Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris: Witness to Resilience

Mark and Vicki in Paris.

A stop at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is more than just sightseeing; it’s a witness to resilience. Even as the spire and roof are being painstakingly restored following the 2019 fire, the “Grand Dame” of Paris remains the architectural and spiritual heart of the city.

Standing in the Parvis de Notre-Dame—the literal “Point Zero” from which all distances in France are measured—you can’t help but be struck by the defiant beauty of the twin Gothic towers.

First touch

First touch

The Tower of Saint James in Paris, France, is impressive. Its architecture is pure gothic in style, with all the ribs and nubbins favored by pigeons. It rises 203 feet from the base to the noggin of Saint James who teeters on top. This tower was our first touch with the Camino de Santiago.