Victor Hugo said that Notre Dame was not the highest, or the longest, or the richest of the great cathedals, but that it was most perfect. His judgement remains unsurpassed.

For those waxing nostalgic: Blog 684...Jay's all about Notre Dame video.

So glad to see Notre Dame is still standing!

We were absolutely glued to the live streams by different news outlets yesterday. I was so upset about Notre Dame, especially the stained glass. Which I had heard different people say were lost to the fire. I had also assumed that when the roof collapsed, it fell all the way in... as in, the vaulted ceilings had also collapsed. Just before I went to bed, I was scrolling through my newsfeed and caught sight of one of the first photos from inside the cathedral... firefighters standing in inches of water within a cathedral that was still largely recognizable! First thing I did this morning when I got to work was research to see if the rose windows were intact. On my first visit to Paris just over 7 years ago (actually got to stick my head in for a few minutes during the Easter Sunday morning service back in 2012), I was there for about 4 weeks. We were staying across the river near the Pont Neuf, so every chance I got, I would go into the cathedral... like you, just because I could... or because it was cold out or because I needed a break... The stained glass being my favorite part, of course. It is a beautiful building, massive, but still warm and inviting. The scale of it all somehow manages to give you a sense of comfort and safety when you walk through those beautiful wooden doors. Yesterday was heartbreaking. (Even though I had already heard the news and been watching other live streams... I thought of you and found your broadcast of the fire... I knew what was coming when you came up out of the metro, but my heart sank and my stomach turned again as it did when I first saw the flames, and when the spire collapsed...) But today is new, today feels hopeful... still a bit heartbroken and bittersweet, but hopeful. Thank you for your commentary and coverage of all of this!

Better reporting than the big networks....this should be put on youtube trending.

@erinmh

5 жыл бұрын

was thinking the very same thing yesterday..

I was fortunate to see it before the fire. This was my first trip to Paris and seeing all of the sights was so awe inspiring. As my plane was departing Charles De Gaulle, I started receiving news that Notre Dame was on fire. I feel for those who will not be able to see it but I’m sure when it’s rebuilt it will be worth the wait!!

Our family toured Notre Dame in mid-May 1999. Perfect day with sun-lit stain glass windows. Who knew.... fortunately we were able to experience the cathedral during it's glory. We also were able to walk the grounds of Place des Vosges and locate the Maison de Victor Hugo. A historically glorious generous and luxurious park. Again a sun drenched afternoon. Another time we were walking across Pont Neuf at the tip of Ile' de Cite and just by chance in the middle of the bridge to the right was a narrow street leading into a "hidden" lush treed triangular park, Place Dauphine, with included lawn bowlers. There where possibly a half dozen cafe's with sidewalk dining, very quiet even though we were in the center of Paris. We had a delightful lunch with no Americans, just natives. The entering "alley" was more like a private path that would go unnoticed by passersby. We visited the Pompidou, but it was closed for a major renovation. We sat on the edge of the spacious contemporary Stravinsky Foundation and ate our picnic lunch with fresh bread, cheese, fruit and wine (for the parents, our two children were very young then). Like a dream.....

Honestly, Jay, you are just so special. Thank you for taking us along on your life, and especially for the reassuring shots of Notre Dame.

My feelings exactly. It has long been my wish to see Notre Dame de Paris. No other spot in Paris id rather be in than the wondrous cathedral. Too bad when i finally visited last month, the fire had caused its damage. I was heartbroken when it happened. Be that as it may, despite it being mangled, i remained utterly awe struck. The size, the grandeur, the intricate details. In my 11 day visit to Paris, I went to Notre Dame five to six times, everytime my itinerary is over. Just, like you said, because I can. And i want to. It is my comfort place in all the world. It always made me well up with warm feelings despite seeing it many times and staring at it endlessly. Next time I am going inside. Overall Paris is still quite a city, and Notre Dame is its most special part. I can imagine how its part destruction made an impact to Parisians. I feel them. I feel you, Mr Swanson. Thanks for your videos. Love from Manila, Philippines. 💕🥐🥖

Notre Dame is a tough old lady. Now we know how much was saved, although not yet the extent of any structural damage, we can start looking forward. York Minster in the UK suffered a devastating fire in 1984 and now you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Notre Dame will come back. Thank you for the livestream last night, your heartbreak was palpable. And.... your views today are far better than I've seen on TV.

