The first and only time I have visited the Notre Dame was when I was traveled to France with the Indiana Ambassadors of Music in 2002.
Because it's been so long since I've been, I don't remember every detail - but I will tell you what I can recall.
When walking towards the arched doorways, I remember the jaw dropping ornate detail in every hand sculpted structure. There were little saints carved all the way around the archways that surrounded the doors. It was like they were there to bless each visitor who entered and exited the cathedral, as well as protect and guard this historical masterpiece.
Once inside, it was incredible to notice that the natural light snuck through the stained glass windows and filled up the entire cathedral from floor to high ceilings. Talk about saving energy - the architects of the Notre Dame went green a long time ago!
Its the artwork in the stained glass windows that will keep you inside for so long. The artwork on each window tells a different story, but each window is just as beautiful as the next. The bright reds, blues, yellows and greens balance each other out like a perfect rainbow.
I can't for sure say that the Notre Dame is the most beautiful building I have ever seen - don't get me wrong, it is stunning. For me, I was most intrigued by the high arched ceilings. I can remember tilting my head upward staring at the beams that were placed geometrically to fit perfectly to create a seamless arched ceiling. I was so perplexed by its construction.
This was certainly the climatic point of my European tour, and this was the exact location that I remember realizing my obsession for historical architecture.
How did they get each beam to fit together perfectly, so that not a single drop of rain who drip through? How did they reach such heights to place these beams so high above our heads? Without present-day technology and machinery, how were they able to life such heavy objects like these beams? How long did it take to craft each ornate window? How long did it take to sculpt each structure by hand? How long did it take to complete this cathedral? How many men were a part of this project?
Today with all of the technology and machinery, we are even more capable of creating more beautiful structures like the Notre Dame in record time. Yet, we do not take the time or extra effort to put in all of the detail and decoration. It seems that modern day society focuses more on speed and convenience than on detail and beauty. Why is this?
For me, I'd rather have a world filled with buildings and strructures that boast their beauty and detail like the Notre Dame than to have hundreds of bland buildings and structures that serve for the same purpose. How many cathedrals and churches do we need in a 10 mile radius, anyways? But, again, that's just me.

We took the bus from Paris to Chartres and spent two hours touring the cathedral. We could see the cathedral for miles before we got there. One tower dates from 12th century, the other from the 16th, a testimony to the perseverance of the builders to finish the task. Our guide was very knowledgeable, but I would have liked more time to sit and watch the light change through the stained glass as the day progressed. This is worth a return visit.

The windows are amazing. The carvings on the outside are amazing. The energy center that the building sits on is palpable. It's a strange geological setting. I stayed nearby at Chateau Esclimont in one of the tower rooms on the front. The best.

There is a lot of history here because one of the towers was destroyed during the war. You can see the history of architecture with the rebuilding of the destroyed tower. Inside is gorgeous with the different stained-glass windows.

This was a great cathedral and you definitely need to see it if you're headed this way. From the famous labyrinth, to the wonderful stained glass, this place is more than worth the journey.