Montmartre

Montmartre was the real life vision of what I had imagined Paris to be more like. Cobblestone lane ways lined with ancient houses spread thickly with vines, artists glued to easels as a view of the city blossomed from the tip of their paintbrush, and patisseries sporting windows full of glazed delights on every corner. It was quaint and beautiful, a little town tucked away behind the hill that is the highest point in the city. Perched atop the hill stands the Sacre`-Coeur Basilica, a beautiful white domed church. If we thought the view of the city from the top of the hill was good, we were absolutely blown away by the view from the top of the dome. Literally, the very top, which we found out after a very claustrophobic 15 minutes spent climbing a narrow, winding stair case inside the tallest turret of the dome. Despite the hoards of tourists, we spent the day lazing around in the sun, sprawled out on the grass eating frozen yoghurt and exploring the little artist's town.