Make Sure To Visit Montmartre If You Are In Paris
Mention a trip to France and Paris is the first thing that comes to mind for most people. Indeed, it is difficult to think of another city in the world that out does the cuisine, history and culture of Paris. What is really fascinating, however, is the fact Paris is really is a sum of its parts.
We have all experienced Paris in books, movies or other media. If you want to see that image of Paris, one neighborhood is the place to go. Montmartre sits below the Sacre Coeur Basilica and is Parisian through and through.
While most tourists can do without seeing the Eiffel Tower (and paying to visit each level) missing Montmartre would be a lot like missing the Coliseum when visiting Rome. One last windmill left upon the infamous hill seems to tell of a time long past while hinting at the beginnings of a new future.
A quick word of caution. Montmartre has been tamed a bit for the tourists, but it is still a place with plenty of character. Watch the street artists and your wallet at the same time. Both are likely to get plenty of attention.
With great artists such as Dali, Picasso, van Gogh and Monet having called the area home, there is a serious business these days of trying to sell every tourist junk trinkets to memorialize the times of those people. Try to look past it.
Some say that the section called Montmartre is perfect until you exit the famous hill. Others say that the true part of Paris cannot be seen unless you descend from the mountain. No matter what is said individually, there is a collective scream around the globe that adores this Parisian culture clash.
Monet. Picasso. van Gogh. When you walk the streets of Montmartre, you are walking through hallowed ground. Do not let the riff raff distract you from that fact. Get off the main paths and consider what is really around you.
This is an area that is so powerful, you cannot help but feel the neighborhood soak into your clothes. The smell definitely might! Do not mistakenly attend the Moulin Rouge and think that is all there is. The entire area is the attraction.
Life is unfortunately often about routines and the same old thing day in and day out. Montmartre is anything but this. The place is dirty, over the top and so full of culture and characters, you will just be smiling and shaking your head. Welcome to Paris!
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September 25 2008 07:42 am | Destinations