On a wintry afternoon in 2003, we were walking along the streets of Montmartre in Paris enjoying the scenery. It wasn’t long before we happened upon this beautifully crafted church that, frankly, we were not familiar with. Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) Basilica is a Roman Catholic church that sits majestically on the top of a hill above hungry, but talented artisans selling their wares on the streets below. We were amazed because we had never seen anything quite as imposing, yet, serene as we did that day.
The scene was foreboding as it was a dark, cloudy day, but the photo almost suggests that the sanctuary is being shielded by a cocoon of light and emerges victoriously from the storm. Well, that’s what I would like to think because Sacre Coeur gives me a sense of comfort whenever my eyes gaze upon it.
Jozef Maxted says
January 6, 2011 at 8:38 amWow that is an imposing picture! The clouds look very menacing in the background. The way it is sat right on top of the hill as well!
Renee says
January 6, 2011 at 10:25 amYes….it’s a weird combination of sinister/serenity! Thanks for coming by, Jozef!
Steffy says
January 6, 2011 at 10:13 amVery nice picture!
Renee says
January 6, 2011 at 10:24 amThanks, Steffy!
RyukyuMike says
January 6, 2011 at 10:51 amBeautiful composition and love the way you captioned it !
Renee says
January 6, 2011 at 12:14 pmThanks, Mike…that’s pretty awesome coming from you!
Norbert says
January 6, 2011 at 11:56 amWow! Love the building’s architecture!
Renee says
January 6, 2011 at 12:12 pmThere is something very awe-inspiring about it….
Laurel says
January 6, 2011 at 12:19 pmAmazing photo! It’s eery, yet peaceful at the same time!
Renee says
January 6, 2011 at 3:14 pmIt is a lovely contradiction, isn’t it?
Cathy Sweeney says
January 6, 2011 at 12:24 pmGreat pic, Renee! I just visited Montmartre for the first time in December and was in awe of Sacre Coeur. The view from there is awesome, too.
Jeremy B says
January 6, 2011 at 3:01 pmBeautiful photo of Sacre Coeur! The views from there are some of the best in the city!
Renee says
January 6, 2011 at 3:15 pmDefinitely in agreement! Thanks Jeremy!
robin says
January 7, 2011 at 7:33 amNice shot – something almost Russian looking about that church to my eyes.
Renee says
January 7, 2011 at 8:46 amI was thinking that it looked Indian…but I definitely can see it on Red Square too…but much more colorful.
Debt Free Divas says
January 8, 2011 at 9:06 amThat is an amazing picture. Starting a new to-go list thanks to you!
Renee says
January 10, 2011 at 11:35 pmIt’s my pleasure!
Michael says
January 11, 2011 at 7:04 amRenee, How can I forgive you? You were in Montmartre, my ‘hood and you didn’t say Hi? That has to be corrected. Next time you come to Paris, your first port of call will be moi! ‘K (And yes, that picture you have here is of our neighbour.)
InsideJourneys says
August 2, 2011 at 1:32 amWOW, this gorgeous! Love the clouds, the composition.
Very beautiful, Renee. Very beautiful.
Thanks for sharing,
Marcia
Renee says
August 2, 2011 at 3:45 pmThanks, Marcia…..I sure miss it!
Paris says
December 20, 2011 at 9:00 amHi,
Nice photo.
Tip about visiting the place: The southern side of Montmartre hill (your photo) is often crowded with tourists… I would recommend to climb the hill from northern side (Lamarck Caulaincourt) if you want to indulge yourself into the “real” Paris.
Renee says
December 28, 2011 at 1:46 pmThank you for that valuable tip!