31 Days of Traveling to Europe: Day 20 - Our Last Day in the City of Lights‏

One of our favorite things to eat in London and Paris was pain au chocolate. We started our last day with one last pastry and then took the metro to Sacre Couer. We planned on taking the funicular to the top of the hill this church sits on but we decided to walk off our breakfast and take the stairs. My thighs were mad at me for days. But the climb was worth it.

I loved the neighborhood around Sacre Couer, Montmarte.

It was here that we finally tried macarons.

Oh. my. goodness. Those were the best things ever. As we were savoring these delicious treats, we spotted this spray painted on the side of a building.

As we climbed the steps to La Madeleine, a family took photos to document the christening of an infant. I was reminded that these beautiful churches that we have visited are houses of worship for Parisians. They may be landmarks to us but they are places of celebration and retreats in sad times for the people who call Paris home. Oh how lucky they are.

The last landmark to see was Palais Garnier. We weren't able to see the stage and the Phantom's box because the ballet company was rehearsing but we did get to see many of the amazing features of the building. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed but here are some of the architectural elements of the exterior.

After a Parisian meal of a hot dog and a Nutella crepe, we returned to our hotel to pack. But not after one last look at Notre Dame.

I will miss this city and dream about the day that I can return to her beautiful sights.

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