Just got back from a week in Paris; I went to Sacre Coeur on Monday morning, June 22, early, around 10 a.m. The weather was cool and sunny--absolutely gorgeous and the views of Paris at your feet after climbing all those stairs are well worth it. BUT FIRST--you must get through the group of men at the base. Yes, even at 10 in the morning they were there. I lived in New York City for many years, so I am not a stranger to being street smart when you have to be. For many people, especially Americans, "being street smart" means being rude and not speaking to someone when they've spoken to you. If you are a friendly American, be RUDE, which for you will mean eyes straight ahead, stand up straight, keep your walk confident, do not meander, hold up your hand as if you will push the person away and say "Non" in a firm and commanding tone. Keep your sunglasses on if need be. I was only approached once (and I was a female alone) on the way up. I said, non merci in the manner described above and was left alone. I paused for a while at the fountain and wrote in my journal; no one disturbed me there but as others have noted on this forum, the stench of urine is a bit overwhelming and disappointing to experience at such a lovely place. On the way down, I was only approached once again by a "string man" and this time I said, "Laissez moi tranquille" which means leave me in peace. My French is pretty good (I sound pretty authentic, this according to native French speakers) and let me tell you, when he heard me say that in French, with the aforementioned body language, he backed off immediately. So, enjoy Sacre Coeur, but be NYC street smart. Don't be a dumb, friendly American. :)
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