Sunday, June 15, 2008

day two (2): montmartre, sacré coeur and beyond

Sacré Coeur

Once we finally climbed (ok walked) to the top of Montmartre, we first visited l'eglise Saint-Pierre-de-Montmartre. A great old church with personality and a lot of history.




Then we headed for the Basilique du Sacré Coeur.



And due to some minor inclement weather, we took the opportunity to take the tour of the Dome and Crypt. And luckily got there before the masses started heading in for cover...

...and so up 300 steps we climbed... (the dome is 83 metres above the ground).



...for a spectacular view of Paris...



...and a few moments blatant tourista photography...




That's the bell tower and Saint-Michel.



Then after walking around inside and out of the Dome we descended back down the 300 steps into the Crypt. There were many statues of Saints This and That, but this is the one that caught my eye, Saint-Denis (and you'll get to see him again tomorrow at Notre-Dame)



And even more spectacular is the statue of the Pieta.



Once we emerged from the Crypt, we walked around the Basilica and then made our way down the front gardens, fountains and steps...



...finally landing at the bottom next to the double decker Carrousel, where of course is where Amélie finally returns Nino's photo album (after making Nino climb all the way to the top and have him watch her through those ridiculous tourist magnifying viewing devices.



And with this part comes to a close the Amélie Poulin walking tour. :-)

Now we go... BEYOND...

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