Thanks for the maintaining the 20 in 20 video of the 4th and the followup segment on your live feed of Notre Dame. I feel lighter after seeing the video from today, less loss and more hopeful that the building will remain and continue as a great example of soaring architecture. And I'm not even religious.

I feel so much better after seeing thIs vlog. Like so many, I spent countless nights just sitting in front of Notre Dame when I lived in Paris. Plus in the not so distant past, I asked Emma (my now wife) to marry me on the seat in front. Thanks, Jay. Plus you rolled right past my very first apartment in Paris, 3 Rue D'Ormesson... 🇫🇷☮️💪🏽👀👍🏽☮️🇫🇷

@asherhector7405

2 жыл бұрын

sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot the login password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!

@kashtoncory5942

2 жыл бұрын

@Asher Hector Instablaster :)

@asherhector7405

2 жыл бұрын

@Kashton Cory thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

@asherhector7405

2 жыл бұрын

@Kashton Cory It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my ass!

@kashtoncory5942

2 жыл бұрын

@Asher Hector happy to help =)

I was wondering if you'd post early because of the fire. Thank you for going live yesterday and thank you for showing us the beauty of Paris in today's vlog, even in this sad time ❤

It was your live stream that I watched when the news broke about la belle notre dame - I was grateful for your sensitivity when I was feeling wiedly surprisingly shocked and upset - like many of us around the world. TY :)

@andreajackson4138

5 жыл бұрын

El Boyd well said

Our lady is still here, and will be better than ever, also unite France in these fractious times

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

😊

So relieved that so much of Notre Dame has been preserved, the flying buttresses, the towers and the gargoyles are my favourite part of this iconic structure. I’m hopeful that the restoration will bring it back to it’s full glory eventually.

Thank you for posting early to update us all on the status of Notre Dame. Even watching the news coverage from half a world away was devastating to the core. Nous sommes tous Parisiens ❤️

Lol for "just a blog", you were the first I've heard mention the larger rose windows were okay. Collective sigh of relief! :) Also, nice unicycle!

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

That was just my wheel-by assessment 😂 Happy I was right. Whew!

Last Monday, we took the RER from CDG, then swarmed around the underground metro network, heading back to the city once we got all set in our Airbnb. Our first real sight of the city was the Hotel Deville. We went out of the metro station and were immediately greeted with the amazing view of the building. There were some kids running around playing with soapy water pumps, and when we turned our heads, Notre Dame was right there. Literally, tears ran down my cheeks. Earlier this week I realized why. We attended mass on Monday 8th and Thursday 11th. Just imagine the meaning of that to us. On Monday, the moment we sat down to hear the already started mass service, the priest said: "Et dit: Je Suis La Lumière Du Monde". I feel so relieved that it looks like the whole thing will be salvageable. Our hearts are with every Parisian at this time.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

😊

I’m just glad the rose windows are still intact, I was looking forward to finally seeing them next year. Thanks for the live feed and updates Jay!

Thanks for the update Jay. I called Kadie (who was out shopping) to tell her immediately when I saw the headlines. Very sad indeed. Hope you are doing well...you look very tired.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Rough couple of days but doing fine here 😊👍

You do such a good job of getting little peaks at Paris. Thank you!!

My husband and I are weeks away from taking our first trip to Paris. We were both just beyond sad at this loss. But as apart of the Catholic faithful, I know this is just the start of a new chapter of Notre Dame history. It will be fixed. And an many more generations will lift their eyes in wonder long after many of us are gone.

And how crazy that the candle stands are still there!!!! Well done firefighters!!! The heroes of Notre Dame!!!

Thank you, Jay, for getting back out there after such a devastating day yesterday. Your horror and sadness at unfolding events was palpable in your livestream, so glad I caught it. Just now CNN has reported the organ also survived, even the candles behind the altar were not melted - amazing. A million Merci’s to the brave firefighters and first responders who risked their lives yesterday and saved so much of Norte Dame.

It was a really sad day around the world. It seemed to me that we all came together to talk, share our moments with that beautiful monument of history. Then sadness for those who have not had the opportunity to see it. I had the worst feeling that it was just gutted, I mean the ceiling damage is horrific but it could have been so much worse. Thankful it still stands, no one was hurt and relics were saved. Thank you Jay for sharing this update with us. Loved the rest of the tour of the 4th! Can't wait to see more amazing place to see when I visit.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

😊

Thanks for the real life update.

