Notre Dame de Paris

Victor Hugo once said, “Great edifices, like great mountains, are the work of centuries.” This is certainly the case with Notre Dame de Paris. As the world is well aware, this past April flames engulfed our sacred cathedral, threatening to destroy it. As fate would have it, the cathedral stands intact. In tribute to this marvel of Gothic architecture recently celebrating 900-years, Kathy Borrus has just released a book featuring rarely seen photographs and stories from the past to the present day, even including an early map of Paris, with Notre Dame crowning the Île de la Cité.

Notre Dame de Paris: A Celebration of the Cathedral details the history and architecture of this landmark building while bringing to light its collection of priceless artifacts, the treasured Crown of Thorns among them.

“Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it made a cathedral…” -Robert Louis Stevenson

Notre Dame Cathedral from Quai de Montebello

Discover the rich history of Notre Dame, from the coronation of Napoléon Bonaparte to World War II and beyond.

Chimeras (gargoyles) of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris overlooking Paris

Book Notre Dame de Paris also details the legacy of the cathedral, with artists including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso depicting Notre Dame in paintings. Cinema too played a role, as Victor Hugo’s classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame provoked many a Hollywood film.

West side of the Notre Dame de Paris

Within the pages of this collectors book for anyone with a deep affinity for Paris, I’ll allow you to discover for yourself why Notre Dame Cathedral is often considered an unofficial wonder of the world.

The Heart of Paris

How fortunate I am to live within such close proximity to this 12th-century 850-year-old Gothic masterpiece. In tribute to this sacred lady, rightfully the very heart of Paris set on Île de la Cité, badly damaged in yesterday’s fire but remaining miraculously intact, I share a few thoughts and images from the past nine years. Walking through Notre Dame‘s gardens, or catching a glimpse while returning home from dinner on the left bank, always fills me with a feeling of profound peace. Within her welcoming doors, I become entranced by the history, the spirituality, the sense of belonging.

My first Christmas in Paris, she graced us with midnight mass as we sat in the second row, our spirits soaring high amidst a chorus of blessings. Last year we had the good fortune to watch the annual light show on the cathedral’s facade, what a spectacular sight!

Climbing 422 steps to the top of Notre Dame’s towers, I beheld the most stunning views of Paris. Undoubtedly my favorite vantage point in which to inhale the city, along with the gargoyles.

I can’t count the number of long, leisurely picnics spent on Île Saint-Louis, the bells of Notre Dame Cathedral providing our soundtrack as we admired her glowing beneath the late summer sun.

Cherished memories. Our four-year anniversary photo shoot with Chloe Lodge was shared with this sacred lady.

Whenever I catch sight of Notre Dame Cathedral I know exactly where I am, as she represents the heart of Paris.

This view that I have seen and admired countless times, will forever symbolize Paris to me. I know and pray that the heart of the city will continue to beat, as vibrantly as ever.

To donate to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, head over to Friends of Notre Dame or Fondation du Patrimoine.

views from above

The last few weeks in Paris have been a feast for the eyes, and equally, for the soul. Is there a more spectacular season than autumn, when the leaves turn golden hues against elegant pale facades? Even on a gray day, the city comes to life, inviting you to admire it.

IMG_9968 I have taken many a stroll along its leafy streets, occasionally looking up to catch the light.

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