MONTMARTRE

Montmartre is the artist, bohemian section of Paris, a hill to the north of Paris. The name comes from 'mountain martyr'. It  has districts (called arrondisements), Montmartre being the 18h. Home to the  Sacre Coeur Basilica and well known for the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret.

Raphaelle, my guide for four hours was marvelous. Being an art student herself, she gave me insight that was invaluable. The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret. We had espresso in Le Coquelicot Bakery.....Van Gogh's favorite breakfast spot in 1887-89, he would sit all day. Moulin La Gellette, where Renoir and many impressionists ate their meals, circa 1876. Rent a wonderful film called Amellie. It was filmed here and I photographed several cafes you will see in the film. Picasso also came to Montmartre as a 19 year old and was depressed for most of his twenties. It is called his melancholic stage.

Enough facts...You must walk it's lovely cobblestone streets, its up and down stairways, and finally at the top of the little mountain where you will find a beautiful white church, Basilica Sacre Coeur. On the walk to the church, you will pass the bohemian artists of Montmartre. There are Catholics that frequent the Basilica, and then the bohemians that do not, definitely opposites.  Montmartre is one of my favorite spots. PS  In retrospect, Montmartre was my favorite. The artists and their famous art pieces came alive.

Street art...I love it.