In Memoriam of Notre Dame: A Photo Essay of My 2011 Trip to Paris

Iconic, historic, a sight to behold — Notre Dame is a landmark never to be forgotten. The destruction of the famed cathedral has left a dark cloud over the citizens of Paris and broken hearts around the world. 

For me, this was a personal loss. I visited Paris in the summer of 2011 and saw the cathedral with my own two eyes — from 100 feet away in a boat on the Seine. You don’t forget something like that. Paris was just another stamp in my passport, but Notre Dame was one-of-a-kind. 

I have compiled these photos of my European adventure to honor this sacred building in our time of collective grief: 

Notre Dame was a centuries old masterpiece. Here is a photo I took of the Eiffel tower on my mom’s iPhone 4. 

I cannot imagine a more devastating loss. Here is a photo of the Louvre.

Nothing can numb the pain of this massive cultural casualty. Here is a picture of the Seine.

I think this one is of Notre Dame (before it burned down). 

This has been a tough couple of days for us all. Here is a photo of the Eiffel tower again (this one is kind of artsy though, haha). 

I will always remember that trip — I mean that cathedral — fondly. Losing Notre Dame is like losing a part of myself.