FeelingGoodWithSofy

Hello hello everyone! 🙂 Time for a new Paris article! 😍

You can check my very first Paris article on this link: https://feelinggoodwithsofy.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1991&action=edit

I’ve been to Paris twice and both times I visited Montmartre, which is a charming, authentical and historical district of Paris. It’s located on the right bank of the river Seine, (“la rive droite”), more precisely in the 18th arrondissement, known also as le Butte de Montmartre, (the hill of Montmartre), in the northern part of Paris. Moreover, it’s one of the most well-known neighbourhoods of paris!

It was really nice to see the neighbourhood in two different seasons. The first time, during the spring of 2023 and the second time in the autumn of 2024!

The Montmartre district

Some history…

Montmartre’s history unfolds over centuries

Montmartre has been a sacred site since Gallo-Roman times. Traces of settlements and temples dedicated to Mercury and Mars have been found on the hill.

The hill is believed to be the place where Saint Denis, the first Bishop of Paris, was martyred in the 3rd century AD, giving the area it’s name “Montmartre” (Marty’s Hill).

In the Middle Ages, a Benedictine abbey was established, enhacing Montmartre’s religious significance.

Montmartre, an artistic hub in Paris

The Montmartre district was a truly artistic breeding ground, drewing many notorious artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, like Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Renoir!

The area became famous for its lively cabarets, including the iconic Moulin Rouge (situated in Pigalle), and charming cafés (such as Le Consulat) where artists gathered and exchanged ideas!

Place du Tertre: this central square became the vibrant hub of Montmartre’s artistic community, with artists showcasing their work and capturing the spirit of the neighbourhood.

It’s still a renowned square, where artists sell their pieces of art! (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures!)

Montmartre’s architecture

Montmartre’s architecure is a mix of styles, reflecting its layered history and bohemian spirit. It’s a blend of the grand and the humble, the old and the new, creating a unique urban landscape!

The narrow, cobble, winding, picturesque streets of Montmartre are lined with charming, quaint, buildings and houses, often featuring colourful facades and artistic details! This creates a unique, beautiful atmosphere of the area! 😍

The windmills of Montmartre (even if there are few left) are a reminder of its rural past. They have become important symbols of the neighbourhood and are usually featured in artwork and photographs.

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica, perched atop the Butte of Montmartre, is one of Paris most iconic landmarks and a symbol of both religious devotion and Parisian charm!

The construction began in 1875, commissioned as a national act of penance, following the Franco-Prussian war. The Basilica was finally completed and consecrated in 1919.

Its Romanesque and Byzantine style, with its white domes and its bright, white travertine stone, (which gives the Basilica its characteristic luminosity), stands in sharp contrast to much of the surrounding architecture.

The inside of the Sacré-Coeaur is just as impressive! (sorry, I forgot to take photos inside!)

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Sacré-Coeur is an active place for worship.

The Basilica’s location is one of the highest points of the city, and it offers breathtaking panoramic views, overlooking the rest of Paris!😍

An advice:

I would recommend you, to visit this lovely district during the week or in the early mornings during weekends, especially if there are events, festivals, because it can become (really) crowded and you may not enjoy the neighbourhood as much as you would want to! 🙂

The Wall of Love, a piece of art

Le Mur des Je t’aime or the Wall of Love, is a romantic and charming spot, that celebrates love in all its forms.

Created by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, the wall is a 40-square-meter mural covered in 612 tiles, on which “I love you” is written 311 times, in 250 languages. It’s a beautiful and visually striking representation of the universality of love.

This fascinating monument is located on the square at Place des Abbesses.

Foodie places 🙂

As always, wherever I go, I am on the hunt of nice foodie places! 🙂

Montmartre is filled with cozy, charming bistros, restaurants, and cafes.

Last October, Mom and I found this cozy vegetarian, vegan place called la Cantine de Sam, where we ate delicious, home-made food, among which baked sweet potatoes, and hummus! A place I totally recommend, especially if you want to eat healthy but still want to enjoy a meal! 🙂

If you want to savour a good, home-made crêpe, or galette, I would really recommend you to go to Creperie Broceliande! It’s a small, characteristique, charming place, located down a quiet street a few blocks near the Sacré-Coeur basilica!

I took a delicious Galette with Chèvre (cheese), honey and walnuts!

If you are visiting Paris, or you are planning to go there soon, I would recommend you to see and visit this charming, beautiful District of Paris! 🙂

See you in my next travel article! 😊

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