Notre Dame Then or Now: How Would You Draw It?

Art Tourism at Notre Dame Cathedral

Traveling solo to Paris? Bring a sketch pad and draw Notre Dame Cathedral.

As if anyone ever needed an excuse to linger on the Île de la Cité in Paris, sticking around and drawing, or painting, or photographing Notre Dame Cathedral would be a good reason. So many artists and photographers have captured its visage over the years that making an original image will take some talent, and, possibly, some time.

Artist Francis Picabia's take on Notre Dame Cathedral in 1906, on display at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. — Artist Francis Picabia’s take on Notre Dame Cathedral in 1906, on display at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City.

Having a mission when you’re traveling is especially helpful if you happen to be traveling solo. Even if you’re just sketching images of the cathedral in your journal, the task is something that will keep you both engaged and busy as you savor your presence at this place. Traveling alone can, every now and then, get a bit lonely. Entertain yourself, and create lasting memories, by drawing the places that you visit as well as writing about them.