I'm just so happy, that it will be rebuild!!! 👍💕 So sad that it happened! 😔🇨🇵🇩🇰

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, thankfully it's going to be ok 😊

Thank you for this vid.. really.. Jay, I was supposed to be in Paris this September end and was looking forward to visiting Notre Dame even though I'm Hindu. I'm glad it still stands strong and beautiful. All of your vids has made me live the moment without being there. :)

i happened to be walking in that direction and i thought there was just a very vivid sunset with some incredible clouds... it soon became clear it was anything but that. stood and just watched, no words. it will rebuild but the destruction is heartbreaking. so glad it wasn't any worse.

I love sitting in the park at Place de Vosges. Nice tour, Jay.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Place des Vosges is a great spot to sit!

Thank you for posting this early. I am glad we didn’t lose her completely but it is still chilling to see the damage caused by the fire. I’ve missed a lot of opportunities to come visit, which I now regret. Fortunately, the structure stands, her rose windows are intact, the art and statues were saved and there were no casualties. It’s going to be a long road to recovery, but I hope she’ll be restored to her former glory and more. PS. I’m glad you were with friends for the follow up to your livestream. The best ones get you through the worst of times by just being there.

Thank you Jay for the update. I was baptized here and the Dame has been my families (Gentilly) main house of worship for almost 200yrs. I have many Cardinals and Archbishops in my history residing or who have resided in Notre Dame or at the Vatican. My heart is at ease knowing that most was saved for the world to experience in the future. Your vlogs are great and very informative. Thanks again.

Gosh . When i heard of this news i cried. Jay thank you my friend for sharing with us . Gosh. 😢ps we must also say a special thank you to those fire fighters. I can only imagen what went threw thier minds and hearts as they worked so diligently. Thank you . 😢❤

I was and still am heartbroken by the fire. I was in Paris twice last summer and saw Notre Dame both times--took pictures in front of it, went inside, took some video of the bells ringing, etc. It is great consolation that the stone structure still stands, and some parts of it (the stained glass, the organ--hopefully) remain largely unharmed. Thanks for uploading.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Thankfully it sounds like it will be very salvageable!😊

💔 so thankful it's still standing

I’m visiting in May and so sad that I won’t be able to see inside the beautiful cathedral. But so very happy and relieved for Paris that the cathedral is still standing and will be restored ❤️

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Me too 😊

Good job on deciding to continue with the 20 for 20. As sad an upsetting as the fire was, continuing on and returning to "normalcy" allows us to move forward. I am not discounting the severity of the fire. By acknowledging the sadness we can process it quicker to overcome it. I am happy you did this video, thank you.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

😊

I had a flat just around the corner from Notre Dame in 2012. The bells started ringing at 11:45 PM before Easter and rang for 15 minutes to ring in Easter. Incredible!

Thanks so much for creating this and posting so quickly. When I first got the news, I went straight to your channel and yes... you were live streaming. Heart went out to you and all there and appreciated feeling the connection. I've shared on FB so friends can connect too.

I love the pomidou can't believe you think it's ugly!

When you said “I would just go if I had 15 minutes just because I could, just because I was here” at about 3:30, it really spoke to why I think that church means so much to so many people around the world. Among other significant reasons, it also simply represents Paris.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

It's a very important fixture in the city's identity for sure

As always, I'm amazed at how you manage to ride safely at that speed, film and get out coherent sentences all at the same time~

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Mostly coherent 😉😂

@chrisk8187

4 жыл бұрын

.....he's a former circus act...

Hi Jay, ❤️Tears still come to my eyes to see her, but I am so happy that Notre Dame is still standing and that the stunning rose windows survived. I was there in May with my daughter. We sat on a blanket at Place des Vosges😉

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Happy that things turned out much better than they could have 😊😊

I was there yesterday too, though later in the day. I got some good close-up pictures by getting down near water. You can really see the scorch marks once you get that near. Definitely a sad sight but glad the structure itself made it.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's much more hopeful after for sure 😊

Thank you, thank you....just, thank you so much.

So sad. Thanks for the updates.

Thank you Jay for expressing everything so well. Lovely vlog as always, take care!

