Christmas at Notre Dame

The construction of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris began in 1163 during the reign of Louis VII. It took 200 years (completed in 1345) to finish building this marvel of gothic architecture.
Although much of what you see today are the result of 19th century restorations by Viollet le Duc, its medieval character remains intact and keeps us in touch with the religious fervor that helped realize such an ambitious architectural feat. Read more about Notre Dame.
Two million visitors are expected to be visiting the Notre Dame de Paris nativity scene.

Here’s some trivia: Notre Dame has witnessed the crowning of a variety of kings, queens, emperors and empresses. Henry VI, King of England was crowned here in 1430. (By the way, dare I say it, but Paris was occupied by the English for a period of time before Joan of Arc entered the picture)
Mary Stuart was crowned Queen of France here (she married Francis II) and Napoleon and Josephine crowned themselves emperor and empress.

On Sunday, December 24th, a sound and light projection ‘Spectacle de Noel’ will begin at 4:30 pm.
An international mass will be held at 8 pm and another sound and light projection begins at 10 pm for Christmas Eve.
At 11 pm, the children and adult’s choir will be singing Christmas carols.
At midnight, the archbishop of Paris, Monseigneur Andre Vingt-trois will be celebrating mass.
On Christmas day, Monday, December 25th there’ll be masses as follows:
8:30 am
10:00 am Gregorian Mass
11:30 am
12:45 pm
4:30 pm Organ recital by Olivier Latry
6:30 pm Christmas evening mass

On Thursday, December 28th at 8:30 pm, Gregorian Chants will be performed by the Gregorian Ensemble under the direction of Sylvain Dieudonne.

(c) 2006 Chris Card Fuller