On the Rooftops of Notre Dame de Paris: Visiting the Cathedral's Bell Tower

by - July 27, 2015

"bateau ivre" means "drunk boat". I'd love to know why the owner called it that!

For my first post about Paris, I think I chose a great spot to share with you. The cathedral of Notre Dame is one of Paris' most popular features, and it's easy to understand why - even though it is not the biggest, nor the most original building, it surely is awe-inspiring as you look at it from below. And once you're up in the towers, you can see how small we actually are! 
I love churches, not because of religious beliefs (I'm an atheist), but because they are wonders of human creativity and skill. I like to think about the good things men and women make, there are so many things going wrong at the moment in the world but if we focus on the good, beautiful things, it makes life a little brighter for all of us!
Visiting the towers really gives another perspective on Paris. The area around the cathedral and boulevard St Michel is so crowded all the time, from up there you can see it better. The Seine gives a picturesque atmosphere to the area, and thanks to the sun that day the water did not look as brownish as it usually does! 

So if you come to Paris, go and check out the inside of the cathedral, but also its towers - you won't regret it! But be prepared, there are lots and lots of stairs! :P
And I have to warn you as well, as a practical advice: if you come in the area and some girls or women approach you to make you sign a form for a charity for the deaf, PLEASE don't go to them, just say no and make sure they don't stick around. I was shocked at how many of these women there were in the area of the cathedral, and they are not part of a charity at all - as hard as their situation might be, they are thieves and know what they're doing - so watch out. I had to tell you, because many people don't know about this when they come to Paris.
Nevertheless, I hope you like the photos and appreciate the beauty of the place. While I was up there, I realised how much I love Paris - even though I often complain about it!

Have you ever been to Notre Dame cathedral? 

Lots of love,
Julia x

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25 commentaires

  1. Beautiful Pictures!

    xo A

    dottedbow.blogspot.com

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  2. J'adore! J'ai pris mes billets de TGV ce matin, alors ce post tombe à pique!

    - Elodie x
    www.elle-yeah.com

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    1. Merci ! ça fait quand même du bien de revenir de temps en temps pas vrai ? ;) xx

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  3. it's beautiful. i'm going to paris in 2 weeks and i'd love to go up there, less crowded and definitely a different view. then it would be like being back to my childhood, the hunchbacked of notredame, the disney version! when i saw your gargoyle picture and it reminded me so much of the film(:

    bateau ivre maybe for Rimbaud poem? i'm just guessing(:

    xx from Italy
    Cate ღ kate/idoscope | youtube

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    1. Yes, it was really less crowded than going in the actual cathedral. Also they let you in by small groups, so it's a more pleasant experience I think. The Disney film is amazing, too bad we don't have real talking gargoyles!
      You were right for the boat, I didn't know this poem! It is wonderfully written. Thanks for letting me know, and have fun in Paris! xx

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    2. i will definitely do a post of my adventures in paris in the next weeks(:

      no problem... "les poets maudit" are my fav french poets, that's why I remembered it(:

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    3. I'll be happy to read it then! Do you already know what you're going to visit?
      It's great that you love French poetry, we do have some great poets!

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  4. You are so lucky to have gone to paris, those photos make me want to go there asap!




    Stay fabulous x

    Y-- http://daristo-chic.blogspot.com/

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    1. Yes, I have to say living next to Paris has its advantages! Thanks for passing by :) xx

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  5. WOW! How I wish I were with you during the whole trip!!! <3 Thanks for sharing these breath taking pictures!

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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    1. I'm glad to share these so that you feel as if you were a little bit there! ;) xx

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  6. Beautiful pictures! I miss Paris! Good Post!

    Mariana
    thegirlwithblackboots.blogspot.com

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    1. I'm sure you'll come back one day! Thanks so much xx

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  7. You really should if you have the chance to, you would not be disappointed by the trip ;) xx

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  8. What a great trip! I love all the pictures you took! :D

    http://perlasancheza.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you Perla, glad you liked them! xx

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  9. Paris looks so perfect!!!

    http://marynmakeup.blogspot.cz/

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    1. Trust me it's not perfect at all, but it is wonderful nonetheless ;) xx

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  10. I've only been to Paris once when I was very little but I'm desperate to go again now I'm older It seems like such a beautiful and interesting place! x http://coffeeatmidnight13.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. It is definitely one of those places that you have to see as you get older and you can understand the buildings and monuments you see there, lots of history and art! xx

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  11. Woww!! I love paris**
    Magnific photos**
    Check my blog*
    www.a-be-atriz.com
    xx, A Be-atriz

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    1. Thank you Beatriz! I'm going to check out your blog ;) xx

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