Monday, January 11, 2010

Up the Hill

Notre Dame Lorette

Mary and Mary have a look at the art at Place du Tertre


Family Night in Pigalle???
You Paris lovers and residents know that Montmartre and the lovely Sacre Coeur Basilica is the highest point in Paris. No matter what means of transportation you choose, there will be some walking up that hill. Today we managed to cut as many corners as possible. Before our climb we stopped at the beautiful Notre Dame Lorette Church. After that, we took the Abbesse metro (and the elevator to the sortie). Those of you that know this metro know that it has many colorful murals painted along the walls as you climb many many many flights of stairs. I'm sure they hoped it would take your mind off the task at hand. I recommend the elevator! We did a leisurely walk up the hill stopping in many shops to have a look and warm up. We stopped for lunch, then made our way to the church. We opted for the vernicular ( a tram) to the very top. WHEW! I was more than happy about that. It was very cold today and overcast. A very wise move on our part. Once there we toured the basilica and then made our way to Place du Tertre and saw the few hardy artists that braved the cold to sell their wares. After some more shopping we started down the hill to a nice cafe where we met our friend Barbara who lives in the neighborhood. After a quick trip to a hardware store, we jumped a metro to meet friends for a drink. Some of you may know our friends...... Peter of course and........... Eric Tenin. Oh yes we did. Eric bestowed a papal blessing on all of you City Daily Photo Bloggers, and I have witnesses ! :) After bidding Eric good evening, the four of us went to a nearby restaurant, Ratatouille for a delicious dinner. Peter kindly escorted us on our walk home. How did we find the energy?? Well it's 1:00 so I will post a few photos and bid you good night!

20 comments:

♥ E.T. Suzy ♥ said...

Gosh, it sounds as though you are having the most wonderful time. Thanks for the daily photos - I feel right there with you!

nanny said...

I remember the walks and the exhaustion from touring Paris....and yes we ate at that McDonalds....what fun!!!!

Louis la Vache said...

Up there on Montmartre, not far from Place du Tetre and Sacre Cœur, is the Salavdor Dali museum.

Harriet said...

The soles on your shoes must be wearing thin!

Thank goodness I've not encountered all those stairs you talk about. But I do know that I don't like the stairs at Chatelet!

Bob Crowe said...

How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've see Paree? What a life.

Starman said...

So did Ratatouille come out and introduce himself? Loved that movie. You could have walked from Abesses to Place Suzanne Valadon and taken the Funiculaire to the top of the hill. Might even have gotten a little heat after all the cold.

from cali said...

Drinks with Peter and Eric? Sounds like fun!

Sheila said...

Sounds so fun. Do you rent an apartment while you're in Paris? You're there so often, you should have a place! Are you staying in Monmartre?

Jilly said...

Another great day in Paris.
Good for you hiking up to Montmartre and what a good idea to eventually hop the tram.

I envy your meeting with Eric (one day I so hope to get to meet him) and of course dinner with the divine Peter.

I'll be back tomorrow...have another great day.

Shell Sherree said...

And another perfect day in Paris was had by all! What a way to top it off ~ drinks with Eric and your chivalrous escort home by Peter. {A hardware store???}

Julie said...

Indeed, yes, a hardware store? What could you possibly need from a hardware store? Go on - tell us!!

Janet M Kincaid said...

Having climbed the stairs at both the Metro stop *and* the Sacre Coeur, I can attest to the fact that you made a wise choice. Although, the murals in the Metro are worth the walk. And so is the view from the top of the S.C. Oh, never mind me.

Sounds like y'all are having a ball!

P.S. Did you get my email?

steviewren said...

It looks like Pigalle tries to have something for everyone...that is if Dad doesn't mind leaving mom and the kids at McDonalds while he tries more exotic wares next door.

Hope your feet are surviving the workout you are giving them!

Anonymous said...

Great banner. (It's hard to keep up with a Swede, isn't it?)

Daryl said...

Think of all the exercising you wont have to do after all this walking up hills ...

Virginia said...

Hiker,
It's fun trying to keep up!

Daryl,
Macarons and a tart in one day???

Sheila,
This time an apt.

Steviewren,
THat's hilarious!

jk
No steps pour moi. Feet, feet, feet!

Anonymous said...

I hope you wished Eric Tenin a Happy 50th Birthday !!

Cheryl said...

Thanks for taking us along on your travels, I'm really enjoying it!

Harriet said...

Yes, please tell us more about that stop at the hardware store!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't know how you do it but I'm glad you do!