Maurice Utrillo was one of very few painters to actually be born and raised in the bohemian quarter. His mother, Suzanne Valadon, was an artist’s model, who would later herself go on to become a famed artist in her own right. The question of who was Maurice’s father has long been the stuff of legend. Suzanne thought that Renoir or Degas could have been…
One of the many representations of le Lapin Agile by Montmartre local Maurice Utrillo. In the late 19th century, the lower section of Montmartre was home to many cabarets, such as le Chat Noir and le Moulin Rouge. The district, like the cabarets themselves, were often dangerous places. Crime and prostitution riddled the area, while the top of the…
After the smaller cimetière du Calvaire became overcrowded, the cimetière Saint-Vincent opened in 1831. One of three cemeteries in Montmartre, it holds 900 graves, making it second to the more renowned cimetière de Montmartre. However, its list of occupants is no less renowned and includes famed artists to film directors. Marcel Carné Marcel Carné was a key figure in the…
Montmartre’s best kept secret, le Clos Montmartre vineyard is tucked away quietly in the shadows of the Sacré-Cœur. The city of Paris’ urbanisation of Montmartre in the early 20th century was a cause of concern to many locals. A group of local artists, led by Francis Poulbot lobbied the government for a piece of land destined for property. In 1933,…
‘Aristide Bruant in his Cabaret’ by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1892) The namesake for the street on which our hostel sits, Aristide Bruant was a character known to all in Montmartre. Today, Bruant is most recognised for his likeness in Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic post impressionist prints. But what of the man behind the felt hat and red scarf? From Bourgeois to Bellevilloise…
Takanori Ogisu’s depiction of Rue Lepic in 1931. Today the 755 winding metres of Rue Lepic are home to a plethora of boutiques and eateries. The history of Rue Lepic however, is one filled with rebellion and innovation. According to local folklore, after being forced to abandon his horse and trek up the old path to the church on the…
France is famous for its cinema, and Paris is overflowing with local picture houses just waiting to be explored. Historic Montmartre is host to some of the city’s oldest and most unique movie theatres. Here’s our guide to the 5 best cinemas in Montmartre. 1. Studio 28 Amelie goes to the movies. Studio 28 Montmartre’s most beloved picture house, the…
Your Local Guide to Amélie’s Montmartre Nestled in the heart of the 18eme, our guests are footsteps away from many of the sites in Amélie’s Montmartre. The Café des 2 Moulin (15 Rue Lepic) Minus the tobacco shop, Amelie’s place of work remains just as it was in the film. Unfortunately boasting none of the eccentric staff in the film, it does however serve…