Spend A Day In Montmartre When In Paris
September 5th, 2008 by Aazdak Alisimo, under Vacation Destinations. No Comments
France is the most popular destination for people traveling to Europe. Paris, of course, is the piece de resistance of the country. While Paris is a great city, the little pockets of neighborhoods are what make it so.
As an amazing contrast to the area beneath it, the white Sacre Coeur Basilica sits atop Montmartre as a cherry sits upon a sinfully delicious dessert. Home to everything that has stereotyped Paris over the years, this section of the city is not to be skipped over.
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.
Stroll the streets with the eyes of a person living many centuries ago. Try to look past the mimes and street performers in order to notice the ancient homes and cobblestones. Glance up at the street lights that line the great hill and try to imagine what a cold winter’s night might be like.
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!
