18th Arrondissement
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A little History
Montmartre is a hill in 18th arrondissement well-known for the white-domed Basilica of Sacre Coeur on its summit which has become one of the most highlight recognizable monuments in the world. Built between 1876 to 1912 to honour the French victims of the 1871 Franco-Prussian War. A funicular railway is a fun way to the ascends the hill from the street below.
The Place du Tertre where many artists still draw and paint. The are was at one time frequented by Dali, Modigliani, Monet, Picasso and van Gogh.
Montmartre was outside the city limits, free of Paris taxes, and produced wine so was a popular drinking area. There is still a small vineyard in Rue Saint-Vincent that continues to produce wine.
The area developed into a entertainment center at the end of the 19th century with the emergence of the Moulin Rouge, and at Le Chat Noir with their famous artists like La Goulue and Mistinguett. it is not surprising that the red-light district developed in Pigalle at the bottom of the hill.
Places of Interest
Musee de Montmartre
12 rue Cortot is in a 17th century house with a pretty garden that has been inhabited at various times by Renoir, Utrillo and Dufy. It contains an interesting collection of mementos of Bohemian life in the quarter with its nightclubs and artists,and two reconstructions, one of an interior of a 19th century bistro and the other of composer Charpentier' s studio.
Clignancourt
This vast 'Flea Market' is at the top center of Paris in the 18th arrondissement where it connects with the 'village' of Saint-Ouen at the Porte de Clignancourt. For the inexperienced shopper, it is best to go to one of the five large markets, all located off the Rue des Rosiers. The big five are Marches Vernaisson, Malassis, Dauphine, Biron and Serpette/Paul Bert. It is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Montmartre Cemetery
A romantic place high up on the hill and is the burial place for many noteworthy celebrities from Nijinsky to Offenbach and Berlioz to Degas.
Espace Dali
At 11 rue Poulbot, 30 metres from the Place du Tertre, the Espace Dali is the only permanent exhibition in France devoted entirely to the master of surrealism, in particular his sculptures and original engravings.
Montmartre in the Movies
Montmartre was the setting for the film La Mome about the life of famous French singer Edith Piaf as well as one my favorite films the fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulan Don't be disappoint Edith you find the famous cafe Les Deux Moulins is no longer. It was closed for construction only a few weeks ago. Another favorite is Moulin Rouge which quite accurately depicts the times and designs of the early music hall which one can see if you examine some of the early vintage photography and early playbills.
Interesting
Discover Montmartre
Discover the back streets of Montmartre on a private walking tour with one of our professional photographers and experience this village like a local. See where they shop, eat, and live. You'll see Sacre Coeur, Art Nouveau Iron Work, Place du Tertre, and small typical streets of the beaten path.
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Paris 18th Arrondissement - Montmartre & Sacre Coeur
Since Gallo-Roman times Montmartre was a small village covered with vineyards at the top of the hill until the 19th century, when it was absorbed by Paris, and became one of the strongholds for intellectuals and artists. Nearby is the famous Place du Tertre, the square surrounded by cafes where artists and intellectuals would meet.
Just before World War I many artists such as Picasso, Modigliani, Utrillo and Apollinaire lived nearby, but it then became rather expensive and a move was made by many artists to Montparnasse.
The Sacre-Coeur was completed in 1910 and was built in remembrance of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. It has a magnificent view across Paris.
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Montmartre Photo Tour
Avoiding the typical tourist traps for the most part, this superb tour will show you the secret Montmartre, the hidden corners and unexpected sights which you will capture forever with your cameras. We finish up, nevertheless, at the stunning Sacre Coeur and its panoramic view of Paris, before retiring to a typical bistro in the artists square Place du Tertre and a friendly photo critique of our efforts.
Cooking with Class
Eric's French Cooking School in Montmartre is a cozy studio to have fun, learn to make French dishes, taste new foods and to interact with people in a hands-on experience. His classes are some of the most popular in Paris so book well in advance as space is limited to 6.
Montmartre Evening Packages
Wine Tasting - Dinner - Show
In the heart of Montmartre since 1875 a Paris tradition for singing where the audience joins in!. Home to Picasso, Charlie Chaplin, Edward G. Robinson and many more at Au Lapin Agile with wine tasting + dinner.
Moulin Rouge
See the Moulin Rouge's troupe of 100 artists, including 60 Doris Girls recruited world-wide; 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, made in the most famous Parisian workshops ; sumptuous sets in shimmering colours, uniquely designed by Italian artists; outstanding international acts, all this performed to original music recorded by 80 musicians and 60 chorus singers.
Romantic Tour by 2CV
Join us for a fun evening tour in Montmartre and other Romantic places in Paris. Or why not take a 1 hour night tour back to your hotel from dinner.
Private Walking Tours
Join us for wonderful walking tour on the hill of Montmartre. We'll show you the hidden places where the tourists don't generally go as well as the famous monuments, veinyards and of course the Place du Tertre
Gourmet Walking Tour
Discover the hidden parts of Montmartre and the village of Caulincourt where you will sample foods from some of the top bread, pastry and cheese artistans in Paris. Don't miss this tour.
A Places to Stay
The selection of good hotels in Montmartre is somewhat limited. Relais Montmartre is in an excellent location in Montmartre yet on a sidestreet so quiet at night. It's close to the cafe featured in the film Amelie and walking distance to Sacre-Coeur and Place du Tertre. Good value for money.
