Before I travel somewhere, I like to do my homework and research the area. I read what trip advisor recommends and see what seasoned travel writers have to say. So many travel writers are quick to point out that when in Paris you should step beyond the iconic sights. Please don't get me wrong, the Eiffel Tour and Sacre Coeur are absolutely a must see.
Passages de Panoramas often comes up so when my daughter and I decided to visit Paris last Fall, we put it onto our must-see list. The most impressive thing about the Passages is the fact that you step off a busy Parisian boulevard to enter a place that has been in Paris since 1799. It's the city's oldest covered passage. We were expecting old world charm and the whisper of patrons who had passed through this hallowed hall. In some ways it did deliver. You do feel like you are stepping back in history with its faded grandeur. But in reality, the shops and restaurants lacked the spark we were hoping for, and it felt like it had lost its soul.
One silver lining, there were no crowds. It was nice to visit, but not somewhere I would recommend or plan to return to.
And when in Paris it is essential to see the tourist sites. The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur is stunning. Located atop Montmartre it is the highest point in Paris and offers spectacular views of the city. And Montmartre itself is a must see. The cobblestoned streets, the artists painting and the cafes serving outstanding food is a must.
We had lunch at the Cafe Chappe. It was buzzing with the lunchtime crowd, but we were glad they could squeeze us in. The reviews may be mixed, and the staff is not particularly warm and fuzzy, but the pasta dish we ate was delicious.
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