Paris again: part 2

The Basilica of the Sacré Cœur was built on Montmartre from 1876 to 1919 by public subscription. Its white dome is a highly visible landmark in the city.

We travelled to S C using Paris's excellent public transport; firstly by RER from Luxemburg near our apartment, transferImg to Metro and then a short walk to the Funicular and up to S C (rather then walk up the flights of steps - a concession to our age!)

RER and Metro are linked so one ticket per trip and then a second ticket for the Funicular. The 10 ticket purchase system (a Carnet for Euro14 today) is nearly as old as me; I recall a primary teacher telling me about the Carnet when I was in grade 2, showing how forward thinking they were in the 1950s.

 

Tourists have always flocked to Sacré Cœur. The 3 in the top pix are busy doing their own thing, unaware that the white statue next to them is moving.

 

 

 

Not all tourist come to S C to take pictures. Some come to have wedding photographs taken, like these two Japanese brides. I wondered if these are real grooms or just hired for the 'shoot'.

Artists still set up their easels each day amidst the tables and colourful umbrellas of Place du Tertre. When we first visited S C, they filled the whole Place. Now most of the square is taken for large tourist group lunches, with a few artists scattered around the edge. I'd say economics have changed and the return per square metre is better for 'mass meals'.

In the back streets you can find touchs of the authentic Parisian charm made famous in the 1950 and 1960 movies, but like the famous Le Chat Noir sign, today it is rather faded.

Lenore and I find it easier to find the wonderful charm of Paris around lesser known suburban Metro stations with their cafes, bistros, shops et al, or in their grand gardens.