Several historic and iconic monuments rise out of the Parisian skyline: the Eiffel Tower, spires of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Les Invalides’ gold gilded dome that houses the tomb of Napoleon. Paris, France’s capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Paris central is now home to 2.2 million people, while the expanding population of the Paris metropolitan area is well over 12 million. IMB Photo

Tourists walk in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Notre-Dame is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage, and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

Just outside Notre-Dame Cathedral, locks are fixed to a bridge over the river Seine. Couples put locks on the bridge with their names or initials on it and then toss the key in the river. IMB Photo

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

A dog in a tutu is walked down the streets of Paris by its owner. IMB Photo

A tourist smokes a pipe in front of the statue of Synagogua, which represents the Jewish synagogue. The statue sits in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral opposite the statue of Iglesia (not pictured), who represents the church. Iglesia depicts a stately Christian church, head crowned, powerful staff firmly in hand. Synagogua has a snake wrapped around her eyes. By displaying the statue, the church wanted to let people know she was damaged goods, blinded by evil. Her staff is broken, and her tablets are broken. It’s a message the Jews have never forgotten. IMB Photo

A service takes place inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Notre-Dame is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is also Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is also Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

A couple light a candle for a loved one following a mass held at Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

A priest reads scripture during mass in Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and France. IMB Photo

A youth choir performs during mass in Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

As seen from the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

As seen from the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

View from inside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Notre Dame is the most popular tourist stop in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage and the focal point for Catholicism in France.

A close up of an archway in Notre Dame in Paris, France. The cathedral was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

Tourists visit the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France. The cathedral was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

Candles in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.