Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre

A quick train ride via the #2 Blue Line brought us to Anvers. We walked for a few minutes - past the souvenier shops, thrift and surplus 1-euro stores ("ukay-ukay"), and then we found ourselves in Montmartre.

The Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) is a Byzantine church built in 1870 and completed in 1917. Its crypt contains what some believe is a piece of the sacred heart of Christ.

Sacre-Coeur is situated on top of Montmartre, one of the few hills in Paris. In fact, it is Paris' second highest point. Once you make it up the multiple steep stairs leading to the church, you will be rewarded with a fantastic, sweeping view of the city.

In the 19th century, many painters and artists worked and lived here (Van Gogh, Monet, etc.). This is the birthplace of Cubism. Nowadays, it is a meeting point for artists - especially at the Place du Tertre. They'd be displaying their paintings and other artworks for sale during the day. Some are busy sketching portraits. At the time of our visit, there was an Art Gallery exhibit of Dali's sculptures, etchings, and lithographs.

There were a lot of small crepes stores (P and I liked the no-fuss powdered sugar/butter the best) in close vicinity with one another. We also noted that all the chairs outside of cafes were arranged facing the streets. I guess everyone wanted an unobstructed view of all the action that's going on in the area. No wonder that a cup of coffee will set you back at least 5 euros. Some people will occupy a table and nurse one cup for ages!