During a late-night picnic on one of the wooden bridges that spans the Seine, we caught a glimpse of the twinkling Eiffel Tower and waved to the river boats. The next morning, we made our way to an area I had not yet explored-- Montmarte. Very artsy, very trendy, and very hilly! The Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) Basilica sits atop Montmarte. It is a huge white stone church in an architectural style very different from the rest of the city. The view is fantastic from the top!
Montmarte is actually the most expensive place in Paris, yet as you work your way down the hill, you approach the base where it is the least expensive place in Paris! And we saw why. Although, I must say, the shopping deals are good there, the "red light" is a little distracting...catch my drift? But, we really wanted to see the outside of the Moulin Rouge (where I was tempted to cover the eyes of the touring children!). We also grabbed a bite at the cafe where part of Amelie was filmed-- in art deco style with a pink bar and geometric sconces.
Next we hit the Musee d'Orsay-- I was happy to go back again because it is one of my favorites and I saw new things in the paintings that I had missed before!
After a little evening gelato and a post-gossiping sleep, we went to the Notre Dame the next day. It is the second time I have been there, but, much like the Eiffel Tower, it always amazes me! Mass was also going on and it felt like we were traveling back in time.
Our final stop of the grand tour was the Musee de l'Orangerie. Was not sure what to expect here, but was pleasantly surprised! Situated at the corner of the Tuileries Gardens, the Musee is flooded with light. The main galleries are all round with a large occulus in the middle of the ceiling. Monet's water lily paintings wrap around the rooms. The big rule at the museum is "silence!" In the quiet and the sun, you feel like you are in the gardens with Mr. Monet! Although the subject matter is the same, each piece looks different from the next.
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