A Seamless Visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral: Skipping the Crowds
During my latest stroll past Notre-Dame Cathedral, I noticed something unexpected: there was absolutely no queue. The "no-reservation" lane looked like it was moving incredibly fast, so I decided to head inside on a whim.
The entry process was remarkably smooth, and I found myself standing in the heart of the cathedral in no time. Surprisingly, the interior wasn't nearly as packed as I had anticipated. It made me realize that the Sacré-Cœur Basilica often feels much more crowded and typically commands far longer wait times than what I experienced here today.
It has been about a year since I last visited during the pre-opening phase. I had been avoiding the area recently after hearing reports of heavy tourist traffic, but seeing how accessible it is now, it feels like a place I can visit much more casually.
I also noticed that the gift shops have significantly expanded their selection. With fewer people around, I was able to browse the new items and shop at my own pace, which made the entire experience much more enjoyable.
Credit: Sayo Okamoto