48 Hours in Paris, Part Three of Three

All good things are destined to end, and my weekend in Paris would prove no exception to this rule. In the very short time of my visit, Chocolate and I had worn ourselves out, so my last few hours in Paris would be relaxing and decidedly less hectic than those that proceeded.

A leisurely stroll from the hotel led to Boulevard de Magenta, where we stopped in a shoe store. Chocolate bought a pair of shoes, and from there we looked into another shop or two, just poking around. Our walk continued north toward Boulevard de Rouchechouart, close to the area we'd explored Sunday.

The day before, as we cobbled together a short itinerary, I pointed at a photo in my guide book. It was a picture of two young people kissing in the grassy lawn near the bright white domes of a basilica. This, I joked, is where we need to go, and imitate the lovers in the photo. Little did I know...

Our walk down Boulevard de Rouchechouart consisted mainly of observing clothing and hairstyles, commenting on a nearly overwhelming selection of stores. While crossing a street, noticed a spot of green at the end of two short blocks. There wasn't much in the way of greenery at our current location, so I changed our course toward the greenery. The street we headed down, Rue Seveste, appeared to be a garment district in miniature as it was lined with stores selling raw fabrics, in more colors, patterns and designs as you could imagine. Upon nearing the end of the street, I paused, my breath taken away by a beautiful iron building to my right. We then crossed the street, and headed toward the park, suddenly realizing where we were.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur! Just like in the photo! The lawns were unfortunately off-limits, so we couldn't frolic as the couple we'd seen in the photo, but it was still terribly nice.

But time was running out.

We bought sandwiches at a shop at the corner or Place Saint-Pierre and Rue de Steinkerque, then cut over to walk through a tiny alley, Rue Briquet, which took us back to Rochechouart, and eventually back to the hotel.

There wasn't much time for sentiment, which is for the best, as we would have been reduced to useless, so I packed my bags. Chocolate accompanied me to Gare de Nord, where I boarded the metro to the airport. My visit ended as it began, with a kiss, and I headed back home.

After having such a wonderful first visit to Paris, I cannot wait to return!

P.S. I've reconstructed the trip in Google Maps, which has resulted in a spiffy mash-up. To see this map, click here.

P.P.S. Of course, I've posted my photos on Flickr.com, in an album titled Paris 2008.