France 2019 - Exploring the Birthplace of Blessed Basil Moreau and the Congregation of Holy Cross

Day One:

Day one has been a long but successful day! Our plane landed at Charles de Gaulle at 7am. Upon arrival, we were met by our tour manager Deb Mallinson. After a slight delay at the airport, we wasted no time and headed straight to Montmartre, one of the most famous districts of Paris which stands on a hill overlooking the right bank.

We began our exploration of Montmartre with a short ride on the funicular up the hill to the base of Sacre Coeur Basilica. It was a very busy Saturday in Montmartre because this weekend is Fete des Vendanges de Montmartre, a fabulous wine festival! The group spent a few hours exploring Sacre Coeur, sampling wine and delicacies and shopping in the Village of Montmartre. A beret or two (or twelve) may have been purchased!

After leaving Montmartre, we boarded the bus to head to continue to our hotel, Les Jardins du Marais. A beautiful little boutique hotel with a garden courtyard. The evening was topped off with the celebration of Mass with our faculty host, alumni minister Fr. Tony Szakaly, C.S.C. and a group dinner at Chez Jenny featuring french classics such as quiche Lorraine, pureed vegetable soup, and mustard chicken. Dinner was topped off with what else but crème brûlée and espresso.

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