Notre Dame Tower - November 24, 08

Finally I found a parking spot for Notre Dame, and it was within walking distance.

The first thing I did was wait in line to climb the 387 steps up the north tower to the famous gargoyles and to view the magnificent view of Paris.

While waiting in line to climb the stairs to the tower, the man in black was wearing a mask and scaring people. He would walk behind them, crouching, until they would notice them. Attempt to hold their hands. Or just to freak them out. It was funny. Everyone would scream and then laugh when they realized what he was doing. After his show he came across and wanted everyone to give him some money.

There are 2 parts to the tower. The 1st stop (387 steps) stops at the landing with the gargoyles. Here is a picture with the gargoyle and a beautiful view of Paris.

This is the spire. It was restored by Viollet-le-Duc and soars to a height of 295 feet. Viollet-le-Duc also restored the buildings, replaced missing statues, and fixed some of the gargoyles.

Here I am at the very top of the tower. Behind me you see a pretty view of Paris with the Eiffel tower in the background on the far left side.

One of the gargoyles that I liked.


While on top of the tower a row of ambulances drove down the road (they look like regular white vans). Not sure where they were heading for I didn't see any accidents, but they were going somewhere.

There are the famous Flying Buttresses. Jean Ravy's spectacular flying buttresses at the east end of the cathedral have a span of 50 feet. Simply amazing.

Here I am heading down all the steps from the tower. You got more dizzy going down than you did going up. It was a lot of fun though and well worth the wait and money.