll admit, I had some reservations going in—I’d heard from several people that Paris might not live up to the hype. Some said it was dirty, others complained about rude locals, and I started to worry it wouldn’t match the picture-perfect image in my head. But honestly, I didn’t find any of that to be true. Whether it’s because the city has cleaned up for the upcoming Summer Olympics or not, it didn’t matter to me—Paris felt absolutely magical. The charm, the history, the energy of the city… it all far exceeded my expectations. From strolling along the Seine to sipping coffee at cozy cafes, every moment was an experience I’ll cherish forever. And being with my love made it all the more special. Au revior Paris! Till we meet again!
