In the Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame
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There may have been a basilica on this site as early as the 4th century. When it was demolished
arouund 1160 to make way for the new cathedral, it was decided that the western facade be moved eastward,
making room for a square in front of the new building. This became the Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame. In season,
the square is filled with tourists, and where there are tourists, you will always find someone ready to relieve them
of some of their money. Vendors sell t-shirts, pins, patches, little replicas of the Eiffel Tower , postcards --
almost anything the proper tourist could want.
Hitched to a souvenir wagon in front of the cathedral, this donkey dozes in the unusually hot July sun. (photograph © 1995, Michael J. Valinis)
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