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18th Arr
Paris - 18th Arrondissement
As far away from the center of the city (a good 30 minute metro ride -- 60 minutes round trip) a place can be and still be in Paris, the 18th arrondissement remains a must-visit for many tourists. Here one can find Montmartre, with place de Tertre and its crank-em-out artists -- see the square, but save your money for Espace Dali at nearby 11 rue Poulbot to check out the Salvador's surrealist sculptures; or head to 12 rue Cortot to visit the former home of Renoir and Utrillow, now the Musée de Montmartre, and worth a quickie 30 minutes in and out for a hat's off to the artists and Bohemians who made this area what it is today); at the very top of the butte, the white-domed Sacré-Coeur Basilica awaits with pickpockets that will follow you all the way back down the hill to place Pigalle, where the rotating, blinking red neon windmill of Le Moulin Rougee beckons and sixty Doris Girls kick their long legs to tempt one into afterward visiting the seedier side of Paris -- the Red Light District, which bursts at the seams along nearby Boulevard de Clichy; for the less risque tourists, a visit to Musée de l'Erotisme at 72 Boulevard de Clichy might be in order. Whew. That's a lot of energy to expel in this visit. So, to start, take the métro to Abbesses, then get off and hike the spiraling, muscle-cramping staircase that is wildly painted by local artists, and if your legs can take it, it's worth the hike, if for no other reason than to say you've been there. Once spewed out at almost-the-top of the hill, search for Square Jehan Rictus, where you'll find a place to rest and the "I Love You" Mural (these words will be translated on the wall in over 300 languages). Then elbow your way up to Sacré-Coeur and either spend €4.50 entering, or spend the same for a coca-cola, then sit on the steps and watch the other tourists checking out the beautiful Paris skyline ahead. For the lazy, stand in line for the Funicular -- the little sky tram that zips you right up to the top of the butte with the use of a metro ticket.
Other things to consider doing once here: Head to rue Lepic to locate the Moulin Radet and the Moulin de la Galette -- the two last windmills of the area -- and simply marvel at the charming neighborhood. Visit the Montmarte vineyard. Stroll though the Montmartre Cemetery because it's gorgeous (Stendhal and Degas rest here), but not worth the trip alone unless your hotel or apartment is in the 18th, or this is your second visit to Paris and you're Louvre'd out. And shop. Porte de Clignancourt (Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen) is the King of Flea Markets in Paris (open weekends and Monday, from 7-7), and those new to shopping here should start at rue des Rosiers, where the more touristy Marche Vernaisson sells everything from bric-a-brac to the occasional great find; the Marche Serpette and Paul Bert is a smidge less touristy, and hence, more Parisians will be sniffing the bistro and gardening items strewn about in the chaos; the Marche Biron focuses on higher quality finds (and hence, a higher price); for those searching for French linens, look no further than Marche Cambo; and the March Malassis, with its dome set forth to greet the eager shopper, offers up doodads from the 1900's and other delicious secrets; the newest market, the Marche Dauphine offers up exquisite antiques under a glass roof. The shopping is great here, but it isn't for the feint of heart, and do expect a full day, e.g., don't try to fit in a visit to the Eiffel Tower on the same day as a visit to Porte de Clignancourt.
Destinations in the 18th Arr
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Artist’s Square
Dozens of starving artists gather in Artist’s Square, also known as Place du Tertre, during the daylight. Many notable artists started off living and painting here including Picasso and Utrillo. Espace Salvador Dali is also located close by. -
Barbes
At the foot of the hill is the Barbes district which has a very exotic flare as dozens of different nationalities have converged here. There are many street vendors, excellent small-time boutique shops, and market stalls. Most of the shopping is very affordable. -
Basilique du Sacré Coeur
Make sure to watch your handbags and wallets while you head to the top of the Butte de Montmartre to stand in front of the magnificent Basilique du Sacré Coeur. Once you’ve made it to the top of the butte, at the top of the basilica's stairs, turn around and gasp at one of the most splendid views of Paris -- but don't stop there! Head to the top of the dome for one of your best photo-ops -- complete with the Eiffel Tower in the view. -
Cimetiere de Montmartre
This cemetery is known for its colossal plaster tomb stones and even more so, the people buried in them. There are over 20,000 graves here already and hundreds more are buried here annually. Some notable patrons are composer Michel Berger, Bluebell Girls founder Margaret Kelly, Italian actress Dalida and painter Edgar Degas among countless others. -
Eglise Saint Jean de Montmartre
This Art Nouveau style church was one of the first to use concrete, brick, and ceramics as building materials. It has been the center of much architectural controversy over the years. -
Espace Dali
Right by the very square where dozens of artists converge daily to make a few bucks is the museum dedicated to the genius mind and works of Salvador Dali. The building holds over 300 of the artist’s best works. -
Goutte d’Or
The city had a brilliant idea at one point – to create a “street of fashion.” There are dozens of fashion designers from all over the world that hold shop here. -
Montmartre
The hill of Montmartre sits about 130 meters high and at its peak is the iconic Basilica of the Sacre Couer. It is known for its rich history which included it’s ancient ties to the priesthood, an artist community during the 20th century that included Dali, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, and today as a lively nightlife hub. -
Moulin Rouge
Known for its iconic red windmill and even better known for its racy cabaret shows, the Moulin Rouge has inspired movies and books alike. It is so well known in fact, that it probably doesn’t need much more of an introduction. -
Moulin de la Galette
This cute little wooden windmill is one of two remaining windmills in Montmartre, and certainly the most famous windmill in France. Originally, there were more than a dozen windmills in this area. Today you can take a picture and see why Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Henrie de Toulouse-Lautrec and other famous artists were inspired by the Moulin de la Galette. If you're hungry after you place your lens cap back on, head downhill a few paces and snag an excellent French dinner at the other windmill, which hosts a restau of the same name: Moulin Radet.
Moulin de la Galette
83, rue Lepic, 75018, Paris
Moulin Radet restaurant
86, rue Lepic 75018 PARIS
33 1 46 06 84 77
métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt or Abbesses (Ligne 12 for either)
www.lemoulindelagalette.fr -
Pigalle
Possibly the naughtiest neighborhood in France, the Pigalle district is home to many sex shops, peep shows, strip clubs, cabarets, and even the Moulin Rouge. It is XXX and of course draws a lively crowd but more surprisingly, a crowd that normally wouldn’t be caught dead in such a sector but just had to see it for themselves. -
Sacre Coeur Basilica
This Roman-Byzantine cathedral is a Parisian icon. From its perch, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Paris. The church is self features a large organ, stunning interior, and mosaic ceilings.
