Speaking of stained glass windows, also on the Isle de la Cite, the smaller church known as the Sainte Chappelle has perhaps the most spectacular array of them anywhere. Built about the same time as Notre Dame, it was also damaged during the French Revolution and restored in the 19th century. The design and construction of the building was perhaps the first to allow so much window area, and it was put to very good use indeed.
While it is open for conventional tours, a better way to see it is to go to a concert there in the evening. That way, you avoid the lines and crowds and get to listen to some heavenly music too. Be sure that the concert starts before sunset, though, to get the full experience of the windows!
Speaking of stained glass windows, also on the Isle de la Cite, the smaller church known as the Sainte Chappelle has perhaps the most spectacular array of them anywhere. Built about the same time as Notre Dame, it was also damaged during the French Revolution and restored in the 19th century. The design and construction of the building was perhaps the first to allow so much window area, and it was put to very good use indeed.
While it is open for conventional tours, a better way to see it is to go to a concert there in the evening. That way, you avoid the lines and crowds and get to listen to some heavenly music too. Be sure that the concert starts before sunset, though, to get the full experience of the windows!