Looking for a quaint, artsy, slower side of Paris, one reminiscent of centuries past where people walk with a slow stride, enjoy life and their surroundings..... If you're seeking a mini-Venice of Italy, or a slice of old Ghent or Bruges in Belgium, then go to Montmartre!
We went to Montmartre on our last day in Paris and had a wonderful time. It was my second visit to the beautiful city but my first time in Montmartre, and it was such an enjoyable visit with my family.
You can get there via the Lamarck-Coulaincourt Metro which is a bit away from the city centre. From the station exit, walk to your right along Rue Coullaincourt and look for Rue du Mont Cenis, which is at an intersection with Rue Froncoeur (where we stayed at a lovely place owned by Dominique that was so cozy and homey with a delightful French touch) and Rue Custine. Rue du Mont Cenis starts off as a series of stairs that leads to an alley where you can see more stairs in the distance.
It's a bit of a walk up, so take it at your own pace. Keep at it as you'll be immediately rewarded with a picturesque view once you're at the top.
From there you will immediately see signs pointing you to Place du Terte and Espace - Salvador Dali.
Take a leisurely walk around the area and you'll enjoy different slices of the small "town square". We went to the back of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica first...
Which is a beautiful place yet not many people would see this vantage point. Time for photo ops....
The Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet is in that area, and there you can while away time and reflect on life and God's blessings. I imagine myself frequenting this area if I were a local.
Going to the front of Sacré-Coeur, you see the grandness of this centuries-old structure. While there, a local band was playing contemporary French music that pleasantly complimented the ambiance.
Montmartre is the highest elevation in Paris and from the Basilica area you can have a good view of the city. Keep exploring and you'll see the quaint and interesting artists square
with their pretty and dainty works on display,
With so many beautiful pieces, it's a good idea to buy an original artwork to bring home. Chat with the artist and get his or her perspective. This will make your painting more valuable and memorable.
There are galleries in the area, including the original place where Salvador Dali developed his art.
There are also many cafés and restaurants so you can sit and enjoy local favourites and watch people strolling by. Or have a crêpe or an ice cream while walking.
On some street corners you have musicians playing beautiful music, with appreciative crowds around them.
Visiting Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur area gave us such a pleasant morning.
Have you been to Montmartre? What did you enjoy the most? Post a comment and let us know.
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