1000 or so steps forward...

The gloom of the morning matched our mood. Despite waking much earlier, we weren't terribly efficient at getting out the door.  For me, it was because of the anxiety of going to an area of the city that was more residential and therefore off the beaten path.  We rode the metro again, but this time we rode one of the lines that leads to the bohemian section of the city and not the "rodeo drive" area.  With a deep breath, we headed to Montmartre to see the basilica Sacre Coeur. 

The basilica sits atop a steep hill and was the site of the beheading of Bishop Denis, the first bishop of Paris. He was beheaded for his faith and the name of the area translates to hill of the martyrs. 

Lucky for you, we were not allowed to take pictures inside, but it was quite beautiful. Sacre Coeur has had perpetual adoration of the Eucharist for 125 years! It was consecrated as a basilica in 1919 after a visit by Pope Benedict XV. 

The hike up to the area was a killer.  Heck, just getting out of the metro was a major workout.  I would guess that we climbed the equivalent of six flights of stairs to reach ground level out of the metro. This old broad had to rest to make it out.  Libby, in her Zumba fit way, was ready to tackle the rest of the hike up the hill. 

Once you get to the top, there is a small square filled with "starving artist" selling their wares and even more strolling about requesting to draw you.  I declined.  My red, out of breath, wrinkled face would not transpose well. 

The morning dew/fog/overnight humidity makes the granite bricks that are used for the roads very slick and I nearly ended up on my behind several times. I'm sure the starving artists are having a hearty laugh over that! Perhaps if one had offered to help me rather than draw me, I would have paid them handsomely! 

The walk to the top is richly rewarded however with a view back into Paris that really gives you a perspective of how gigantic the city actually is. We spent the next hour or so aimlessly walking around the adjacent neighborhood which I found delightful and Libby found pointless. It is a wonder what a few decades of age difference makes to ones perspective. 

After Libby could take no more, we found a cozy cafe to eat croque Monsieur and hot chocolate. 

Surprisingly simple and delicious! We also tried macaroons. 

The highlight of the day, though was the smile on Libby's face when she found Vandoren, the manufacturer of the reeds for her clarinet. 

In the evening we went to the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the Champs Eleyses. We hiked up another 1000 or so stairs...

For a breathtaking view of the avenue, the basilica, and the rain storm heading into the city over the Effiel tower. 

I try to learn something every day, and today's lesson was do not under any circumstances go to Montmatre and the Arc de Triomphe on the same day. But if you do, take a nap in between.