Day 1 & 2 - Part 2 - March 18th - March 19th - Paris Montmarte

After departing the Aéroport de Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle we loaded into our tour buses to head to downtown Paris neighborhood of Montmartre. While on the bus, our group of travelers was warned of the importance of being aware of pickpockets and scam artists and the importance of being aware of our surroundings.

We drove past the Moulin Rouge and the Arc de Triomphe on the way to Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre (Sacred Heart of Montmartre).

The basilica is situated atop a hill that overlooks Paris and offers amazing panoramic views of the city. 

The ceiling of the exterior entryway. 

A tribute to my grandparents.

Surrounding the plaza at the base of the basilica were fences loaded with padlocks.

The view from the steps of the basilica were amazing! It made the trek up hundreds of steps totally worth it for everyone.

Directly outside the basilica there was even the promise of American cuisine at a snack stand.

After admiring the view from the top, it was time to head back down. Unfortunately, for some of us, we realized that we could made the ascent up the steps much easier via the Funiculaire (automated gondolas).

Some of us decided to take the staircase and when I began the climb the trip down, I immediately realized that I was familiar with this staircase even though I had never been there before. The same staircase I was walking down was heavily featured in a movie that I had seen last summer (John Wick: Chapter 4) and now I was walking down the same stairs! 

Back at the base of the stairs, the opportunity presented itself for the first French bakery adventure. The decision was made to try a "pain au chocolat" (chocolate croissant) and it did not disappoint.

Then it was onto exploring the street of shops we walked through to get to the plaza at the base of the hill in front of the basilica.

The next stop was a French biscuit (cookie) shop. These crafty saleswomen were masters of their craft and lured you in with a "free sample" of a hazelnut chocolate filled biscuit. I settled on a few tasty options but thoroughly enjoyed an apple cinnamon filled biscuit.

Among the souvenir shops hocking their wares, I found my favorite T-shirt featuring "Mona Slash".

After exploring a few shops and stores, it was time to get really wild and hop on the carousel!

Daisy & Carla!

Rachel, Emma, and Mr. E

After our time at Montmartre, it was time to get back on the buses and head to dinner.

Sweet subway entrance on the way back to the buses.

To be continued...