Attraction: Montmartre

Montmartre in Paris, France, is charming with its cobblestone streets, magnificent Basilica, artists, and bistros. The most famous Parisian district, perched on the summit of a little hill in the 18th arrondissement, has retained none of the village ambiance that drew painters of the 19th and 20th centuries. Montmartre, a true melting pot of art and cinematic inspiration, continues to delight those who wander through it and is a must-see for anybody visiting Paris.

This totally white landmark can be seen from anywhere in Paris. The Basilica du Sacré-Cour is a work of art in terms of grace and grandeur. It is devoted to the heart of Christ and is a prominent place of worship in the city, having been built in the Romano-Byzantine style at the end of the nineteenth century. It is home to France’s largest mosaic, measuring 480 square meters!

The basilica, perched atop Montmartre’s Butte (hill), can be reached by funicular from the Place Saint-Pierre or via the lawns and steps of the small public garden “Square Louise Michel.” Nothing surpasses the view from the building’s courtyard or, even better, the vista from the top of its towering dome for an unrestricted perspective of Paris.

Montmartre will astonish you with its various gardens and vineyards if you’re looking for a little green refuge! The vines, which were planted in 1930 on the north side of the well-known Butte, preserve the memories of a rural neighborhood in the heart of the capital. Each autumn, at the wine harvest festival, the Clos Montmartre wine can be tried – a social moment to share with friends or a loved one.

With a dozen or more windmills atop the hill, the Butte Montmartre looked considerably different two centuries ago than it does today. The Moulin Radet and the Moulin de la Galette, which provide a touch of romance to the region, can still be seen today.

The Moulin Rouge is another well-known landmark windmill in the area! This windmill has no agricultural use, but rather serves as a temple to the French cancan and a must-see site for Parisian events.