Last day in Paris. Off to a new section – Montmartre. We headed straight for Sacré Coeur and somehow missed the funicular. So, we climbed- and climbed. A warm way to start the day. The area around the church was mobbed. I felt like we needed to link hands in order to not lose one another. No one went inside the church partially because of the long lines. I think that September is high season now. We did a little of the Rick Steves’ walk and then stopped for lunch at Sabot Rouge in the middle of the touristy but still charming square. Artists working and exhibiting provide an air of authenticity.

The grand finale of the week was a modern dance performance at the l’Opéra Garnier. We snacked at home and, once we arrived, ordered champagne for intermission. I got the tickets from will call and was told the location of the nicest bar – with a gorgeous ceiling.

I had never been inside the Opera house and the Chagall ceiling is fantastic! The whole place is beautiful. And, the show was great. There were 3 parts by 3 different choreographers. The Last Call by Marion Motin was very physical and perfectly performed. For Horizon by Xie Xin the stage was misty and the dancing was fluid with dancers disappearing into the fog and then re-emerging. The last, The Seasons’ Canon by Crystal Pite was a jump to your feet and whistle kind of show with 53 dancers. I will be on the lookout for her work. For me this was a perfect end to the week. A wonderful shared memory.

Coming home we passed the monument near our apartment. Whether by cab or subway we knew we had arrived when we saw it. Had to have a photo to remember.