Notre Dame

We will be traveling with our 2 children age 20 and 16 this July. We are starting to get our things in order and I was wondering if there are any restrictions when going into Notre Dame? My kids have set aside quite a few tops that have spaghetti straps/no straps....and I was wondering if going through Notre Dame is like going into the Vatican where you can%26#39;t wear shorts/skirts above the knee and your arms cannot be showing? As always thanks in advance for everyones input!!!!

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French churches are not as strict as those in Italy, and I don%26#39;t recall ever seeing anyone denied entrance. HOWEVER, this really is an ideal time to enforce a little %26quot;sense of the appropriate%26quot; by setting the rule yourself that your daughters must show respect in their choice of clothing for other worshippers who may be using the church.

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As noted, French churches aren%26#39;t nearly as strict as those in Italy...but having said that, I have seen a young couple, dressed more for an after-hours %26#39;..rave..%26#39;, than a visit to a church (great architecture and a major tourist attraction it may be...Notre Dame is still just a %26#39;..parish church..%26#39;) politely--but firmly---escorted out the doors by an attendent., who%26#39;s face gave every impression of brooking no argument..

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I would kindly suggest to you, that although there is nothing wrong with those types of tops, that you could, on the day you plan to visit Notre Dame, ask you daughters to wear a top with sleeves. I don%26#39;t think that is too heavy handed, just explain to them that it is a church, and that in other countries certain things are considered more polite then others.

I will also add, that wearing those types of tops in Paris, well, it will attract a fair amount of attention from the men, especially if your daughters are attractive( which I am sure they are!) so , perhaps bringing a few more coverage type tops is a good idea, I mean, Paris is not Hawaii, ( you know ,not a beach destination).

I do not mean not bring those types of tops at all, just, make sure they bring some other types.

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Agree totally with Joan 1 on both counts.

While at Notre Dame there were local worshippers coming and going and I really felt like we were intruding at times. I don%26#39;t recall seeing any dress code sign like you see in Rome but as suggested dress appropriately and all will be well.

My sixteen year old (very tall sixteen year old) attracted alot of male attention everywhere we went even with her parents in tow so best to erer on the side of caution. Have a wonderful trip!

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Thank you everyone. I felt that my judgement was right on with this, but still felt the need to inquire. Can%26#39;t wait to go! These forums have been a great source of valuable information and opinions. I hope after I return I can also give someone else valuable input! Thanks again

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