Paris - day three

This is to be the final day in Paris.

We decided to go to Sacre Coure, a very significant catholic church which is in La Pigalle area. I didn't realise this was also the home for the Moulin Rouge. Sacre Coure is of course run by the order of the Sacred Heart.

One change of line on the metro and we had a about a 20 minute walk, the last part steep uphill, with one area of about 100 steps, and then another of about 200 steps. What a magnificent view from the outside area of the church, where you can see right back into the centre of Paris.

We then went inside the church, and quite amazing to me, there is perpetual mass taking place. Signs of course to request everyone to be silent (unless of course taking part in mass and the response), no photography and also respectful attire. Well remaining silent was not so bad for most people and the attendants kept a close eye (ear?) on this. No photography, I cannot believe how many people try and attempt to take photos. Dress standards, some people just don't have any respect.

The church is most impressive with secondary altars to various saints. We spent sometime taking all of this in.

I then lined up to climb the 300 steps to the dome, Win quite wisely declined this. This was fantastic, after about 180 - 200 steps you come out of the spiral staircase, where there is an open area that looks out over the church. Back into the spiral staircase which now winds anti-clockwise, as opposed to the first section that wound up in a clockwise direction. The spiral staircase could be very claustrophobic for those with a fear of confined spaces.

And then out into the top, where you could walk all around the top level with glorious views of 360 degrees, and from here you have great views of the Eiffel Tower.

Then 300 steps down to the bottom of Sacre Coure, another 300 down the street steps to head back to the Metro, and head back to the city.

We headed toward the station near the Eiffel Tower, and once we arrived headed to the Seine, looking for a river cruise to complete our 3 days in Paris. We were too late for a luncheon cruise, so rather than cramming on the 2pm cruise we had lunch onshore, and then made our way to the cruise boat, and walked on at 2:27pm for the 2:30 cruise, what a great surprise this cruise had about 20-30 people, wheras the 2pm one was completely packed. This gave us the opportunity to move around and get some great shots of Paris, as we went towards the Isle du Paris, and sailing past Notre Dame, a pleasant one hour cruise. Then back to the hotel to collect our luggage, head out to Gare du Norde station to go thru customs, check in prior to boarding the Eurostar train.

We were there in plenty of time, so found a spot in the bar and had a few french wines and a baguette for our evening meal.

An on time departure and straightforward trip back to London.

Three days is not enough for Paris, so our little taste of Paris has whetted our appetites and we will be back.