Montmartre

Sunday was HOT in Paris! It was at least 80-82 degrees (F), approx. 30C. That may not sound very hot, but to us it felt like August weather.

We explored Montmartre, beginning with the long ascent to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. We had planned to take the funicular to the top, but everyone wanted to walk.

The students had time to explore the basilica, then we walked through the throngs of tourists to the Place du Tertre. Frankly, this is my least favorite spot in Paris because it's always packed with visitors and vendors. I enjoyed finding a plaque announcing that 21-year-old Louis Renault piloted his single-cylinder "Voiturette" to the summit of Montmartre on Christmas Eve, 1898. This was the first ascent of Montmartre by automobile.

We continued to the Musée Montmartre. Away from the madding crowds in the surrounding streets, this small museum presents historical exhibits, mainly from the nineteenth century.

Later we walked down the hill, pausing at the Moulin de la Galette (which was the last working windmill on Montmartre) and other landmarks. We paused for lunch and ice cream, then ended our tour at the Moulin Rouge.

Most of the students headed off to visit various museums. Marta and I went to the basilica of St. Denis, a few miles north of Montmartre. Most of the French kings are buried there -- or were until the Revolution, when their bones were disinterred and transferred to a common grave outside the church to "purge it of the royal race." Later some of the bones were transferred back into the church. The fascinating tombs, many with elaborate marble sculptures, remain.

Our final day (Monday) features a long visit to the Louvre, then a group dinner.