Sacred Heart Church of Paris France

After our Eiffel Tower tour, we took the Metro and headed for our lunch. I was practically pleading for Quick, a popular hamburger restaurant in France, but Francois insisted that the group must take a heavy meal, and so wanted to treat us to a Chinese restaurant that serves buffet. No use arguing with a friend who seem to want everything his way. We are in France anyway, Francois knows what's best. And more importantly, he's paying for the treat.

We did not want to waste time so to Chinese we went. And was he right. I had my fill of dimsum, crispy noodles, thick hot seafood soup, chilled fruits that I can have from the buffet table. All for 26 Euros.What a bargain for such great treats.

After after Chinese treat, off to Metro again. Next stop - the Sacred Heart Church, likewise known as the Sacre Couer Basilica. One of the more popular churches in Paris France, it is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is sitting atop Montmartre, Paris' highest point.

We got off at Anvers Metro Station. Just a few walk from the station is a block where stores are located all around. They sell a variety of souvenirs such as posters, cards, Eiffel Tower miniatures, dresses and shirts (even naughty aprons), rolls of cloth, and more. I was told that this place is where you should buy stuff because prices here are affordable, even for tourists. We had to go through the "shopping block" as we walked towards the Sacred Heart Church so I couldn't help but be tempted to buy something - I bought two shirts for 15 euros a pair.



We finally saw the beautiful Sacred Heart Church sitting on top of the hill. Such a wonderful sight. To be able to reach the church, you can either take the cable car or furniculaire or climb up the steps. Of course, we took the cable. In front of the church was a band playing current pop music to the delight of a good sized audience. An unusual scene, I thought. But I was told that during summer, women go sun bathing naked - in front of the church.



The dome of the Church is open to the public. Being there provides one an excellent view of Paris. But we opted not to, but instead stayed on the Church ground, where the views we had of the city was nonetheless impressive. Enjoying breathtaking sights of Paris while listening to great popular American music rendered by a French band, what more can you ask?

Like in many other popular landmarks in Paris France, Sacred Heart Basilica is surrounded by small cafes and bistros.





However, one part of the Church vicinity that attracts me is the artist's area where many painters and illustrators and their works of art can be seen and admired.



Some will offer for them to draw your likeness, for a fee of course. Indeed, their works are so impressive; unfortunately they charge quite exorbitantly (one charges 100 euros, too high for my budget). Next time perhaps?