1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

A kaleidoscope of red, blue, and white umbrellas adorns the village of Montmartre, the last big village in Paris. Sacre-Couer graces the hill with its snowy white basilica sitting a top the largest hill in Paris offering Parisians, and visitors alike a stunning view of the world's most romantic city.

Montmartre sits atop a 426.5 foot hill overlooking Paris. This small village is part of the right bank and located in the 18th arrondissement. The name Montmartre evolved from Mont Martis signifying mountain of the martyr. This name comes from Saint Dennis who was decapitated at the top of the hill in 250 A.D. and remains the patron saint of Paris to this day.

Montmartre is a Mecca for artists, and art lovers a like walking the cobblestone paths of legendary artists such as; Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-August Renoir, Edgar Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Salvador Dali, and Henri Matisse. Many of these great bohemian artists of the twentieth century lived, worked, and drew inspiration from Montmartre. They are credited with setting the trend for modern art. Today, at Place du Tertre, a few streets away from Sacre-Couer, artists still line the streets of the hill selling their own works, and offering to do portraits.

Montmartre isn't simply for the brush, and water color artist, but it is a lively hill where street musicians, mime's, and children's puppet plays are displayed on street corner's and even at times in the center of the street.

Sacre-Couer was built at the end of the 19th century and its beautiful white architectural basilica looks out over the bustling city. It is a sacred place and a pilgrimage for many Catholics, and tourists looking to pay homage to the Holy Virgin in Paris.

While the area surrounding the church is often bustling with visitor's side streets offer a quieter and more serene Montmartre; along with a few windmills. When wandering off the beaten path visitors may encounter Moulin de la Galette which has been classified as a monument since 1939.The popular cabaret's Moulin Rouge, and Le Chat Noir are also located in Montmartre for those visitors looking for a more carefree Paris.

Montmartre's hill offers a place for the weary to rest their feet, for the romantics a place to sit and be a part of each other, cafes for the famished, art for the critic, a way of life for the Parisian, and for those who simply want to admire a beautiful culture along with a beautiful city an eye full of life.

Learn more about this author, R.P. Bailey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Travel destinations: Montmartre, Paris, France?
We want to hear your view. Write now!