Sacre Coeur et Montmartre Guess who’s back in Paris? This girl!! Last year on my flight home

Sacre Coeur et Montmartre

Guess who’s back in Paris? This girl!!

Last year on my flight home from my month in France I realized that I had never gotten to Sacre Coeur, one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks and scenic overlooks!

This year, for graduation my parents gifted me with a week in my favorite city in the world. Naturally Sacre Coeur was my first stop. The walk (hike) to the top was long but worth it. I found a bench about halfway up in front of the fountain and rested with a baguette sandwich I had picked up on the way. I lunched and caught my breath before going up to the cathedral.

After snapping a couple pics I went inside (where they don’t allow photography) and explored for a little while. It definitely had a flow of tourists, so I felt rushed, but that didn’t stop me from lighting a candle in memory of my Nana who was catholic and I knew would have wanted me to.

I debated whether to go to the top or not. After standing on line for a few minutes I decided I would benefit more from strolling around the area for a bit. Montmartre is located in the 18e Arr. and overlooks basically all of Paris. The streets leading to Sacre Coeur are packed to the gills with souvenir shops, crêperies, and other tourist traps. Beyond the perimeter, however, I found what I was looking for. The apartment buildings that line the streets are stacked with window boxes and laundry airing in the wind, shutter windows opened to let the beautiful 73F (22C) air in. I watched some preteens walking home from school, gabbing and giggling as school kids do.

On my way back down the hill I took a different road and caught a quick glimpse of the Tour Eiffel. Perhaps I’ll go visit her tonight. My carte navigo is loaded, so pourquoi pas?