Montmartre walk

One of the most popular, romantic and beautiful areas of Paris, without a doubt, is Montmartre. The most famous artists, actors, writers, noble and simply rich people lived here. This is the highest point in Paris, the cradle of bohemia, an area famous in films, literature and theatrical productions. There was an ancient Roman settlement, and centuries later, Renoir, Cezanne, Vincent Van Gogh lived, worked in the cafe Amelie, it is here that the most popular French actor Vincent Cassel lives. Here, in the narrow streets near the cemetery, you can still feel the atmosphere of old Paris. There are still growing vineyards, which Emil Zola wrote about and you can try real Montmartre wine. In order to have time to see all the attractions of the area, we suggest going for a bike ride along its streets and squares.

Photo: Pixabay.com

Note that bicycles the French, like the Europeans in general, are at a premium. Despite the fact that Montmartre is still a hill, cycling here is quite convenient, much more convenient than walking or by car. You can rent a bicycle, the range of models will please even fans of cycling: there is even Bicycles Stels for adults and children.

The first point of our walk is the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the largest Catholic church in France, the roof of Paris. The observation deck offers a breathtaking view of Paris. The Byzantine-style basilica was built a hundred years ago, in memory of the French wars. The largest bell in Paris, weighing 19 tons, is also installed in the basilica.

Turning to the left of the basilica and driving a bit, you will arrive at Tertre Square, right at the entrance to the restaurant "At Mother Catherine", the oldest in Montmartre. According to legend, it was here that the popular "bistro" was born - a small fast-food restaurant. The interior and menu here have not changed significantly for more than two hundred years - that’s why this place definitely deserves your attention.

Actually, Tert Square is very popular with tourists, and in the past - with bohemians. This is the heart of Montmartre, every house, every lane here keeps the history of the work of famous hill residents. Want to see the world through the eyes of Hemingway? Then sit down at a table of a street cafe and slowly enjoy a cup of coffee.

Our further journey lies in the Salvador Dali Museum. It is interesting that the largest collection of paintings by a genius is not in his native Figueiras, but here, in Montmartre, where Dali lived and worked for a long time.

Having emerged from the world born of the imagination of Dali, go to one of the symbols of Montmartre - the old Moulin de la Galette grain mill and the tavern next to it. The tavern is another popular gathering place for Montmartre artists. Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec, van Gogh and Picasso liked to come here. Here they not only ate, but also arranged dance evenings, and then dispersed to their homes, and many went to Bateau Lavoir. This house was once the cheapest accommodation you could find in Montmartre and you will be surprised how many famous artists remember its walls. Even for Picasso, he became at one time a forced refuge.

The next point of the walk is Pigalle Square. One hundred years ago, Montmartre was not only the habitat of Bohemia, but also the “red light district” of Paris. From this page of the past there remained a seven-story museum of erotica, many sex shops and cabarets.

The last point of our walk will be Montmartre’s most famous landmark - the Moulin Rouge cabaret, a symbol of Paris, a bohemian lifestyle, love and freedom. It was here that the glory of Paris was born, as a city of love. In Moulin Rouge there was a place for everyone - a member of the royal families of Europe, and the poor, unknown to artists and writers. One of the regulars in the cabaret is Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, from the paintings of which we can now make an idea of the Moulin Rouge, a hundred years ago. Today, the Moulin Rouge is famous for its bright, large-scale performances, luxurious costumes, magnificent scenery and one of the best choreography in the world.

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