Paris Part 4: Montmartre
6:03 PM
After our interesting afternoon end at the Arc de Triomphe, Aimee and Kate opted to head back to hostel, while James and I were keen for more walking to explore Montmartre. In the main city of Paris, under the supervision of architect Haussman, one would notice that the city has been organized in a very linear and structured manner. Clean park lines and straight roads bending at 90 degree angles to one another . It is in this part of Paris, Montmartre which was spared from Haussman's plans and still retains the winding, cobbled roads from medieval times. Montmartre is also known as the artist's colony where famous artists such as Picasso and Van gogh used to live, it is also known for Sacre Coeur Basilica built on top of the hill which serves as a wonderful look out point to the city of Paris, and lastly it is also known as the red light district... so really it is known for an asortment of things.
The first thing we were keen on seeing was Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart) Basilica.
It really is a very unique and beautiful church perched on top of the hill, and is really unlike any of the other European churches that I have seen so far. The basilica was built as a memorial to the 58000 French soldiers killed during the Franco Prussian war (1870-1871) and took 46 years to build. The exterior is more impressive than its interior pple still flock here for the impressive views that it offers over the city of Paris
Notice the two bronze statues of French saints that stand on the portico above the main entrance. One is of Joan of Arc and the other of Saint Louis.
There was a queue to go inside... (of course), but after Versailles I got very used to queueing up and actually it wasn't too bad and we got it after like 15 mins. Just to note though that it is a very respective aura inside.... silence is needed and guys have to take their caps off. No picture taking too.
Space invader discovery! So excited when we saw it...
View of Paris from the hill...
After Sacred Heart, we decided to have a wonder around the back streets of Montmartre and that's how I got a glimpse of the artists colony of the area. Of course, do note that it has become a very touristy area today as well, but as one walks around you can see artists having their work up for sale on the streets and many many artists holding blank canvases around hoping to lure a tourist into having their portrait drawn for them literally on the street!!!
Oh SO TEMPTING.... I finally caved and told James that I wanted an ice cream... after some hesitation... he had one too.. haha
One thing to note for budget travellers. Montmartre is one of the cheaper places to eat out in paris and you can find rather good set meal deals like the one below and even for dinner too!
Ok... red light district time!!! And we found the ever famous Moulin Rouge...
Sex stores and Erotica museum
Hehe interesting chair...
Even funnier picture...
The first thing we were keen on seeing was Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart) Basilica.
It really is a very unique and beautiful church perched on top of the hill, and is really unlike any of the other European churches that I have seen so far. The basilica was built as a memorial to the 58000 French soldiers killed during the Franco Prussian war (1870-1871) and took 46 years to build. The exterior is more impressive than its interior pple still flock here for the impressive views that it offers over the city of Paris
Notice the two bronze statues of French saints that stand on the portico above the main entrance. One is of Joan of Arc and the other of Saint Louis.
There was a queue to go inside... (of course), but after Versailles I got very used to queueing up and actually it wasn't too bad and we got it after like 15 mins. Just to note though that it is a very respective aura inside.... silence is needed and guys have to take their caps off. No picture taking too.
Space invader discovery! So excited when we saw it...
View of Paris from the hill...
After Sacred Heart, we decided to have a wonder around the back streets of Montmartre and that's how I got a glimpse of the artists colony of the area. Of course, do note that it has become a very touristy area today as well, but as one walks around you can see artists having their work up for sale on the streets and many many artists holding blank canvases around hoping to lure a tourist into having their portrait drawn for them literally on the street!!!
Oh SO TEMPTING.... I finally caved and told James that I wanted an ice cream... after some hesitation... he had one too.. haha
One thing to note for budget travellers. Montmartre is one of the cheaper places to eat out in paris and you can find rather good set meal deals like the one below and even for dinner too!
Ok... red light district time!!! And we found the ever famous Moulin Rouge...
Sex stores and Erotica museum
Hehe interesting chair...
Even funnier picture...
