Paris - Notre-Dame and Veneration of the Crown of Thorns

The focus for today was Notre-Dame and the Veneration of the Crown of Thorns.  We took the Metro to the Cite stop, walked past the flower sellers and to the Cathedral.  The Mass was going to start at 3PM, and we wanted to be there by 12:30 to avoid the lines and save the perfect seat.  And that is exactly what we did.  One of us held the three seats in the 7th row center aisle while the others took turns touring the Cathedral.  The presentation was very formal with about 12 church officials walking before, carrying the crown, and following it.   After about 45 minutes, the lines were formed one row at a time to walk up and touch or kiss the crown.  It is in a beautiful holder. We couldn't take pictures so use this website to see the details.

Veneration-of-the-Crown-of-Thorns
The website shows that the crown is carried by one person, but it is brought in by four people. 
Source: This photo is from the Notre Dame website.



This video is hard to see. They procession had exited the main church area and were walking through the outer hallways.  Watch carefully and you will see a crown shaped container carried shoulder high by four men (two front, two back).

After every body in the HUGE cathedral had lined up to kiss the Crown, we left and walked around the outside of the Cathedral. We crossed from the island that we were on (Ile de la Cite) to Ile St Louis and had lunch/dinner.  The meals were basic and down to earth (standard steak and pork dishes) followed by basic incredible desserts.  We walked along the Latin Quarter, crossed on to Ile de la Cite again, down the stairs and walked along the river. I always wanted to do that and it is a  nice area.  We took the ramp up to Pont Neuf (New Bridge-oldest bridge in Paris) and headed towards the apartment. The day was fairly easy (no boot camp walks and climbs) and we were home relaxing, doing laundry, finishing a bottle of wine...getting ready for tomorrow.

This is the map of the day's adventures. Click to enlarge.

A few trees were in full bloom and filled with pink flowers.

Notre Dame surrounded by pure color: blue skies, pink blossoms,
and green trees.

We sat outside at the Brasserie de Ile St. Louis.
It is on the left corner just as you cross the
bridge.

One ordered a glass of wine. The waiter brought the bottle
and said that the charge would be based on how much
was consumed.

The cassoulet with white beans and pork. It contained
different ham pieces, sausage and bacon.

The steak with herbed butter and french fries.
The steak is thinly sliced.

The ham knuckles in an apple sauce.
I was surprised by this gutsy order but she ate
every last peice and said that it was wonderful.

Chocolate mousse (thick dark chocolate)

Ice cream from Berthillion.  The two scoops were Creole
(rum and raisons) and Caramel Sale.  I have no idea
what "sale" means, but the waiter assured me that it
was very good.  He was soooo right.

Notre Dame with the sunset lighting the towers.

The peaceful walk along the Seine.  Many friends
and lovers line the river and take advantage
of the beautiful Spring weather.

The sun is setting on a Friday night.