Situated on the Ile de la Cité, Notre Dame and its parvis, were long considered the center of France. During the Middle Ages, the cathedral was truly the center of a multitude of tiny commerces, fairs -- a vast assortment of tradesmen and craftsmen were living under its protection. In 1768, it was announced that all distances in France were to be calculated from the zero point in front of the cathedral. And they still are!

Throughout the course of its existence, Notre Dame can pride itself on having been home to six Popes, forty Cardinals, and and over 200 Bishops. The cathedral has hosted numerous grand and serious occasions: the funerals of Philip V of Spain, of Louis XV, or the Duc d’Orléans. It is here that Napoleon was consecrated Emperor and also where he wedded Eugenie de Montijo.

It stands, proud and tall in its central point of Paris, watching over the great city, even if most Parisians have now become somewhat indifferent to its charms.