Exploring Paris: Up the Hill of Montmartre
Let's
climb up and up the hill...
Montmartre
is a place known by all the Paris lovers out there. Who has never
seen the iconic Sacré Coeur Basilica and its white domes? The
building overlooks the City of Lights, and can be seen from pretty
much everywhere around, if you look hard enough.
Today
I will be taking you around Montmartre, along the cobbled streets and
the narrow alleys of this very unique and peculiar part of Paris.
We'll start at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Sacré Coeur,
of course!
To
reach the stairs of the Sacré Coeur, stop at the métro stop Anvers
on line 2, and just follow the crowds of people climbing up the busy
street perpendicular to the stop. On the way, avoid falling in the
numerous tourist traps; keep your pennies to
do an offering at the Basilica.
Once you arrive at the top of that long street, probably breathless
(or is it just me?), look up: the Sacré Coeur will be greeting
you in its beautiful, fairytale-like glory. Oh, and don't be surprised: the
place will be buzzing with people, selfie sticks and street sellers.
The place is only ever empty in postcards or at five in the morning.
Before
you climb all these stairs, why not going for a spin in the Carousel?
I can't resist a pretty, old-fashioned ride. Do I need to mention
that my friends Julie, Céline and myself were the only adults in the
Carousel that were not parents accompanying their children? Whatever.
We were the children.
After
the ride, it's finally time to climb these stairs! As
much as a photo there would look awesome, chances are you won't be
able to get a decent shot as dozens of other people are trying to get
their photos taken at the exact same spot. So forget that selfie mode
for a bit and look at the view!
Unfortunately,
I don't have any photos of the inside of the Sacré Coeur, but you
should definitely go in and have a look around. Churches have that
aura about them that I find entrancing, and if you're willing to make
extra effort to climb to the tower, you'll be rewarded with a
beautiful view of Paris.
Although
the view from the outside of the Basilica isn't too bad either.
Once
you've had a proper look at the Sacred Heart and
wish to move away from the noisy, busy crowds, go around the left of
the building. A few
streets later, you'll arrive at the top of a big staircase. Look at
the view, and you'll realise how high up above Paris you are
standing!
After
that just turn in the street where the Maison Rose is - I am sure
you've seen a thousand photos of it already - and just have a look
around. Montmartre is all grey stones and green façades. With a
little bit of colour thrown in!
Montmartre
is also the haven of the many artists that find inspiration in Paris.
You'll quickly notice that as you get lost in the meander of small
streets full or Art galleries and restaurants. Look up at the façades
and shop signs: it'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Art
appears in the shops, on the walls (as this funny sculpture of Marcel
Aymé shows well enough!), and in the streets are artists will ask
you to draw your portrait, or sell their artworks in their little
corner of Place du Tertre.
The Place
du Tertre is wonderful. My friends and I walked around, having a look
at the paintings hanging on the easels, and glancing curiously at the
artists at work. You can buy beautiful art and support the artists in
a much more relaxed and friendly way than by just buying in art
galleries. Some artists do portraits, others paint dreamy landscapes
of Paris, and there was this one artist who did the cutest paintings
of cats. Surprisingly (or not), they were my favourite!
This
art nook was our last stop in Montmartre, and as the afternoon
advanced we went back down the hill, spotting a few street art pieces
on the way.
In life I have loved and I have been loved now I am tired I am taking some rest.
Montmartre
really is a place in Paris that's like no other. It is inspiring,
peaceful and buzzing at the same time, old and modern. This is the
perfect place to visit on a sunny afternoon with friends.
Did you know about Montmartre? What is a place in Paris that you'd like to see?
Lots of love,
Julia x
