Monday 17 October 2016

Chronicles from Paris | Montmartre





A trip to Paris is not complete without a stroll through Montmartre. From the Sacré-Coeur basilica to the typical streets, reminiscent of a provincial village, it is simply lovely. The artists on the streets, the shops, the art galleries, the numerous restaurants and bistros (do not forget to eat some Moules Marinières!), the hustle and bustle of tourists (yes is a bit overcrowded!), the color and the animation, transport us to a less sophisticated Paris, to a bohemian and more irreverent city that captivates you at the first look.

Its even more interesting if you go for the less crowded streets, where you can find precious places. For instances, although Sacré-Coeur is beautiful and imposing, its a very recent monument (around 100 years) while the Church of St-Pierre de Montmartre  is one of the most ancient churches of Paris (founded in the twelfth century). In the inside one can find four marble columns that are believed to be from a roman temple that existed on the same place.

The Place du Tertre is the Parisian square at the highest altitude and became associated to the artists that in the nineteenth century used to expose their paintings there. Nowadays is full of artists that work and sell to the tourists. There are also lots of restaurants and coffee-shops where to take some refreshment.

Who loves beautiful shops and sweet things can not avoid a (prolonged) visit in these two stores: La Cure Gourmande and Maison Georges Larnicol where you can find cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets. Perhaps it is not entirely handcrafted products because these are chain stores, but will certainly please the majority and there you may find sweet gifts for friends and family.


















And off course the sound track for this visit must be the one from the film Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poluain!







You can reach Montmartre by Metro (stations Anvers or Pigalle). If you feel that going up the hill is to much for you, there is a funicular, starting at Rue Foyatier, that can take you up to Sacré-Coeur (you can use the Metro tickets there). But if you want to take my suggestion, when coming down, opt for the iconic cobbled stone stairs.











18 comments:

  1. Love the photos :-) And now I want to go to Paris!

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    1. Thank you so much! If you have the opportunity you must go :)

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  2. Oh my! Paris certainly knows how to do culture, class and style in, well, style! Those chocolates! And being a huge cat fan, I'd have to go to the Chat Noir, naturally.

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    1. And do you love macarons? Those are delicious and not too sweet. One never gets enough of Paris (and of cats!)
      Thank you for your comment :)

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  3. Montemarte is an amazing part of Paris- definitely one of my favorites. Your photos capture it so wonderfully. It's such a creative place! x
    Laura | eternal-expat.com

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    1. Thank you Laura! Your comment was much appreciated. I really loved Montmartre and want to go back to explore it even more.

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  4. I am such a big fan of this area in Paris. Once I spent two weeks in Paris and strolled through Montmartre a few times. I even got painted haha
    Have to go back there soon again :)

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    1. Want to go back too. Maybe in Spring. Thank you for your comment Nadine!

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  5. Montmartre is my favourite neighborhood in Paris! Loved these photos... they bring back awesome memories <3

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    1. So glad that my photos bring back happy memories of Paris. I'm very thankful for your comment!

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  6. I love the Sacre Coeur and the area around it. It is amazing how artistic the street artists are and what they sell in the shops around it.

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    1. Its an amazing part of the city and the neighborhood has a unique atmosphere. Thank you for your comment. You're always welcome.

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  7. Ah Paris is such a lovely city! My uncle lives near Montmarte, so I had the chance to explore the neighborhood a bit during my visit.

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    1. Hi Jen, it must be great to visit Paris with a local. I sure you have great travel tips on Paris. Thank you for visiting and comment.

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  8. I love Paris and I was very lucky to be able to stay a week in Montmartre it is beautiful part of Paris, Sacre Coeur is amazing, the artists, I cannot wait to return.

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  9. Great advice about taking the less-crowded streets because I can see that you truly capture the essence of Paris through your images.

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  10. I have been to Paris twice and missed the Montmartre! I am bummed after reading your piece! Such a beautiful building and architecture!

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  11. So beautiful! I haven't seen Paris in over 15 years. I'll get back there eventually & will be sure to make a visit here. If your photos capture such quaint beauty, I can't imagine seeing it in person!

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