June 2: Montmartre Magic, Parisian Views & Italian Café Memories

June 2: Montmartre Magic, Parisian Views & Italian Café Memories

Today’s Paris adventure took us to one of the city’s most enchanting neighborhoods—Montmartre. We started our morning with a ride share up to the crown jewel of the district, the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. We walked up the 225 steps, that you might have seen in climax of the last John Wick movie, to get to the base of the basilica. The crisp air and the climb up the hill were well worth it for the breathtaking views: all of Paris stretched out before us, with its rooftops and landmarks shimmering in the morning light.




Inside the basilica, we admired the stunning mosaics and peaceful ambiance, taking a few quiet moments to soak in the beauty and history of this beloved Parisian landmark.










Afterward, we hopped aboard the charming Montmartre road train for a delightful tour around the area. The train wound its way through the cobbled streets, past artists’ squares, and even gave us a glimpse of the legendary Moulin Rouge. It was a fun and relaxing way to see the sights and learn a bit more about Montmartre’s bohemian past.

 







After the train ride, we made our way to the heart of Montmartre and stopped for lunch at Les Artistes de la Place du Tertre. Dining here, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the square, felt like stepping into a living postcard. Place du Tertre is famous for its open-air art market, where around 140 artists set up their easels each day, painting portraits, caricatures, and Parisian scenes right before your eyes. After our meal, we wandered through the rows of artists, watching them at work and admiring the incredible variety of styles—everything from classic oil paintings to whimsical sketches. The square and its surrounding streets are lined with little shops and boutiques, so we took our time browsing for unique souvenirs and soaking up the bohemian spirit that has defined Montmartre for generations. It was a quintessential Paris experience, blending art, history, and the lively charm of this iconic neighborhood.























Returning to the hotel in the afternoon, we had some downtime before dinner. That evening, ten of us gathered for a meal at a cozy Italian café near the hotel. We practically took over the place—pushing all the two-person tables together to create one long, laughter-filled table. The food was delicious, the company even better, and the atmosphere felt like a private party just for our group.








After a wonderful dinner and plenty of stories shared, we strolled back to the hotel, content and grateful for another unforgettable day in Paris.

Tomorrow, we set our sights on new adventures as we head for the ship—stay tuned for more memories!

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