Sacre Coeur. Yesterday, our day did not start off very well but somehow it transformed itself into one of our best days here in Paris. We are walkers and thus far we have managed to walk to every place we have visited. Yesterday though, we wanted to visit Sacre Coeur and it’s way too far to walk so it was our first experience with the Paris Metro system.
The Metro
We like to think of ourselves as pretty savvy when it comes to metro systems because we have used the Washington, D.C. system for years. Okay, yes, I know, it’s in English. Let me take just a moment to digress and say that it is one thing to not understand the spoken word when visiting a foreign country, but it’s really difficult when you cannot read the written word. It makes it so much harder hard to find your way. And, while in many European countries you’ll find English subtitles, in Paris, no such luck! With that being said, we had a bit of a glitch trying to find the right metro train.
A Labyrinth
You have to understand that the Paris underground system is a labyrinth of different levels, tunnels and directions; up, down, right, left, etc. We finally found what we believed to be the right platform. Although, we had no idea if every train was heading in the right direction. Abi said, “Let’s just get on and see where we end up.”
Just Like in the Movies
When the next train came along a couple of minutes later we momentarily debated the logic of just getting on when we decided to go for it. Abi hopped on while I hesitated just a second too long and whoosh the doors closed. Abi was on his way. Just like in the movies he mouthed the words, “I’ll come back!”
There I was all alone in the tunnels of the metro, by myself, and not liking it one little bit. I sat myself down with my bottom lip trembling trying to console myself. It wouldn’t be too long before he was back and sure enough, in less than 10 minutes he was. You better believe the next train that came along I was on that baby!
The Metro!
Sacre Coeur
Our destination was Sacre Coeur. First, we wanted to first stop at a station that also serves as a Eurorail station. We wanted to buy our tickets for our planned day trip to Reims (Champagne region) on Wednesday. After walking back and forth through the train station a couple of times, we found the ticket office. While we were standing in line Abi sent me out to look for a ticket machine which I found. We gave up our place in line to buy our tickets. Everything on the machine was written in French, naturally, with no subtitles. When we finally figured it all out and we were ready to purchase our tickets, the French ticket machine rejected our American credit card so back in line we went.
We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
With tickets finally purchased and safely tucked away we made our way back to the metro train. We rode to what we thought was the right stop. When we came up from underground I looked around and my first thought was, “Oh Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore!” I’ll just leave it at that. Sacre Coeur sits on top of a hill. I lost count after 9 flights of 20 stairs each flight. I know we climbed well over 200 stairs by the time we reached the church.
I stopped counting after 180!
Had it been a clear day we would have been able to see panoramic views of the city below. Even so, it was pretty wonderful.
Panoramic views!
Although the basilica looks to be centuries old, it is actually only 130 years young and has quite the story.
Sacre Coeur
Technically, photographs are not allowed inside the basilica but somehow Abi’s phone captured this photo!
Inside sneak peek!
Known as Montmartre
After touring the basilica we stepped outside to discover the most magical snowfall you can imagine! Huge fluffy white flakes falling in silent beauty. It was breathtaking! The area known as Montmartre, a little village with a long history of bohemian charm. It is just steps away from Sacre Coeur. Montmartre is picture perfect and under a blanket of snow, it was as if we had stepped onto a movie set. We were so enamored we just let the magic of the day flow over us. We roamed each narrow cobblestone street. My new friend, Luigi, sketched my portrait in a matter of minutes, we sat in a cozy cafe and drank hot chocolate and ate crepes. We marveled at the tenacity of the artists who continued to create under the dryness of umbrellas.
My new friend, Luigi!
The village square, picture perfect!
Artist at work!
Rather than hike down the same number of stairs, we opted to take the funicular from the top of the hill to the streets below. We found our way back to the metro station and zoomed back to our Parisian home away from home. It was a day we will long remember.
The funicular!
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J’adore Paris! How beautiful! I’ve never been during the winter. It looks magical. When my husband and I went, we were worried about the same metro fiasco. Our plan was that if we were to get separated the person on the train was to get off at the next stop and the person left behind get on the next one and meet up again. Paris…beau chaos!
Kristin ~ Thank you for reading! That is actually a great metro plan, unfortunately, it never occurred to us that one of us might get left behind. That would have been easier than Abi having to back track! By the time we left Paris we pretty much had it figured out but it is such a maze of tunnels it’s really confusing! Safe Travels ~
Oh this brings back memories of our trip to Paris, long before kids! Hoping to bring them there one day. And the subway – we happened to be there during a workers’ “slow-down” – it was quite an experience! Can’t wait to go back, though hoping for no striking subway and train workers.
I’m getting good at the subway, on/off right in step but one really has to step quickly. And, I do not let go of my husband’s hand, I’m not getting left behind again! Thanks for reading!
Sorry, I am chuckling through the story of the lost husband in Paris. Or is it the Lost Wife?
I am glad the end of the day was magical enough to get your through the adventure on the Metro.
I did those same steps on a hot day in June. Almost killed me.
But now you can eat all those pastries without a regret. Linda
I think it was the lost wife because I was the one who hesitated and got left behind! Only once baby, only once!
I am Glad you guys travel to show us all the cool things to see in Paris. Stay cool and dont let your meat loaf?
Thank you for reading! Paris is a remarkable city!
I know how that is, with the trains. I used trains while I was studying abroad, and it was…an experience. I lost my backpack b/c I stepped off the train without it, and…whoosh.
It happens to me here in America, too. I use public transportation in LA a lot and always have interesting experiences with it….
Thanks for reading Nick! Yep, one moment’s hesitation and it’s a different ballgame! Public transportation in L.A., you’re hard core! :o)
What a memorable day you had! Wow, Paris is beautiful under a blanket of snow.
We went in May, 2011 and loved walking and taking the metro so many places; we never did quite figure out the subway machines using our credit cards. We’re not big souvenir people, but I do have one of our metro tickets from the carnet hanging on my board.
Your pictures brought back memories of walking through Montmartre and seeing the artists. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures!
Tiffany ~ Thank you for reading! American credit cards do not have a chip that European cards have so many machines can’t read them. Montmartre was definitely a highlight of our trip, something I’ll never forget.
Paris in the winter sounds wonderful, what a great adventure. Love the pics!
Thank you for finding us! Winter in Paris has proven to be a very special time to visit!
Great pictures – you chose a brilliant time to visit Paris! I hope the snow made up for the other unfortunate incidents of the day – I managed to leave a friend behind in the same way on the London tube once; so I know how easy it is to do!
Amy ~ When Abi first suggested Paris in January I thought he was crazy! But, I have to admit it’s been great and the snow has just added to the magic of the experience. That and long underwear! ha! Ha!