Montmartre and Sacre Coeur

After a continental breakfast we took the metro to Montmartre district and Sacre Coeur. 
We had fun learning the ways of the Metro system and even survived to tell the tale. Walking is by far the best way to view that characteristic Parisienne atmosphere with buildings, cafes and the street artists that Montmartre has been famous for generations. We walked onward and upward until we came to Sacre Coeur. Mon Dieu! Such a sight.
Sacre Coeur was completed in 1914 and its bell tower is one of  the highest points in Paris. We ventured inside and a mass was being held. The church is breathtaking and the singing created an atmosphere that was very moving. We visited the crypt below the church and then ventured up to the dome......300 steps later! We like to think we are healthier for it. The views of Paris from that vantage point are without equal.
Our final port of call was at the Cafe de Deux Moulins. For any fans of the movie "Amelie" you will instantly recognise this as the cafe where she worked.  And yes, the creme brulee there is to die for.
Taking the train  back to our hotel, we caught our breath before buying a bottle of wine, some fruit and baguettes for dinner, which we had on the banks of the Canal de Saint Martin with hundreds of other like minded Parisiennes.
Seeing a man riding  his bicycle with a bottle of wine in one hand and going the wrong way down a oneway street while not common in Melbourne didn't even draw attention in Paris. And stylish girls in short dresses and stilletos on the back of vespas by the dozen. Ah Paris.

Click here for pictures of Sacre Coeur

Click here for pictures of Montmartre