If you’ve been to Paris, you have photos of Notre Dame Cathedral. Probably a lot of them, because it’s so hard to capture its grandeur and godliness.
Or it was…

With the terrible news of the fire in Notre Dame Cathedral, I bet I’m not the only one who searched for snapshots and memories of my visits. Today I share a few of mine with you.
The first time I went to Paris, I decided not to bring a camera–this was in pre-smartphone days. Instead, I’d just concentrate on soaking in the city and get by with postcards. This actually worked pretty well…until I entered Notre Dame. There’s a reason that over 13 million people a year wanted to visit it. A certain je ne sais quoi, as the French say. It feels, well, holy. Ancient, wise. Comforting, forgiving.



When I returned to Paris, you can be sure that I carried a camera (still no smartphones then) and made a beeline to the cathedral. Alas, I’m no Ansel Adams, but now the interior photos seem more precious than ever.


















What will happen now to Notre Dame Cathedral? Already, donors are lining up to provide funding for reconstruction. Having been close to demolition in the 1700s, vandalized during the French Revolution, then rescued by Hugo and Napoleon, it will rise again. And when it is, take plenty of photos.
More Paris and thoughts on travel:
Eiffel Tower: Photos and Facts