Arc de Triomphe and Basilique du Sacre Coeur

We used the Metro to get around greater Paris which was really easy. You can buy a book of 10 tickets, most of the inner city stations had really safe perspex opening doors to block the tracks.   

Entry to the Arc is from the under ground Metro station.  The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 following Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz,  however the reign of the empire as a powerful force waned after a decade.  In 1821 Napoleon's remains were passed under the Arc before being interred at Invalides,  the Arc was finally completed in 1836.   To get to the viewing platform you have to climb 284 steps from where you can see the many avenues that radiate out from the Arc the most famous being Av des Champs Elysees.

The Metro also took us up to the Basilique du Sacre Coeur 1876 the white domed church - 'baby bottles for angels' on the hill top made famous in the movie 'Amelie'.  The hill is very steep so you can ascend it on the funicular railway which we did for fun.  The day was lovely, lots of visitors picnicked on the slopes while warm breezes wafted the cherry blossom petals about - very poetic. 

Love the Art Nouveau Metro signage 

Arc de Triomphe 1836

Sculpture inside the Arc

On top of the Arc

Views from the Arc

Looking towards the Sacre Coeur

Av des Champs Elysees

Tomb of the unknown soldier from WW1 under the Arc

Basilique du Sacre Coeur: the back drop for the movie 'Amelie'

Cherry blossom confetti

Cherry blossoms blowing in the wind