Discovering the Montmartre neighborhood in Paris: history and what to see
Montmartre is without a doubt one of the most beautiful neighborhoods to visit in Paris. Famous for its history linked to 18th and 19th century artists, the neighborhood has a completely different appearance and atmosphere from other areas of the French capital.
In this article you will discover some curiosities and historical notes about Montmartre, and then we will see together its unmissable attractions.
Introduction to the Montmartre district
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Montmartre is one of the most famous and visited neighborhoods in Paris, thanks to both its location and its attractions. The neighborhood is located on a hill in the north of Paris, and is famous for the Basilica of the Sacred Heart which dominates the city from 130 meters high.
Since ancient times, Montmartre has been a place of worship, initially for the Druids and then for the Romans, who carried out sacred rites there.
A particular curiosity about Montmartre is that the neighborhood was originally an independent village, only in 1860 did it become part of the city.
After its annexation by Paris, Montmartre quickly became a favorite place for painters, who called it the “terre libre des artistes”.
At the end of the 19th century, despite a less than clear reputation due to its numerous cabarets and brothels, artists such as Pissarro, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Picasso and Maurice Utrillo moved there.
During the Belle Époque, some historic cabarets were born, such as the very famous Moulin Rouge, giving the area a decadent charm.
Why visit Montmartre?
Today, despite the transformations over time, Montmartre has maintained the soul of a "village within the city", a unique place in Paris and different from any other area of the capital.
By the way Montmartre is also one of best areas to stay in Paris.
Having said that, let's find out what to see in this picturesque neighborhood.
The unmissable attractions you absolutely must see in Montmartre
Sacred Heart Basilica
La Sacred Heart Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur) is an imposing church visible from practically any corner of Paris, given its raised position at a height of 130 metres.
It was built at the end of the 1876th century, to atone for the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian war. It was designed by architect Paul Abadie, construction began in 1923 and officially ended in XNUMX.
Here are some of the most interesting features to admire during your visit:
- Mosaic of the apse and Great Organ: Inside, admire the mosaic of the apse and the large organ of the basilica.
- The largest mosaic in France: The ceiling of the apse is decorated with the largest mosaic in France, covering an area of 473 square meters.
- The Savoyard: The basilica houses the largest bell in France, called the Savoyarde, which measures 3 meters in diameter and weighs 18.835 kg.
- Panoramic terrace: Climb the dome to admire an incredible view over the entire city.
Place du tertre
Since the 18th century, the Place du Tertre has attracted painters, sculptors and artists who sought inspiration in this picturesque corner of the city. Today, it continues to be a meeting place for street artists who display and sell their works outdoors, keeping the area's artistic tradition alive.
During your visit to Place du Tertre, here's what to look out for:
- Street artists and painters: Admire the artists who paint en plein air, creating portraits and cityscapes in minutes (you can also request a funny caricature of your own!)
- Cafes and restaurants: Enjoy a coffee or a meal in one of the characteristic places surrounding the square. However, I warn you that the prices are higher than in other areas of Paris.
- Atmosphere: Absorb the lively and historic atmosphere of the square, a place where past and present mix.
We continue our tour of Montmartre towards the next stop, which is located a short distance from this famous square.
Montmartre Cemetery
Il Montmartre Cemetery, officially known as the Cimetière du Nord, dates back to the early 19th century, and is the third largest cemetery in Paris, after the Père Lachaise Cemetery and the Montparnasse Cemetery.
Originally built in an abandoned chalk quarry, used as a mass grave during the French Revolution, the cemetery was opened in 1825 due to overcrowding in other Paris cemeteries.
Why visit it?
The cemetery is home to the graves of celebrities such as Stendhal, Émile Zola, Gustave Moreau, Berlioz, Sacha Guitry and Dalida, whose tomb is the most visited and adorned with flowers.
Space Dali
The museum Dali Paris, formerly known as Space Dali, is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. The museum is located a stone's throw from Place du Tertre and houses 300 original works by the Catalan genius. These include paintings, furniture, sculptures, sketches and much more.
Salvador Dalì is famous for a particular technique,
The permanent exhibition includes thematic displays linking Dalí to other artists such as Miro and Picasso. You will even be able to learn the particular techniques he used and which made him so famous and influential.
Moulin Rouge
Il Moulin Rouge, is the most famous cabaret in the world. It was founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, and quickly became one of the most popular meeting places for artists and intellectuals of the time.
In 1915, a fire devastated the structure, in fact the current building is not the original one, but has been completely rebuilt.
The main show at the Moulin Rouge is called "Féerie", and is performed by a company of 60 artists and dancers who will entertain you in a spectacular way for two hours.
Useful tips for visiting Montmartre
How to reach Montmartre: metro and funicular.
Montmartre, as I explained to you, is located on a hill in the north of Paris, and despite its location it is easily accessible thanks to the metro and the funicular.
Metro: take line 2 and get off at Anvers or Blanche station. Line 12 instead stops at Abbesses or Lamarck-Caulaincourt.
Montmartre funicular: Paris's only funicular connects the bottom of the Butte to the Sacré-Cœur, and is a picturesque and less strenuous way to get up the hill.
Where to eat: typical restaurants and cafes.
Do you want to know where to eat in Montmartre? Don't worry, here is a selection of excellent restaurants:
- Pink Mom: This trattoria is spread over four floors and is known for its excellent Italian cuisine, in particular for its meat prepared Florentine style. The restaurant serves corn-fed beef, matured for at least 30 days, and offers a variety of Italian dishes such as appetizers, pizza, pasta and large steaks, including T-Bone and Tomahawk.
- The Pink House: This restaurant is known for its picturesque facade, immortalized in a painting by Maurice Utrillo. How do you eat it? Very good, even though it is a tourist place.
