Notre Dame Paris
Begun in 1163, construction on Paris' best known church continues to this day. It is so important to the city of Paris and to the nation of France that distances to other locations throughout the country are measured from this very spot. The Cathedral is awe inspiring - from its perfectly symmetrical facade to its elegant twin towers, to "Emmanuel", the bell that is still rung on occasions of national importance. Entry to the cathedral is free, but if you want to wind your way up the 380-step climb to the top of the south tower (the only way to have a face to face encounter with "Emmanuel") you will have to pay. If you legs and lungs can handle it, it is definitely worth the price.

The nave is 130m long, 48m wide and 35m high; the side chapels are richly decorated with paintings, sculptures and funeral monuments. Note the beautiful rose window at each end of the transept. The former vestry houses the Cathedral Treasure, which includes a piece of the Holy Cross.

A trip to Notre Dame will not only inspire you, but it may be the only way to truly distinguish between facts and the rich legends that surround the history of the cathedral.