Artists and Dead Idols

For out last day in Paris we did a self-guided walking tour.  Finally, the day had warmed up and the sun came out. We began at the top of Montmartre (mountain of the martyr) at the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. We made our was down the winding streets past the home of Vincent Van Gough and the cafe feature in the film Amelie finally ending at the famous Moulin Rouge. 

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, built from 1872 to 1914.

 

Yaaaaa!

We happened upon this sculpture, by Jean Marais, in a small plaza in Montmarte. It illustrates the most famous story of author Marcel Ayme, "Paisse-Muraille" or The Man Who Could Walk Through Walls."  Published in 1943, it is a story of a man named Dutilleul, who, one day after being locked out of his home, discovers he has the unique ability to walk through walls.  He wasn't happy about this strange condition, and went to see a doctor to cure him of this "ailment." You'll have to find a copy of the story to find out how it ends!  No spoilers here!

Moulin de la Galette (windmill of the brown bread) built in 1622.    It actually has a pretty dark history.  In 1814, during the seige of Paris, three Debray men lost their loves defending the windmill against the Cossacks; the miller was killed and nailed to the wings of the windmill.  Again, during the Franco-Prussian War, Montmarte was attacked by 20,000 Prussian soldiers.  During the siege, Pierre-Charles Debray was killed and nailed to the wings of the windmill.  A mass grave for those killed during the siege was made just steps away from the Moulin de la Galette.  

  

The home of Van Gogh

The cafe where the film "Amelie" takes place.

Doing the Can-Can...or more like the Can't-Can't.

 We then quickly grabbed a cab over to the Père Lachaise Cemetery where Jim Morrison is buried along with many other famous people such as Oscar Wilde, Maria Callas, Abelard and Heloise, Chopin, Moliere and Bizet, just to name a few.

Jim Morrison's grave and the paraphernalia left by mourners.

 After dodging some scamming gypsies back in town, it was time to say goodbye to my parents and continue on my adventure.

But first...one last stop at the Eiffel Tower because it was a sunny, beautiful day!

Au revior Paree!