Having had such a late night last night, I decided to head out late but there was a method in my madness.
Paris has a lot to offer at night and it isn’t just shopping and eating.
There were a couple of things I have been wanting to do for years but just never seemed to get around to it.
Heading for Montmartre via the metro, getting off at Abbesses Metro station, I forgot how far underground it is. Opting for the stairs instead of the lift, I climbed 170 steps. Yes that is true, I counted them.
When I first arrived at the platform, I noted some dodgy looking kids, who appeared to be casing people as they got off the train.
They followed me up the stairs, pretending to look at a map. Stopping when I did and moving in closer and closer, I suspected in an effort to pickpocket me. After I offered a number of times for them to overtake me they gave up and headed back down the stairs.
Montmartre has a wonderful, village charm, with cobbled streets and lovely nooks and crannies to wander around. It’s only down side is that it is always heaving with tourists. However a lot of them seem to run away once the sun goes down.
Climbing the hill to The majestic La basilique du Sacré-Cœur raised high up on the hill of Montmatre, I needed a breather, I popped in for a quiet rest. Even the loudest tourists are asked to be quiet inside.
After I came out, the crowds were easing and the sun started to go down, the sky turned beautifully pink with the last rays of sun bouncing off the city and the Eiffel Tower, she never ceases to take my breath away.
Wandering around the lovely streets, now able to relax as the village takes its life back.
I love the little vineyard that seems to be overlooked and managed to get a few photos through the fence.
As I tramped down to Pigalle home of Moulin Rouge and the red light district, all the neon lights were brightly shining and the area moves into its night time identity.
My first stop is open until 2am; Musée de l’Erotisme.
Now I know it may seem a little strange going to a museum of erotica in the heart of the red light district on my own, at night but it is very tastefully done.
At first glance I was disappointed thinking it was one small floor of artifacts but it seems to go on and on, I think perhaps fives floors.
There is an astounding collection of ancient pieces, carvings, pottery amongst other items, from around the globe and some scary looking contraptions, up to contemporary pornography. They even have some very early silent ‘porn flicks’ on view.
Next stop was dinner at Le Relais Gascon. I sat in the quaint upstairs area of the restaurant looking down the street to Pigalle with Sacre Coeur chimming 7 strikes in the background, letting me know it was 7pm.
Whilst having dinner, I made a very interesting observation.
Some very jovial Italians arrived, apparently they could speak German, Spanish and of course, Italian but not French. They wanted an antipasto plate and Lambrusco, bless them.
The poor waiter had no idea what they wanted. When they ordered wine, it arrived in a pitcher or small jug. They thought it was too small and immediately ordered more. Upon tasting, thought it was too sour and rejected it. I was brought in to help translate, I don’t speak Italian but I knew they wanted a share plate and sweet wine. The wait staff brought more wine and still unsatisfied, settled on Coca Cola! The waiters were patient and polite but confused.
You have to think about how many nationalities pass through Paris, some expecting to get what they would at home, combined with a language barrier. I tipped them on behalf of my fellow diners.
With a tummy full of cassoulet, I headed for the Arc de Triomphe.
I am not sure how many people are aware of this; you can, not only in the daytime, but also at night, climb to the top for a most magnificent view. This is something that should be on everybody’s must do list when in Paris.
284 steps in a fur coat, a camera, some already serious hill climbing, step climbing and the beans starting to feel their weight is probably not the best way to go about it.
Is it worth it? You betcha! Especially with the Christmas lights still lining L’avenue des Champs-Élysées, it is breath taking.
The Eiffel Tower, golden and if you wait, sparkling. I didn’t want to come down.
It is open till 10.30pm each night and for 9.50 Euros, it is worth every cent.
Two things, I have been meaning to do, the Erotic Museum and climb the Arc de Triomphe, both at night – achieved.
I had an absolutely wonderful night tonight, in the City of Lights, which made me feel refreshed and alive!