I have heard that the Crown of Thorns is located at Notre Dame Treasury and only shown on Easter and Christmas. Is this true? Would I need to buy a special ticket? How? It would mean a LOT to me if I could view it. Also, I want to go to the Puces St. Ouen and Puces de Vanves while I am there, are they still held in the winter? Thanks for your help, I know that if anyone can help me....you guys can! I will be in Paris Dec 20-Dec 26 2014 and am staying at Hotel St. Louis en l'isle. Oh, one more question, besides the usual sites-what would you recommend since I assume everything will be closed on Christmas Day. Thanks again.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
I'd never heard of this before, but the official site (http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/spip.php?article339) says that the Crown of Thorns is venerated on the first Friday of the month, and every Friday in Lent. So if you go at Christmas time, it looks as if you're out of luck.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7889 posts
Trish, I hope you are familiar with the general history of religious relics. At the very least, see the Wikipedia article, which links to their Crown of Thorns article. I am not arguing against your plan. We've been to, over the years, Fatima, Bom Jesu, Santiago de Compostela, Avila, Cologne, and many other pilgrimage sites.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Both the St. Ouen and Vanves flea markets have websites, in English. The Vanves one says it runs every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, rain or shine, and on holidays. I like this one very much.
I suggest you check the Eiffel Tower website also and see if it is open on Xmas day, and most major museums have websites that tell their hours.
I think a lot of restaurants will be closed. But Paris is lovely at Christmas time and there are many holiday street markets that I'm sure will be open.
Posted by
OP
Ft. Smith, AR, USA
38 posts
Thanks to all of you! This will be my first time in Paris so not sure what to expect.