Paris by Scooter (Day 1) Montmartre

Bonne Journée,

Well we did it again, we hired a Vespa (red this time) and scootered our way around Paris outskirts. Firstly, of course, we had to ride up the Champs Elysees and around the Arc de Triomph.  One last ditch effort for Sean to get it out of his system.  We then headed for the artist district, Montmartre (train and walking time was too long so the reason for the scooter.)  Montmartre is home to the Moulin Rouge and Sacre' Couer Basilica.  It was also the stomping ground for artists such as Salvador Dali, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, so a must see experience.

Firstly the Moulin Rouge.  Not very glitzy during the day and in a very seedy part of town but a must see non the less.  The area around the club would be classified as a red light district with numerous sex shops and shows on display.  We ventured into Rebecca Rill and it was everything you would expect and more.  Titillating to say the least.   And Sean's first ever visit to an adult store in his life.

We then took a walk to the Basilica which is located  high on quite a steep hill.  Unfortunately the paved road leading up to the Basilica is lined with cheap souvenir shops which detracted from it's postcard picturesque potential.  However, once you reach the top the Basilica appears and is truly a 'Wow' moment.  It is huge, ornate and unusually shaped compared to the usual Paris monuments.  There are a heap of stairs leading up to it which we did not attempt (Sean's gummy legs).  Instead we decided to head back down, get some lunch and then ride over to Place Du Tertre (the artist hub).  It also was on a steep hill so we rode up to where we thought it would be, parked the bike and walked the rest of he way.  After a few wrong turns, we found it, backing onto the Basilica.  Doh!

The 'Tertre' is a small square lined with many restaurants, art galleries and of course, cheap souvenir shops.  In the centre of the square is another restaurant and around it are many artist stalls selling their paintings.  Majority were portrait artists offering  tourists a sitting, others painted typical French landscapes and landmarks and then others sold their own interpretive creations.  It was wonderful.  You could just imagine the great painters being there when they were just starting out.  Of course I supported one of the local artists, how could you not!

Since we were now at the top of the hill we ventured around to the Basilica and up close was just as 'wow'.  Loved the gargoyles and the view looking out over Paris was stunning.

We eventually headed back to the scooter and took a leisurely ride back to the hotel.  We did ride the road toward the Eiffel Tower which was fantastic.  This big looming beautiful structure rising up toward you.  It truly is magnificent.

Tomorrow we are off on another scoot around Paris.  Not sure where to go as yet but have a few ideas.

Until tomorrow, adieu.

Au Revoir

Sean and Lorraine
PS.  We have been able to practice our French and the locals have been very accommodating when we try.  Its lovely.  Sean managed to use one of those public toilets without issue and dry shoes this time.  Latest hat purchase tally for Sean stands at 12, he cannot buy anymore as we cannot transport them.

Daily Links
2016-07-25 Paris by Scooter (Day 1) Montmartre
2016-07-24 TdF Final Day
2016-07-23 River Tour and Walking
2016-07-22 Versailles
2016-07-21 Notre Dame, Bastille, Eiffel Redux
2016-07-20 Louvre Walking Tour
2016-07-19 Au Revoir Geneve, Arrivee Paris
2016-07-18 Geneve
2016-07-17 Train Rome to Geneva
2016-07-16 Shopping Day Redux
2016-07-15 Shopping Day
2016-07-14 Vatican Day
2016-07-13 Vespa Day
2016-07-12.2 Walking Tour
2016-07-12.1 AM Morning Ramble and Lunch
2016-07-11.1 - Ramblings
2016-07-10 BNE-DXB-ITA

Others
2016-07.1 Euro Holiday (entire collection, includes Lorraine's iPhone photos I have previously missed)
2016-07.2 Euro Holiday (new album as previous one full)
Google Compositions