Paris 24.7.12

After a slow morning running in the Bois de Vincennes, I finally ended up heading to Montmartre at about 1 pm. Having to use the metro (not the RER) for the second time during my entire stay in Paris, I was surprised by it's efficiency. A train came by every 3 minutes despite the fact it wasn't peak hour!
Once I arrived, I made my way up the hill to La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur. It wasn't as long or steep a walk as I expected - I must say, the travel forums hyperbolize the climb. The church itself was impressive, giant looming white dome overlooking the city. What I found interesting were the multitude of mosaics in the church, depicting scenes from the bible. I found that they were a useful alternative to stained glass, partially because you could actually read what was tiled into the wall. 
After waiting in line for 10 minutes to buy a ticket for the climb to the dome (in France, everyone, even the people at the ticket counters must take their sieste), I climbed the 300 winding steps all the way up to the top. The panoramic view was spectacular. I had come on a good clear day - I could pretty much see all of Paris.

The view from the dome

Following my visit to the church, I wandered around Montmartre, getting lost. I came across the old abandoned piano factory where Monet, Pissarro, and other artists founded Impressionism, and tried in vain to find La Moulin de la Galette. I must have spent at least an hour trying to find that windmill! It wasn't where it was marked on the map - I never did end up seeing it. I loved the atmosphere of Montmartre. Despite the fact that it was filled with tourists, the narrow cobblestone streets and ivy covered home held some charm.