Sacre Coeur

Following my niece and nephew's lead, I thought a picnic supper in front of Sacre Coeur was a perfect idea for tonight. Downstairs from the apartment is a Monoprix where I purchased an apple, endive, salami, brie and hummus before wandering around to find the bus which was headed to Montmartre. Unfortunately the bus was crammed with people and felt like a sauna. Walking might have been a better idea. Still, there were a lot of steps and stairs to climb after I got off the bus. 

The sun was beginning to set as I joined the throngs of people gathered in the terraced gardens and staircases on the hill in front of the enormous white basilica. I successfully ignored the persistent African men selling trinkets as I walked up the multitude of stairs, enjoying the music of guitarists and singers playing to the crowds. The views out over Paris were breathtaking in the glowing sunset. I went inside to admire the massive dome ceilings bejeweled with mosaics. The only bummer part was that I had barely started in on my picnic supper when the guards started vigorously shooing everyone out so they could close the gardens. Dinner was delayed until I eventually got back to the apartment. All in all a good day!