Montmartre

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The bohemian lifestyle enjoyed by creative people makes the neighborhood feel very unique compared to other places around Paris. Montmartre has a very lively vibe where creative types congregate, including artists who set up easels on Place du Tertre–one of them can draw your portrait! Mimes and living statues entertain crowds of tourists who gather on the steps of Sacré Coeur to enjoy the fabulous view of Paris. Just like all of Paris, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants at every corner.

The history of this village goes back to when St. Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was beheaded on top of the mountain in 250 AD, which was then given its name “martyr’s hill” because it was believed that St. Denis had been executed because of his faith. On top of the hill lies Sacré Coeur Basilica, a church constructed as a result of the Paris Commune of 1871. Amidst the bloodshed of the Paris Commune, Sacré Coeur was created as a way to appease Parisians.

Since it's on top of a hill, one way to get to Sacré Coeur is to take the Rue Foyatier steps. These steps are best known for being very expansive. There are 222 steps, the stairway is about 100 meters long. The steps were created in 1867 and were named after French sculptor Denis Foyatier. Another unusual feature of Montmartre is the windmills. Windmills have been prevalent in Montmartre for centuries where they were used to grind wheat and press the grapes grown in the local vineyard. They gave the village a rustic feel and a sense of otherness on the boundary between city, country, land and the sky. Of the thirty windmills that once turned in Montmartre, only a few remain. The most iconic of them all is that of the Moulin Rouge, located at the nightclub district in Montmartre, which had its sails recently blown off by a harsh windstorm !

The Rue Foyatier steps are so famous that they are featured in Hollywood films such as John Wick: Chapter 4. One of the infamous scenes in the film is when John Wick is kicked down the stairs by one of the bad guys. The scene goes on for a long time, almost satirizing just how long the Rue Foyatier steps are. Another famous movie that was shot in Montmartre was Amélie (2001). If you’re a fan of the movie, you would want to visit two sites featured in the film– Café des Deux Moulins, where the title character works at, and Au Marché de la Butte, a grocery store. The movie is meant to be a whimsical depiction of Parisian life, so shooting in Montmartre, especially the café which has the nostalgic feel of Paris in the 1960s, adds to the charm of the movie. You will see posters of the movie Amélie hung on the walls and inside the building to let tourists know that this is where the film was shot.

The streets of Montmartre are fascinating because of how winding they are. It is one of the more historical places in Paris because historic preservation is central to the aesthetic of the city. The village maintains a medieval footprint with its cobble stone streets because it escaped the "Haussmannisation” of the city which opened up much of central Paris in the 19th century. Parisians in general do not appreciate when historical artifacts or places are modernized because they feel that it takes away from their beauty and authenticity. Historic preservation has helped Montmartre retain its original bohemian vibe. In Montmartre, visitors can experience its unique qualities since the whole place is artistically driven thanks in part to the city planners who strive to maintain Montmartre's unique features.

Montmartre has become one of the most famous attractions in all of Paris. There’s a lot to do and admire here. Its history, medieval feel and bohemian lifestyle is what makes this place special. So much so that it is featured in big movies like John Wick: Chapter 4 and Amélie. Its easy to understand why filmmakers, artist and tourist alike would be drawn to this unique part of Paris.