I was just checking to see if you'd livestream today. Thanks for posting early, Jay!

Thanks for the updates! I will be there next week!

Thank you for not making us wait till tomorrow for this! The loss is devastating, but thankfully not as bad as it could have been!!! Have a Great Day!!

Thanks for the update Jay

I caught your live stream yesterday and directed others to it as well. Just absolutely shocked and sad. I stayed for a month in an apartment on Rue des Rosers in the 4eme on my first trip to Paris. It holds a very special place for me. I was next door to the Jewish bakery, Sascha Finklesteins, and had 3 falafel shops in throwing distance of the apartment. Las du Falafel being my favorite! The owner of the apartment took me to Au Petit Fer à Cheval around the corner on Rue Vielle de Temple. Highly recommend.

Much love Jay.

Thank you for the update on Notre Dame. A huge thank you and praise to ‘les pompiers ‘ what a magnificent job.!

I liked this one a lot as I love le marais and Place des Vosges, and the way you said that Notre Dame felt like a wounded old friend. Well put. It’s been a rough week but am so thankful to know she’s still there and for my own time appreciating her beauty. We can never take the beauty of Paris for granted, even after 850 years. Can’t wait to get back there 🌅

Thank you for the Notre Dame update. I was so happy to hear that the rose window was ok. Again, thank you.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Me too

It's very encouraging to see how much money has been pledged for Notre Dame reconstruction in just 1 day. I will contribute as will millions of others. On a random note, out of curiosity I looked back at when I first started watching this vlog, and this is the 600th I've watched. I guess I have some catching up to do.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Oh wow! That's still a ton!🥳

Thanks for the update!

Thanks for the vlogs Jay!! My brother and I were glued to every outlet for updates. Happy Notre Dame is still standing.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Me too😊

Bravo Jay - terrible times, but Paris at its best. Keep on keeping on. Glad I renewed my subscription.

Congratulations on passing 28,000 subscribers 👏🏻👏🏻

Hi jay thank you for the vlog last night..today must have been so sad for you but glad the rose window lifted you a bit Great vlog .so enjoyed it

Yeah, thank you for the live coverage of the fire. It was horrifying and brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad to see it today still standing and as you remarked, the rose window survived!!

Watching your video gives many of us around the world peace of mind about beloved Notre-Dame Cathedral. I love your spirit and humor. Keep on vlogging! :-)

Thank you for making this! It's comforting that the worst didn't occur.

Thank you for the information on Norte Dame. It is appreciated.

So glad that they saved the art and saved more of the building than what they thought they could !! Makes me sad that this happened but relieved that most of the structure is there.. Thanks for the video Jay

Thanks, Jay.

This was one of the best openings ever. So spontaneously witty and hilarious… Monty Python would give you a try out off of this opening !!!!

We so appreciate having been able to visit back in October . Following your advice and video about the park behind Notre Dame. We were in tears when we saw what was happening. We spent about a 2 hours waiting for the Bike trip to Versailles. Sitting in front of the church snuggled together drinking coffee. Commenting about how amazing the church was. moments we will remember ...

I had been sick with the flu so I am behind on volgs. Thank you for showing an update on the rose window. I took like 100 photos of them while I was there. I really enjoy this 20 in 20! Makes me want to plan a month in Paris!

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Happy to share some good news 😊

thanks for this vlog and keeping it largely uplifting.Great news about the rose windows-I'd heard las t night that three of the four rose windows had been destroyed but just before viewing this video I'd read that all the rose windows had survived.Fantastic.

Just moved out here this weekend. What a sad and surreal experience. Been subscribed for a couple months now, preparing for the move. Thanks for documenting everything, you’ve helped me a lot.

Jay, you passed a connection to Notre Dame when you went near the buildings in the Place des Vosges... Victor Hugo, author of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame / Notre-Dame de Paris, lived at number 6 from 1832 to 1848 in what was then the Hôtel de Rohan.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

👍👍

Hello! We loved walking down Rue Saint- Louis on Ille Saint -Louis. We had been around Paris even staying on Champs at a very nice hotel and everything( we caught le Tour de France finish too) But, something I loved so much about the 4th arrondissement that is resonating in my head. I am in love with. it. As we walked dow Rue Saint -Louis, the church bells started ringing and they rang for a really long time. It had to be 10 - 15 min of ringing. Very magical. I'd love to come stay there or Le Marais.

