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To see: Montmartre
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To see: the hill of Montmartre
Montmartre: Hill and Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Metro: Anvers
A little hill of no more than 130 metres high called Montmartre became one of the most famous places in Paris. You can climb this hill using the steps or take the Funicular. If you have a Paris Visite pass, you can use the Funicular free of charge. Once you are at the top of the hill, you can enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the city. The famous hill also has four extraordinary points of interest.
You can't miss the Sacré Cœur. This basilica was built after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. The Parisians promised to build a church to celebrate the fact that Paris was spared during this war. The structure was to be a Romano-Byzantine imitation and was started in 1876 and finished in 1919. The portico is adorned by two equestrian statues of Saint Louis IX and Joan of Arc on the side and a statue of the Sacred Heart in the centre. The 94 metre tall tower has a 19 ton bronze clock, the Savoyarde.
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Place du Tertre
Metro: Anvers
Montmartre has attracted painters, poets and artists since 1860 (the expansion of Paris). At that time, Montmartre also became a Paris 'arrondissement'. The artists are still there. The centre of their activities is the Place du Tertre at just a stone's throw away of the Sacré Cœur. You can see them at work on this square and you can even quickly have your portrait drawn. Place du Tertre is the former village square of Montmartre. The small old village hall from 1790 is still here.
The hill did not just attract artists. The bottom section of the hill became a genuine centre of entertainment. One particular club became very famous: the Moulin Rouge, which is easily recognised by the large red imitation windmill on its roof. The area is still famous for its nightlife and is in shrill contrast with the peace and romance of the Place du Tertre above it.
Montmartre: vineyard
Metro: Anvers
After the Place du Tertre, descend the other side of the hill. You pass a small vineyard (rue St.-Vincent). A harvest festival is held every first weekend of October. During these great festivities, wine bottles of the previous harvest are sold, often at very high prices, even though the wine is not very good. The vineyard is maintained by the city.
Montmartre: cemetery
Metro: Place Clichy
At the bottom of the hill, you find the cemetery of Montmartre. After Père Lachaise it is the most famous cemetery in Paris. Many famous people are buried here, such as singer Dalida. A big road splits the cemetery in two sections. Dalida is buried in the smallest section (to your left as you come down the hill).
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Picture: © Photographer: Stephen Finn | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Text: GVDV - © AT-Europe bvba
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