When we first visited Notre Dame, there was a long line of people waiting to tour the belfry. We decided not to wait with them, but later in the week, I thought I’d try again. Luckily, the line was much shorter then, so I paid about $7 and went up.

As you can see, it was yet another beautiful day and the gargoyles were in fine spirits. I didn't see Quasimodo ringing the bells, but I was treated to inspiring views of the city. Below, the Seine River leads toward the Eiffel Tower. The buildings you see faintly, very far off, at the right side of the horizon, are in the part of Paris known as La Défense, maybe five miles away.