Sights to see in Montmartre
Thursday, December 15, 2022
Hello again from the city of love. For this week's post, I'm taking you to Montmartre which is in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. If you're a film fanatic, you may recall this location from Amélie or Moulin Rouge. Most tourists, myself included, visit the main attractions and postcard/Instagram worthy spots. However, there are numerous pockets of isolated areas that are equally charming. I love walkable cities because it gives me the opportunity to stop and go as I please. I wandered through so many different neighborhoods, found quirky cafes, a plethora of boulangeries and beyond. Words really cannot describe how magical this city is regardless of season. Watch the video below and continue reading to virtually travel to Montmartre with me!
As soon as I landed, I headed to the mall but if you saw from my previous post, the rain started to pour. I returned to my hotel and decided to do a quick outfit change.
I typically opt for stairs instead of escalators and elevators whenever I can so you can imagine how much my lifestyle aligns with the Parisian way of life. If you saw my pedometer readings after my time in Europe, you would be astonished!
As a girl, I've dreamed of visiting Paris, wandering the streets, eating lots of pastries, and visiting the most remarkable buildings and monuments scattered all over the city. For those who know me, I've been a student for as long as I can remember. I never had a free summer. I planned a big international trip after graduation but of course, the pandemic hit. As restrictions began to lift, I immediately started planning. I went to Europe right as the US lifted negative COVID re-entry requirements!
First stop? The Sacré Cœur.
I walked from my hotel to the Sacré Cœur and it was incredibly crowded leading up to the church. I initially planned to stay for just a few minutes... long enough to snap a few pictures at the base of the church. However, once I got there, curiosity got the best of me so I climbed to the top.
If you walk towards the left of the Sacré Cœur (from the top of the church), you'll be greeted with another famous sighting, La Maison Rose. This adorable pink restaurant popped up numerous times on my Instagram feed that I just had to see it in person! There were too many people in the cafe but I had to snap a picture!
Another nearby famous spot? Le Consulat. This is a very tiny cafe on a cobblestone street. I honestly don't know how long you have to wait until you're able to sit down. I would suggest snapping a few pictures here and then going elsewhere since the density of people who pass this area is comparable to the Sacré Cœur and La Maison Rose.
Have you heard of, Pink Mamma? It's a highly instagrammable Italian restaurant that requires a reservation. Even finding a place for one is difficult on a busy day. This is the exterior of the building.
No trip to Paris and Montmartre is complete without visiting the Moulin Rouge. It's in a predominantly adult "friendly" area. However, you will see lots of families and children roaming around the street. There are some questionable characters so I would be vigilant. If you're traveling with kids, do watch out for them. I saw some things that were less than decent to say the least.
This is the exterior of Hôtel Beige. It looks like any other Parisian building! The decor is perfect as well!
One thing I realized towards the end of my first evening at the hotel was the fact that you can catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. I went onto my balcony each night at 1AM to catch the tower sparkle one last time for the evening before the golden lights and beacon are shut off.
I am currently listening to the Amélie soundtrack and I suppose you can say that I have been daydreaming. The music is as free-spirited as Amélie. I remember the first time I heard the music in AP French. I was enthralled by the orchestra to the point that I focused on the music more than the plot. Not to worry though, I watched this movie more than once! I've always been a bit of a francophile and just listening to the orchestra version of La Valse D'Amélie further enhanced my desire to travel to France. I remember sitting in class thinking of the day I would be able to visit Montmartre. Little did I know that my little daydream would become a reality and that I would be able to actually see Café des 2 Moulins in person!
I recall writing this in one of my journals in high school,
"I have a secret desire to visit Paris by myself... I really do wonder if it is as romantic and lovely as it was depicted in Amélie."
I cannot believe I was able to take a solo trip to Paris. As someone who fully immersed herself into the culture and life in Paris, regardless of how short it was, Paris was absolutely romantic. I don't mean that it's full of romance but the Parisian lifestyle is so idyllic. It has that je ne sais quoi attitude that's not only effortless but something I really think Americans need to adapt. Life is slower in Europe and residents actually enjoy savoring every moment no matter how simple.
If you're considering going to Paris alone, it is safe. Yes, there are certain areas that can get a bit chaotic and others that have scams left and right... but if you're cognizant of your surroundings, it'll be an adventure of a lifetime!
XO,
Adrienne
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