It's nice when traveling gives you unexpected wow moments and Norte-Dame Basilica gave me one this morning. Not as grand as its Parisian namesake, what it lacks in size and external sophistication, it makes up in internal depth and detail. The blue ceiling, gold leaf inlays and ornate alter are stunning. The main bell weighs 10 tones (its rarely used as its vibrations damage the building), the organ has 7000 pipes and Celine Dion was married here. I have no affiliations with God, but wow.
An hour later I'm looking down over Notre-Dame and the rest of the city from Mont Royal. The views are good and the exertion even better.
I return to Notre-Dame after the hike as the organ player (40 year veteran) is practicing for a coming concert.
Trading the gothic organ for something more lively I head to Place des Festivals to see whats on offer at the Jazz Festival tonight. Shaky Graves is a winner.