Sacre Coeur

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On Sunday I decided to head up to Monmartre and the Sacre Coeur with a friend to spend the afternoon. We brought lunches and bought a fresh hot baguette on the way so before braving the crowd around the church, we picnicked on the hillside overlooking Paris. And it was really all of Paris. Even though the day was not perfectly clear (as you can tell in the photos) I could still see for miles. Of course, I havent' been up the eiffel tower yet, but so far it's been the most impressive view I've had of Paris. And of course it was kind of cool to remember the Amelie scene with "les fleches bleues" and compare the scenery to my surroundings, since it did take place in Montmartre, if I'm not mistaken.
The church itself was also impressive (surprise surprise). What I loved most was its roundness- everything was so smooth and round. Anyplace there could be an arch or a dome- there was one. Inside and out. It is also still a very active church it seems. Lots of people were there solely for prayer and not for tourism. Which should not be surprising, since it is after all a church, but somehow with such a crowd outside, the woman kneeling with prayer beads really stood out in my impression of the place. That and of course the gigantic and magnificent painting (or was it a mosaic?) on the dome in the front of the church. A giant Jesus spread his arms and was surrounded by followers (of smaller proportions) among them a young woman in armour whom I can only presume to have been Joan of Arc. I was very impressed by the sanctity of the church- very quiet, no photographs, shoulders covered, no tourist flyers everywhere. But just as this thought was gathering in my mind, I passed 2 large souvenir coin machines by the door on the way out. Ah well. I suppose that being one, I can't really complain about tourists.
But the day was lovely and laid-back, the weather intermittently light gray and glorious sunshine, so I was happy.

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Comments

[Andrea Behrman]

Memories of Montmatre with Gayle Behrman
Emma: Your mother and I with Mom and Dad visited Paris when I was in 6th grade and Gayle going into 10th grade I believe. We loved Montmatre and the open air artists. You may remember the charcoal black and white (then, color) drawings made of Gayle, Mom, and me. What a lovely day even among the clouds. Am enjoying every blog entry! Love, Andrea Louise

[Vivienne]

Merci, Emma!

[Mark Jaster]

Funiculaire?
Did you see the old funiculaire cable car up the Montmartre hill? Is it even still there, I wonder. It was too expensive for this Paris student in his day, and actually looked a little rickety. Love, Dad