Wednesday. Off to the Montmarte area of Paris today to view the Sacre Coeur Basilica which was built between 1875 and 1914. The Basilica was built in part to unite the people of Paris after violent uprisings in the community in the 1870s and funded by public donations with shortfalls provided for by the government. The site of the basilica is the highest point in Paris so it can be seen from all over the city in its gleaming white colour due to its being built in travertine stone which exudes calcium to maintain the colour. It also gives a grand view back over the city and you get a real perspective of how enormous Paris really is.

The Montmarte area is filled with narrow winding streets and steep stairways that all seem to lead to Sacre Coeur and the lovely market village area which abounds with shops, cafes and restaurants which are teeming with tourists and of course hawkers trying to sell their wares whether it be bottles of water, rubber wrist bands or pencil sketches of you whilst you pose. It all makes up a friendly mix of people out to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris. Before entering we listened to a harpist playing on the steps on the Basilica and it was lovely to hear the fine music drift around the area as people wandered by, many sat and listened whilst others went to a shady spot to rest. Upon entering we found mass was in progress so no photos were permitted & we were asked to keep silent. We sat & enjoyed the choir of nuns for a while before continuing to make our way around the interior of the basilica, taking in the beautiful stained glass windows & frescos on the ceilings.

We had lunch at a small restaurant in Montmartre, choosing Plate du Jour (plate of the day) which was only 15 euros per person for 3 courses ( we certainly can't eat out that cheaply in Australia). The food and service was very good, no wonder it is a popular place to eat for the thousands of tourist who visit the area.

Making our way back down the hill we came to the famous Moulin Rouge, best known as the spiritual birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance.

In the evening we went to the Louvre as it was open until 9pm. It was a lovely end to a very enjoyable day wandering around such beautiful antiquities.