Thanks so much for the update on Notre Dame. You should really do current events. You're much better than any news station I've ever watched.

Thanks for doing the live feed yesterday -- I watched it after the fact, then watched more news footage. I cried just watching it on my computer, how did you not cry while livestreaming? I feel a little more hopeful about ND today, so thanks for sharing one of my old Parisian neighborhoods with us. (I was secretly hoping that for your 4eme arrondissement video you'd walk/wheel down the street I used to live on, because you've done it in at least one other video, but that was not the case today)

Just wonderful, Jay. What a great and appropriate follow up to the event on the 15th. Plus, I absolutely love the 4th arr. It has so many of my favorite things in Paris and holds great memories. You did a great job of showcasing it! 👍🏼👍🏼

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

😊👍

i can't wait to get back to Paris! such an awesome channel Jay.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! =)

Jay, you are the man keep showing this beautiful city 👍

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pancho!

Thank you for the follow up! What happen yesterday was bigger than just the building. But I’m glad it still standing!

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah! I'm glad to see that the cathedral will survive 😊

Arriving there on Thursday and definitely planning on seeing this area, thanks to your recommendation. Btw, I hope you're our guide for the Versailles bike tour(once again thanks to your recommendation). Thanks for all your vlog, I definitely enjoyed watching it. Washingtonians are heading to Paris.

Cool tour! Thanks!

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

For sure!

Love this series. Make sure to have a playlist so that when I am coming there next year I can just hit play and take notes :D

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

There already is a playlist 😉

Yep. You got 37K views on the fire video Jay. Many people have been following this sad news here. Stephen Colbert put a replica of the rose window on the top of his stage in support to the French people.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

I saw that, it was really kind of him/his team

Another great job on getting the highlights of the 4th! Keep up the good work. Strange timing for you to be doing the 4th on this day, but so happy for the miracle of what was saved.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Definitely strangely perfect timing

So glad to see this video, Jay - sorry I haven't been as present commenting here and on Patreon. Life got in the way! I always watch though - loving 20 in 20 and sending you my best.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Not a worry! I'm glad you're still around 😊

Was curious to see this after following your itinerary for the Marais. I saw the bench we sat on at Place de Vosges! You showed Miznon! Fun to see, though sobering about Notre Dame. Weird to be watching this five years later!

I'm an atheist but love history and especially historic architecture. I visited Paris twice for that very reason (not for fashion or food). The buildings are gorgeous and impressive. I was horrified to see the fire last night but I'm relieved to see the cathedral still standing and beautiful even in its rugged state right now.

@chrisk8187

4 жыл бұрын

The "devil" you say..........

Thanks for the positive update on Notre Dame. There is always hope, right?!

@stephen10.

5 жыл бұрын

french companies have already given 600 millions euros to rebuild and i will add 20 euros .. ; )

Thank you for doing this ❤️

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

For sure!

I stayed in the 4th last month. Took your recommendation and stopped at Miznon. The beef bourguignon pita was incredible. I definitely recommend anyone going to Paris to get Jay’s guide. All the coffee shops, food, tours, all spot on. No regrets.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Glad it turned out so well! Miznon is easy to recommend, even if they're a bit gruff sometimes 😂

Sending you hugs!

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

we wandered in Place des Vosges and went through the bookstore in Hotel de Sully totally by chance !!! Beautiful!!! There was a photo shoot in the courtyard!

My heart feels much better and hopeful after seeing this update. Thank you. I’m just sad I wont get to experience the beauty of the inside when I come in July. It was on the very top of my list. 💗

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

I guess you'll just have to come back again later 😉

@camillenofoz

5 жыл бұрын

Jay Swanson you’re just exactly right. 😄☺️

Great vlog!

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Bless the people for protecting this church. Sad that I may not be able to get in by July but I am pleased it is being salvaged.

@JaySwanson

5 жыл бұрын

😊👍

great video so sad about the church

I was hoping to try Miznon as one of the tour guides from Bike About Tours recommended it but it was closed when we got there! :( Thank you so much for making these videos. Anyone who plans to come to Paris needs to watch your videos. The bike tour was amazing and I had waffles and coffee at Le Peloton as you had suggested. They were all so friendly and I miss Paris so much! :'( You do such an amazing job and please continue producing more!