Sunday Church Series - From the Roof

Basilique du Sacre- Coeur is like a wedding cake overlooking Paris.

Le harpiste

 Always interesting street musicians, mimes, and artists outside the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.

Sunday Church Series - La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur - Montmartre

Possibly some of the most beautiful church doors in Paris.

Paris From Above

Sunday Paris Church Series - Asking Forgiveness

Recently my friend Peter Olson posted a collage of views of the Sacré Coeur from different vantage points all over Paris. He pointed out that photos were not allowed INSIDE. Oh my, I have to confess (it is a Catholic basilica) that I mistakenly took a number of photos inside the church in 2013, not knowing that photos were not prohibited. This is the only church in Paris that I'm aware of, that doesn't let you take photographs. Lesson learned, but please enjoy the magnificent mosaic dome.

La vue d'en haut

My very first trip to Paris in 2007, I climbed to the dome of the Sacre Coeur with my daughter and granddaughter. We didn't set out to do that but got in the wrong line to see the crypts. When I finally arrived at the top, this is what I saw. The whole city of Paris at my feet and la Tour in the distance. In 2009, friends Peter, Maya and Janet "persuaded" me to do it one more time. This is the photo I took in July, 2009. The view leaves you breathless in many ways!


I am thrilled to finally announce that my PHOTOS IN FRENCH photo collections are now available as a resource for French teachers across grade levels on World of Reading. It's been a long time coming and hope that if you teach French or know someone who does, you will share this resource.

Sunday Church Series - la Basilique du Sacré- Coeur

The construction of La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur started in 1875 and finished in 1919. The mosaic ceiling is exquisite. This last visit, I was the last of our group inside the church and took a shortcut to join my friends. I did not see the "No Photos" signs and took many photos of the inside of this beautiful place. This is the only church in Paris that I know of that does not allow photographs. I try to be very respectful in all churches and certainly would not have ignored their rules had I seen the signs. Confession over, hoping for forgiveness.

Sunday Church Series - Basilique du Sacré- Coeur

I found the rouge door along the side of the Sacré-Coeur!

Sunday Church Series - La Basilique du Sacre Coeur

The only thing missing is a Parisian with a beret!

Paris At My Feet

I won't bore you again with tales of my trips to the dome of the Sacre Coeur, but here's the view from about half way up.  Being able to step outside for a few breaths of fresh air before going back and trudging up the winding stone steps is most welcome.

Today's post is for my friend Roniece who is galavanting around Paris and posted a lovely photos of the Sacre Coeur on her Facebook page today.

Paris Church Series -Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

The Basilique duSacré-Coeur is one of my favorite places to visit. Sitting at the highest point in Paris, it allows the most marvelous panoramic view of the whole city.  This Montmartre neighborhood is famous for the artist trade which thankfully is not as frantic in midwinter!  Here, to the left is a lovely church that I regret I can't name, but stop in and visit if you're in the neighborhood.  I found this photo as a happy surprise recently and realized that it seemed a collage of what makes Montmartre so special.  The dome, the church, an artist or two and of course the cobblestone streets.  C'est Montmartre!

My Paris calendars 2011 are now 50% off on Zazzle here!

Les Manifestants Heureux

I thought today might be the just the perfect time to show some Frenchmen HAPPILY marching!  (Trust me,  I do not presume to wade into the current political storm!)  This is but one of many delightful murals adorning the walls of one of Paris' deepest Métro stops, Abbesses, Line 12.  I couldn't find how many steps it takes but trust me, it's a quite a few!  Perhaps these murals are an effort to distract you as you huff and puff your way to the top.  Oh, let me add there's a perfectly MARVELOUS elevator that will zip you to ground level in no time flat.  If it's your first time here, try and make the climb, the murals are not to be missed.  There is also a march up to the beautiful Sacre Coeur, and then, if you're really feeling energetic, a climb to the dome,  where you will see the most spectacular view of Paris you can imagine!

Les Portes de Bronze

Today's Sunday Paris Church series takes us up to the beautiful la Basilique du Sacré-Coeur. I love these grand bronze doors. I'm curious about the obvious wear at the bottom of each. I'm going to guess that perhaps many have used a foot to help push the massives doors open over many, many years. Please share if you have the answer!

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!

01.15.09

"Vive la France!"

Musée Rodin

"The Ascent"

(Taken on the trek to the dome of the Sacre Coeur, March 2007.  If you have the strength-  enjoy.  This is the lovely view of Paris. Many more steps to go.)

"Parisian Treasures"

Musée Carnavalet

Pont au Change

( Merci Peter!)