After a very long sleep, coffee and croissants we were ready to tackle the tourist hotspots of Paris. The plan today was to circle the Right Bank on the Metro and stop off at must see places along the way. First stop Montmartre and straight to the steps below the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur. We took a shady path up to the main steps and then stopped to admire the view. The basilica looked beautiful against a clear blue sky and although the view across the city was hazy we could see all the landmarks well enough.
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| Maree and Melanie, Sacre-Coeur
The interior of the Sacre-Coeur is just as beautiful as the exterior - the skill of the craftsmen who worked without the benefits of modern technology and created places like this never ceases to amaze. In terms of age this church is quite recent - completed in 1914. By the time we emerged into the sunshine again the crowds had increased and as we made our way past the neighbouring and very old (12th century) church, St Pierre de Montmartre, it was obvious that we were going to share our visit to the area with a very large number of people. It is a short walk to the pretty Place du Tertre - meeting place of artists and now an outdoor art show crowded with tourists and surrounded by cafes and restaurants. I have a great admiration for the patience and stamina of the waiters in these popular spots!
Artist at work Place du Tertre, Montmartre
Glad to escape the crowds we made our way down the hill to the Place des Abbesses where a band played merrily under the trees and finally to the very busy Boulevard de Clichy with its seedy collection of erotica shops and bars. Of course it was not too long before we reached the Moulin Rouge and fired off a few snaps for the occasion. Hunger was getting the better of us so we settled into a café opposite the MR and soaked up the fumes of the crazy relentless traffic while we devoured some pretty good baguettes, a few snails - whoops, escargot - and a nice glass of chardonnay.
Place des Abbesses, Montmartre
Moulin Rouge
Refuelled, we jumped onto the Metro again and emerged from the depths of the underground in front of the Arc de Triomphe. We took the tunnel under the diabolically busy Etoile roundabout and found that the queue for climbing to the top was surprisingly short. Up we went - 235 steps? - agonising but well worth the effort for the sublime view.
Jessica - Arc de Triomphe
From the top the architectural genius of Haussman is very much in evidence. His design for the city gives Paris its distinctive character from the mansard roofs to the wide tree lined boulevards. The view of the Eiffel Tower is also pretty amazing.
Champs Elysees
Eiffel Tower
Once at the bottom of the monument we spent some time looking at the inscriptions on the walls and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (from World War 1). Back through the tunnel for a milk shake at Maccas in the Champs Elysees and then some window shopping along this most famous of streets. I would love to see it when there is a parade - or the final stage of the Tour de France. It is a boulevard just made for events! Back onto the Metro and a quick stop at Le Forum Les Halles for some mobile phone sim cards. Jess was heading out for dinner with Baptiste - one of her Parisian mates from Bond Uni - while Maree, Mel and I were happy to collapse at our respective apartments.
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