Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur

If you have booked Apartments in Paris, you should definitely take one afternoon to visit the 18th arrondissement of the city, better known as Montmartre. Montmartre is located on one of the hills of Paris and is a very popular spot for tourists. Most people think that this is the highest part of Paris, and although this is not true, it does give you an exquisite view over the city.

Montmartre used to be a Bohemian hangout and many famous artist like Dalí, Picasso and Van Gogh used to have a studio there. It was the centre of artistic life in Paris but, as becomes clear from one of Charles Aznavour’s most famous songs, it is not what it used to be anymore. The studios and famous bars like Le Chat noir are gone but still, some parts are very nice to visit as a tourist. Place de Tetre is one of these parts. It is a small square which is filled with painters and sketchers who will try to sit you down and draw your face.
Around this square you will find some nice restaurants and most of them are affordable.

After diner it is time to go up to the Sacre Coeur, a distinctive white church that is build on top of the hill in memory of those killed during the German-French war. You can go inside the church which has a stunning decoration inside with its 48 meter high clock tower. But no matter how beautiful the building on its own is, for me it was the outside that still makes me want to return to this place; the stairs of the Sacre Coeur. The stairs are located in front of the curch and give you an impressive view over Paris, both during the day and when it gets dark. As long as the weather is not too bad you can sit down on the stairs and enjoy the neighbourhood groups playing live music over there. It is usually quite busy in the evening but it is worth trying to find a spot to sit down, especially because often, there are people walking around selling cans of beer and soda for half the price you would pay in a restaurant.

The place might be most well known by the younger generation but that does not mean persons who do not belong to this group anymore can not enjoy it. The music played is for all ages and you never get to old for a drink, music and an incredible view. So if you have booked a Paris accommodation make sure you visit this spot one day. Or even better, book Paris apartments in Montmartre and enjoy the neighbourhood every day.