Louis XIV's Choir

By the 19th century, Notre Dame had fallen into ruins.

A campaign led by the famous French writer Victor Hugo succeeded in launching a massive restoration project, directed by the celebrated architect Viollet-le-Duc, and aiming to restore the cathedral to its medieval splendor.

Most of the restored choir can be dated back to the 18th century.

However, parts of the original medieval choir still remain, including the intricately carved wooden panels.

These are regarded as masterpieces of medieval art today.

The sculptures in the choir date from the 18th century and depict Louis XIII, Louis XIV and the Virgin Mary, holding the body of Jesus.

Indeed, after 23 years of marriage, Louis XIII had still not produced an heir.

Desperate, he prayed to the Virgin Mary, promising to place France under her protection if she granted him a son.

Anne of Austria, his queen, eventually gave birth to a son, who would later become Louis XIV.

Although Louis XIII died before he could fulfill his promise, his son, Louis XIV, later remodelled the choir to fulfill his father's wishes.

Fun fact: during the construction of the choir, workers uncovered a mysterious stone pillar.

It was a gift from a guild of naval merchants in the 1st century AD and was dedicated to the Roman emperor Tiberius, blending Roman and Gallic references.

It's now considered the oldest monument in Paris - and can be seen at the Musee de Cluny!