Day 8 Sacre Coeur and Montmarte

Another very slow morning after getting home late from Roland Garros. I think we were all exhausted after a few busy days and especially the nights. Woke to clouds and no rain...exciting.
Metro 9 from Billancourt to Saint Augustin then Metro 12 to Abesses which is the closest station to Montmarte. Enjoyed a yummy Italian lunch and coffee before sightseeing. We continued down the road following the masses towards the funricular up to Sacre Coeur. Our first real experience being with all the tourists in narrow streets and lots of tourist shops! Chris climbed the stairs to Sacre Coeur while Janet, Peter and I caught the furnicular. Then the rain came again!! Even so, we enjoyed walking around Sacre Ceour and listening to the bells toll. Umbrellas up and battling the crowds, we wandered through Montmarte and saw the painters doing portraits and caricatores. Many cafes and restaurants all around the outside with people taking refuge from the rain. We headed down side streets admiring the houses before heading back down. The rain had slowed so we walked down through the park in front of Sacre Coeur. At the bottom was the carousel that the children had gone on in 2008!! We settled into a cafe for a well earned Aperol while watching the passing crowds and looking up at Sacre Coeur...as you do!!
Walked back to the station but got distracted. Firstly for the most amazing ice cream, then Pylones, a shop that is full of colour and wonderful things! Bought a gorgeous scarf in bright pinks and blues. Then we found the 'Paris Duck Shop'!!! In we went...bought Stephen a rubik cube duck...couldn't resist!
Finally made it to the train and home via the supermarket for more cheese, crackers and chips! Gin and tonics all round with bubbles to follow!!Read more