In the 8th and 18th arrondissements you will find this lovely village, with old houses, packed together tightly, and winding little streets with flower baskets. Although this village became part of the city of Paris in 1860, but remained fiercely independent. In 181 it fended off government troops and you will see the plaque dedicated to this on rue du Chavalier-de-la-Barre. Make sure you get your Paris apartment or Paris hotels booked nearby to enjoy all Montmartre has to offer.

This quaint little windmill village used to be filled with working class families going about their everyday business, but as Monmartre swelled and with the industrial boom, peasants swarmed in from the countryside and set up camp in industrial Paris. Nowadays, although Montmartre is a popular tourist attraction, Montmartre offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and to enjoy one of the most romantic parts of this wonderful city.

Montmartre is the highest point in Paris, and has some spectacular views of the city. Not surprising then, that in the 1880’s, Paris’ artist moved into the area to take advantage of this spectacular place. Renoir got his inspiration whilst sipping coffee in Montmartre’s cafes, and later, Picasso and artists of the Ecole de Paris, Utrillo and Modigliani paid Montmartre regular visits.

But what is there to see in this fantastic place you ask yourself? In Montmartre you will find, amongst many, a wonderful street; “rue des Abbesses” which offers delicious food shops, cafes and wine merchants and pretty little boutiques. The street winds its way up the hill and is adjoining with rue Lepic. This street is home to two of the village’s only remaining windmills; the Moulin due Radet, (moved here in 7th century from rue des Moulins near Palais-Royal), and the Moulin de la Galette, (today a smart restaurant and site of the celebrated dancehall depicted by Renoir).

The basilica of Sacré-Coeur, situated on 35 rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre was completed in 1914 and consecrated in 1919. This mock Romano-Byzantine basilica with its striking white appearance, is a must see in Montmartre. The basilica was commissioned after the nation’s defeat by Prussia in 1870, voted for by the Assemblée Nationale and built from public subscription. Although swarmed by tourists normally, this beautiful basilica boasts a range of mosaics on the interior, as well as fantastic views over Paris and thus, is definitely worth leaving your accommodation in Paris and a paying it a visit.

Finally, don’t forget to wander along rue Muller, then down through the park to the Halle St-Pierre. This market is now used for shows of art, but the surrounding square and streets, commonly known as “Marché St-Pierre” nowadays, offer a wealth of fabric shops and other quaint shops.