Notre Dame, Paris - Early photography, Public domain image

Notre-Dame de Paris, or "Our Lady of Paris", is a medieval cathedral on the Île de la Cité island in the historic center of Paris. The cathedral's construction was begun in 1160 and complete by 1260, though it was modified in the following centuries. In the 1790s, Notre-Dame suffered during the French Revolution and much of its religious artwork was destroyed. A major restoration took place between 1844 and 1864. The cathedral is one of the most widely recognized symbols of the city of Paris and the French nation. Artwork, relics, and other antiques stored at the cathedral include the Crown of Thorns which Jesus wore prior to his crucifixion and a piece of the cross on which he was crucified, a 13th-century organ, stained-glass windows, and bronze statues of the Twelve Apostles. While undergoing renovation and restoration, the roof of Notre-Dame caught fire on the evening of 15 April 2019 leading to the destruction of the flèche (the timber spire over the crossing) and most of the lead-covered wooden roof above the stone vaulted ceiling.

Île de la Cité is an island in the River Seine, once known as Lutetia, and is the oldest settlement in Paris, France. It is one of two natural islands in the river, the other being Île Saint-Louis. The island has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have been settled by the Parisii, a Celtic tribe, in the 3rd century BC. In 52 BC, the Romans conquered the island and established a city there, which they called Lutetia. The island was the site of several important events in French history, including the signing of the Edict of Nantes in 1598 and the French Revolution. Today, Île de la Cité is home to many famous landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palais de Justice. Île de la Cité with sights such as the Pont Neuf, the Pont de l’Archevêché and Notre Dame cathedral, makes it the central crossroads of the city, which grew outwards from here. Ile de la Cité is the perfect place for a riverside picnic.

Bisson Frères specialised in landscape and architectural photography and became famous for their images of the Alps. In 1860, the Bisson brothers were commissioned by Napoleon III to document the construction of the new Louvre Palace. They also photographed other important Parisian landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. Tragically, Auguste-Rosalie died in a climbing accident in 1864 and the studio closed soon after. However, her legacy lives on through her stunning photographs, which are still admired and studied today.

Auguste-Rosalie Bisson was a French photographer born in Paris on 21 April 1826. He is known for his pioneering work in the field of photography, particularly landscape photography. Bisson and his brother Louis-Auguste were among the first photographers to photograph the French Alps. They travelled extensively throughout Europe, photographing landscapes and cityscapes. Their work was highly regarded for its technical excellence and artistic merit. In 1860, Bisson was commissioned by Napoleon III to photograph the construction of the new Louvre Museum in Paris. He also photographed the construction of the Eiffel Tower, which was completed in 1889. Bisson's photographs are notable for their clarity, sharpness and attention to detail. He was a master of the wet collodion process, which allowed him to produce images of high resolution and tonal range. Bisson died in Versailles, France, on 21 May 1900. His legacy as a photographer continues to inspire and influence photographers today.