The Eiffel Tower as seen from Montmartre The Eiffel Tower is typically the first port of call for tourists arriving in Paris. For the prepared traveler, Montmartre is usually second on the list. Fortunately, the journey between the Eiffel Tower and the Sacre-Coeur is a short one and can be done with the metro, bus, bicycle, or even on foot.…
Louise Weber was born in Paris’ northern suburbs in 1866. Young Louise began dancing at the age of 6 in Montmartre’s Élysée ballroom, then under the presidency of Victor Hugo. Later, in 1882, when she was 16 years old, she took to the stage at another Montmartre institution, the Moulin de la Gallete., After moving to Montmartre she began modelling…
A map of modern day Montmartre. While opinions differ on its precise history, it is believed that the hills of Montmartre have been occupied since Gallo roman times. Popular history suggests the Church of Saint-Pierre, which sits alongside the Sacre-Coeur to this today, has been a place of worship since as far back as the third century. Montmartre’s origins, like its demarcations…
If you’re travelling to Paris by bus, the chances are you’re going to terminate your journey at Bercy Seine station. Both Flixbus and Ouibus operate services to and from the station as their Paris centre stop. And if you’re staying in Montmartre, there are a few ways to get there from Bercy Seine. The first thing you will realise when…
Montmartre is a myriad of historic pathways that became mythical roads. Rue Norvins is no different. Montmartre’s busiest street, its charming cobbled streets have paved the way for the area’s artists for centuries. Rue Norvins dates as far back as 1672, where it was included on Albert Jouvin de Rochefort’s street plan, the third in Parisian history. The original street…
The cubist flag of the R-26, designed by Georges Vantongerloo. The outbreak of World War I largely evaporated the artistic community in Montmartre. As Picasso, Dali and Degas et al relocated to Montparnasse, a private intellectual breeding ground would emerge on Rue Norvins. Known to its members as R-26, the salon became a meeting ground for some of the worlds…
The new statue of the Chevalier de la Barre. Amidst the hustle of the butte Montmartre, sits a statue with a gruesome backstory. The sculpture of François-Jean de la Barre, a young man murdered for his religious intolerance, also has its own history. In 1765 Catholicism was both the state religion and the religion of the majority of France. In the town…
A short walk from Montmartre is one of the world’s largest flea markets. Situated just across the northern periphery, Paris’ world renowned Marché aux Puces is a veritable treasure trove of bargains and antiques. Known to everyone as Les Puces (the fleas), the markets cover a massive seven hectares. Claimed by many to be the largest antique market, the massive…
The modern day Boule Noire. Situated in the heart of the historic community of Pigalle; La Boule Noire and La Cigale have been at the heart of the district for almost 200 years. La Boule Noire Established back in 1822, the original Boule Noire was one of Montmartre’s myriad of nightspots. A home to poetry recitals, theatrical performances or just…
Louise Michel was one of France’s most renowned anarchists. A influential figure in the Paris Commune, she is one of the most influential French political figures of the 19th century. A founder of anarcha-feminism and champion of working class causes; Louise Michael spent much of her life teaching and preparing for revolution, in Montmartre. Born in 1830, Louise Michel came…