Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens, Pantheon

On the third of June our goal was to see two of the well known Parisian tourist destinations, and two that are not as heavily visited. After our Parisian breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate we traveled by metro (which has been our main form of transportation) to Sacre Coeur.

This still active Catholic church is not only gorgeous inside and out but it has a spectacular view of Paris from the top tower.

(Please note the Eiffel Tower in the distance)

These magnificent views are due to Sacre Coeur or Sacred Heart being located on the summit of Montmartre, which is the highest point of elevation in the city of Paris.

After taking in the views before the Basilica was swarmed with tourists, we moved on to the next site, where we knew avoiding long lines of tourists would be simply impossible. I am referring, of course, to Notre Dame.

After waiting outside for almost an hour we did get to go into the church. Even from the outside one can tell why this cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Once in the cathedral you can not help but to feel in awe of the enormity of the structure which is seemingly in balance with the delicate, minute details in every pane of stained glass.

Despite the allure of the cathedral, we decided to leave it for a destination off the usual path for tourists in Paris. We headed, again by metro, to the Latin Quarter. Passing by the facilities of the Sorbonne we meandered into the lush Luxermbourg Gardens, where Parisians of all ages were taking advantage of the warm weather.

From picnics, to sunbathing, to sailing model boats the garden was quite full of life.

Resisting the temptation to spend the remainder of the day lounging with the locals, we headed off to our last stop for the day, the Panthéon.

Also located in the Latin Quarter the Panthéon was originally built in honor of St. Genevieve. Now it is a secular mausoleum. The Panthéon is the final resting place for French citizens who have made significant contributions to both French people and the people of the world. These people include Vistor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Lazare Carnot, Jean Monnet, René Cassin, as well as Marie, and Pierre Curie.

Though jam packed, our day was not only enjoyable but, as is always the case when you visit such historical places, we learned a lot. Experiencing these places, walking down the halls, breathing the same air as people before you, is quite humbling.

À tout à l'heure!