Here at Lokafy we’ve already talked about how wonderful Paris is and why it is such an iconic destination. But we haven’t had a moment to think about the different parts of the city that make up the lovely Paris and give it its magnificent aura. That changes today! In this blog, we’re going to focus on Montmartre, the city’s 18th arrondissement and the heart of the bohemian and artistic side of Paris, located at the top of a hill. Actually, it wasn’t even part of the city until the 19th century, but even after becoming another quarter of Paris, it has preserved its authenticity and once you visit, you’ll still feel as if you had traveled to a small village. What reminds you that you haven’t left Paris, is the fact that from the top of Montmartre, you have the most breathtaking panoramic views of the rest of the city.
Hidden cafés, lush gardens and paintings everywhere are the norm in Montmartre, and a huge white construction in its center has become a Parisian landmark that everyone needs to visit. With the sound of music coming from different alleys, and the smell of some of the best boulangeries waking up your senses, you won’t be still long. Pay attention to the numerous artists that keep the original spirit of Montmartre alive while they paint different postcards of life in the most bohemian side of Paris.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Undoubtedly, the most iconic place in Montmartre is the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, an architectural wonder that was built at the end of the 19th century in a Romano-Byzantine style, with a very interesting story. The Franco-Prussian War was at its height during the construction of the basilica, and to make matters worse, the Paris Commune was also wreaking havoc throughout the city. Thus, Sacré-Coeur became the clearest symbol of the battle between the conservative Catholic old guard and the secular, republican radicals. When the basilica was finally consecrated in 1919, it became one of the most important places of worship in Paris, behind the likes of Notre Dame. Nowadays, this landmark is one of the main attractions in Montmartre, creating a surreal contrast between the white basilica dedicated to the heart of Christ, and the bohemian and less sumptuous neighborhood that surrounds it.
Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about not knowing how to get to Sacré-Coeur, because it is so massive that it stands out from various points throughout Paris. Of course, the fact that it is located at the top of a hill also helps. Once you get to Montmartre (Paris’ metro is highly recommended), you just have to begin walking upwards, and before you know it, the huge basilica will be right in front of you. The great thing about your promenade in Montmartre is that while you head to Sacré-Coeur, you’ll be able to see other beautiful parts of the quartier, such as cafés, little plazas and parks that make it so charming. Once you get to the premises of the basilica, catch your breath on the hillside park beneath Sacré-Coeur and then, keep walking up the stairs to get to your final destination. It may be a bit tiring, but once you get to see the best panoramic views of Paris, you’ll know it was worth it. Once you’re inside, pay attention to its mosaic, the largest in France, which measures around 480m².
If you visit Montmartre, you cannot escape the Sacré-Coeur basilica.
A bit of Montmartre art:
This wouldn’t be a blog about Montmartre if we didn’t talk about its artistic side. A visit to the 18th arrondissement needs to include the Musée de Montmartre as part of the itinerary, because it is the best way to learn more about the world-renowned painters that once lived in the area. Picasso, Miró, Renoir, Manet, Van Gogh, are just a few of the artists that walked these streets every day and made some of their wonderful works in the studios around the quartier. Then, what the museum does is showcase countless paintings, lithographs and documents that illustrate the bohemian and artistic nature of Montmartre The museum was first created in 1960 in La Maison du Bel Air, one of the oldest buildings in the area, from the 17th century. Aside from the temporary exhibitions that grace La Maison once in a while, there’s a great permanent collection filled with paintings, posters and drawings of some of the most important painters of their times, such as Auguste Renoir, Charles Camoin and Suzanne Valadon. Additionally, the house is surrounded by three gardens dedicated to Renoir, who lived there between 1875 and 1877. Since he painted some of his most famous works there, such as the Bal du Moulin de la Galette (The Moulin de la Galette Ball) and the Jardin de la rue Cortot (Rue Cortot Garden), it is only logical that these gardens try to capture the same magic as Renoir’s brushes.
We know that Montmartre's artistic past is quite glorious, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a dynamic artistic present as well. Today, street art is the protagonist in the quartier art scene, and Art 42 is precisely a space dedicated to street art and post-graffiti, where you’ll be able to see works by Banksy, Swoon, Miss Van and Invader (pretty famous around Paris), as well as other urban artists. But don’t be mistaken, Art 42 is not a museum, in fact, it is an “anti-museum” that tries to be as subversive as the over 150 works displayed. On the other hand, we also think that something pretty lighthearted could be interesting, so don’t hesitate to visit le Mur des je t’aime, which translates to “I Love You wall”, a public artwork created by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000 in a small park of Montmartre. The phrase “I love you” has been reproduced 311 times in 250 different languages, and nowadays it is a highly popular spot for pictures. You’ll see that scattered around the 511 dark-blue enamel tiles there are red fragments, and if you try to join them together, the result would form a heart. This might be simpler than what you’ll see in the Musée de Montmartre or Art 42, but its beautiful and romantic meaning makes it a great place to visit even briefly.
The Museum of Montmartre is the best way to connect with the quartier artistic spirit, and understand how some of France’s and the world’s great painters lived there.
Immerse yourself in Montmartre:
We’ve talked about some of the most popular attractions in Montmartre and the places that will give you a clear picture of how this place came to be the most artistic and bohemian part of Paris. But there’s one thing missing from your visit to the arrondissement, and it is simply getting lost in its steep streets and roaming around every alleyway. It has a certain romanticism to it all, because that’s what makes Montmartre so special: the mosaic of homes, parks, boutiques and cafés creating the perfect painting of the quartier. Pay attention to where you’re walking, because there’s so many hidden restaurants and cafés that will allow you to experience a true French dinner, or where you’ll be able to try one of the best baguettes in the city, that you have to pause for a bit to enjoy them. For example, if you’re a film lover, you’ll be ecstatic to stumble upon the Café des Deux Moulins, the famous café that has appeared in the films Amélie Poulain and Au Rendez-Vous des Amis. What better place to complete your marvelous experience in the always iconic Montmartre?
There’s nothing more magical than wandering around Montmartre discovering all of the cafés and restaurants that will give you the most authentic Parisian experience.
Sadly, this is where our Parisian promenade through the streets of Montmartre ends. It has been a great journey but there’s just so much that we can express in our blog… the rest of the work is up to you, to discover Montmartre at your own pace, being able to uncover all of its hidden gems. Now, don’t worry, because you leave with a great idea of what the neighborhood is and what you have to pay attention to, so what’s left to do is give your trip your personal touch, and volià!
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