Terrific Tuesday: Churches

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Our first Metro ride took us up to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur--the Basilica dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus. This is the highest point in Paris. The view from up here is simply stunning. And the crowds gather every day to take in the sun on the many, many steps up to the Basilica. It's a very Bohemian neighborhood that can become very seedy at night.
The inside of the church is beautiful in a different way than Notre Dame. The statuary are beautiful, but the tiled frieze of Jesus on the domed ceiling above the chancel is amazing. Even though no photos are allowed, I was able to snap 2 inside the church, one of which I will post here after this set this up.
After the church visit, we took a little train (5€) down the great hill and back up again. We saw the cemetery of Montmartre where many famous artists are buried including Talouse LaTrec whose paintings of the bawdy Pigalle area of Paris became very famous in the 19th century. We rode through Pigalle and saw for ourselves the sex shops that lined both sides of the street, and up and down the alley ways. Of course, Moulin Rouge is here, too. We didn't see the windmill, which surprised me. If you ever need a lap dance--go to Pigalle!
After all the excitement (of the church) we went to the Abbesses area for lunch. We had flavorful hot, 1/4 chicken, with salad and French fries. People watching here is great. All shapes, sizes, sense of personal fashion (doesn't that person own a mirror?!), colors (of hair) stroll past and I get to just take it all in.
After lunch/dinner, we took the Metro to La Madeleine church in the Opera district. A different kind of beauty here. No stained glass. No friezes on ceilings. It resembles the pantheon on the outside. The windows are very high, so the nave of the church is dimly lit by natural light. There was a choir rehearsing for their concert last night so we could not get close to the high altar. This is the area that appeals to me most. Above the altar is a statue depicting Mary Magdalene in a rapture, supported by 3 angels. It's an amazing sculpture--mostly for it's prominent place in this church: above the altar! Look for a photo of her here, too.
we arrived at the flat in time for a nap and spent the remainder of the evening looking at our photos. Such a lovely day.
Tomorrow: Museums!