SeineRiver Cruise/London/Paris

TravelerThis stunning photo shows the newly renovated apse area of Notre-Dame de Paris, specifically the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament (Chapelle du Saint-Sacrement). Key Elements in the Image: ✨ The Golden Circular Structure • This is the new tabernacle, designed as a golden radiating disk with a central cross. It holds the Blessed Sacrament, which Catholics believe to be the real presence of Christ. • Installed as part of the 2024–2025 interior restoration effort, it brings a contemporary sacred art piece into harmony with the Gothic architecture. Its geometry and luminous quality echo medieval devotion while standing as a symbol of renewal after the fire. 🪟 Stained Glass Windows • The windows behind the altar are among the most brilliant in Notre-Dame. These are 19th-century reconstructions by Viollet-le-Duc, following the cathedral’s Gothic style but using richly saturated blues and reds. • The rose windows above the lancets depict saints and biblical scenes in intricate detail. 🕯️ The Monument on the Left • The statue on the left is the tomb of Archbishop Georges Darboy, who was killed in 1871 during the Paris Commune. The sculpture shows him in a prayerful, reflective pose and has long been a feature of this chapel. 💙 Starry Ceiling • The deep blue vaulted ceilings with gold stars reflect a medieval design known as celestial vaulting, evoking the heavens. This has been brilliantly restored and cleaned in the recent renovations, returning it to its intended brilliance. ⸻ Would you like more detail about the artist behind the new tabernacle or how Notre-Dame’s side chapels were curated after the fire?

TravelerThis photo is from Notre-Dame de Paris, specifically one of the side chapels inside the cathedral, recently reopened after years of restoration following the 2019 fire. Notable Features in Your Image: • 🪟 Stained Glass Windows: The brilliant blue and red tones are typical of Notre-Dame’s 19th-century restorations by Viollet-le-Duc. The rosette-like patterns in the lancet windows are consistent with his Gothic Revival style. • 🎨 Wall Paintings: The fresco-like mural above the tomb appears to be part of the restored Chapel of Saint Ferdinand, one of the side chapels in the cathedral’s apse. The vibrant storytelling style is a key feature of the renovation, aiming to restore 19th-century polychrome beauty that had darkened over time. • 🪦 Tomb Sculpture: This particular white marble sculpture is of Denis-Auguste Affre, the Archbishop of Paris, who was killed during the 1848 June Days Uprising while trying to mediate peace. His tomb lies in this chapel, and the sculpture shows him in a pose of contemplation or sorrow. ⸻ A Bit of Context: After the fire in 2019, Notre-Dame underwent an intensive restoration, not just to rebuild the spire and roof, but also to clean and restore the interior murals, stained glass, and side chapels—many of which hadn’t been touched for nearly 200 years.

TravelerThis vibrant and detailed image shows part of the Gothic polychrome reliefs from the choir enclosure (chancel screen) inside Notre-Dame de Paris. These reliefs date back to the 14th century and were beautifully restored during the cathedral’s recent renovation. ⸻ 🔎 What You’re Looking At: This specific scene represents two significant New Testament events depicted side by side: ⸻ 🦶 Jesus Washing the Feet of the Disciples (John 13:1–17) • Jesus, kneeling, washes Peter’s feet (left side of the panel). • Peter is shown hesitant, reflecting the biblical moment when he initially refuses. • This act symbolizes humility and servanthood — a key teaching before the Last Supper. ⸻ The Sleeping Disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46) • On the right side, we see the apostles sleeping, heads bowed, clustered together under stylized trees. • This is the moment when Jesus, in agony, prays before his arrest, while his closest followers fall asleep despite his request for them to stay awake. ⸻ About the Style: • The gold patterned background, colorful robes, and naturalistic expressions are hallmarks of Gothic religious sculpture. • These reliefs were painted in rich colors during the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc’s team and were carefully preserved and restored for the 2024 reopening