Spending a day in Montmartre is a day well spent. This neighbourhood was originally a haven for many artists and writers alike.
It is located in the 18th arrondissement and is known for being the most romantic neighbourhood in Paris. It doesn’t take long to understand why… with its ivy-clad houses and winding cobblestone streets adorned with its many cafes and vintage shops, it truly is a splendorous thing to behold.
Getting there is easy. Simply make your way to the metro and hop on line 12 (Abbesses) or Line 2 (Anvers and Blanche). The metro system in Paris is the most cost-effective and efficient way to get around. There are train attendants to help you navigate this (they’ll even print you off a sheet of paper with easy-to-follow instructions).
Ten Cool Things To Do...
Place du Tertre
Grab yourself a freshly made crepe of your choosing and walk around Place du Tertre (The Artists Square). There are many artists, displaying their work. This is also a great opportunity to get a caricature done as a keep-sake of your trip!
Sacré-Coeur Basilica
One of the highlights would certainly be the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. It’s a prominent Roman Catholic church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It’s at the top of Butte Montmartre. You can walk up the 270 stairs to get there or use the Funicular de Montmartre for the cost of a metro ticket. We chose to walk the stairs, which was a feat but allowed me to feel like I earned the decadent lunch that came afterwards. The panoramic view from its terraces is worth every step. You can even see the Eiffel tower. It’s also a great place to have a picnic.
Le Mur des Je t'aime
Another cool thing to check out is Le Mur des Je t’aime (The Wall of Love). It’s located in the Square Jehan Rictus. It’s a beautiful, tiled wall created by the artists Frederic Baron and Clair Kito. You’ll see I love you written in over 250 languages!
La Maison Rose Café & Patisserie
Follow along the cobblestone streets towards 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir to the ever so popular La Maison Rose Café & Patisserie. This iconic sight in Paris is beyond ordinary. Make sure to have a peek inside, it’s charm and creative décor is what makes this one of the most Instagramed spots in Paris.
Le Coq & Fils
Treat yourself to lunch at Le Coq & Fils. The Bistro of Beautiful Birds (98 Rue Lepic). This 3 Michelin starred chef Antoine Westermann has honed his technique of poaching and then slow roasting the birds to perfection. His relationship with the farmers and respect for the animals is an integral part of this restaurant and its success. This was, and still is the best chicken my husband and I have eaten to date. Keep in mind that you will most likely need a reservation, so call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Moulin de la Galette
Directly across the street, stands Moulin de la Galette, built in 1622. It’s not only famous for being painted by Renoir but was also frequented by Vincent Van Gogh, Dalida, Pablo Picasso and Auguste Renoir. They would drink, eat and dance late into the night. One can only imagine the kind of parties they must have had! This is one of the last two standing windmills in the area, and an interesting fact: it is still a functioning mill.
The Dalí Museum
Spend some time at The Dalí Museum (11 Rue Poulbot). There are over 300 pieces in the collection. Look around and get a glimpse into the eccentric and fascinating mind of Salvador Dalí.
Le Consulat
At some point in the day, you’ll want to take a break and rest your feet at one of the many Cafes along the way. Le Consulat Café is a good spot… but your options are endless.
Moulin Rouge
Make your way over to the Moulin Rouge. Catch a cabaret show or just take a fun picture. We plan on attending one the next time we’re in town. It’s something you want to dress up for and we weren’t dressed for the part. It’s a seedy area, where you’ll see sex shops galore…. so you may or may not want to spend a lot of time there.
Thanks for stopping by!
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