Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris, one of the most famous churches in the world, just celebrated her 850th anniversary last year.  In celebration of this huge event, they installed new bells, a viewing platform outside the front entrance, and they updated the interior lighting to better show off the stunning gothic architecture inside.  I often tuck into Notre Dame on rainy days, since admission is free and there’s plenty of room to sit and have a quiet moment to yourself.  Every now and then I stumble onto a choral or organ performance, which is so hauntingly beautiful.

Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth it to stop by and see the inside of Notre Dame de Paris.  It’s quick, easy, free, and an amazing photo op!  I also really love the area around the church, particularly the garden in the back where you can view the famous flying buttresses, the Pont de l’Archeveche lovers’ lock bridge, the nearby flower market, and the Île-Saint-Louis neighborhood.