Notre Dame is on an island (Ile de la Cite) in the Seine.  It was built in the 1160's replacing an ancient sixth century church which was itself built on the foundations of a Roman Temple of Jupiter. Here's Gabe, Brenda, and Amanda using all this history as a backdop to a lovely picture. Notre Dame from across the street. The building was being renovated while we were there, hence the scaffolding on the left side. In front of Notre Dame and to the right (toward the Left Bank) is this great statue of Charlemagne. The light falling inside the church is stunning.  In addition to the main altar, here and there light falls on the countless side altars and displays all around the perimeter of the church.