Our First Trip to Paris - Part Four

The Eiffel Tower

Approaching the Eiffel Tower from the north

The tower is well-protected. We saw plenty of police in body armor, soldiers carrying combat weapons, and armored vehicles.

These mountaineers seemed pretty serious about getting to the top, but as far as we could tell they never started the climb. It was a rainy day, so perhaps the structure was just too wet and slippery.

Looking out at the city

Palais de Chaillot viewed from the tower

Rosemary's father was in Paris in August 1945. Here he stands on the second level, facing the Trocadero. The view is still the same, but today this level is protected by a cage of safety wire.

The Arc de Triomphe viewed (with zoom) from the Eiffel Tower

Notre Dame

It took nearly 200 years to build this Gothic cathedral, which was completed in 1345. The exterior is covered with sculptures depicting angels, saints, demons and citizens. The bell towers are 200 feet high. The climb is about 400 steps, and we decided to do it. For security reasons and to control traffic, 20 people are allowed into the tower at intervals of 10 minutes. We stood in line about an hour.

A section of the facade of Notre-Dame. The guy carrying his head is St. Denis, a former bishop of Paris.

Paris seen from Notre Dame

 
Part way up the tower, tourists get a close look at one of the big bells. A poster nearby shows Quasimodo enjoying a slightly smaller version.

The church of Sacre-Cour, viewed from Notre Dame

A gargoyle contemplates the city.

Interior of the cathedral

A closeup of the north rose window, which still has its original medieval glass

The old-fashioned confessional has been replaced with a modern counseling office.

A section of ceiling near the front of the church