Bittersweet Paris: 3 Montmartre Attractions

Montmartre is one of Paris’ most famous neighbourhoods, having been the stomping grounds of poets and artists throughout the decades. Today, it is most well-known for its quaint, cobbled streets and classic Parisian design. Travellers flock to this neighbourhood, which comes to a point atop all of Paris. Montmartre translates to ‘mount of martyrs’.

Read on to discover some of the must-see attractions in Montmartre, Paris.

Basilica Sacre-Coeur

When war broke out between France and Germany in 1870, Catholic leaders determined that a church should be built in penance for the sins of Parisians. The first stone was laid for the Basilica Sacre-Coeur in 1875, and the church was inaugurated in 1891.

This gorgeous place of worship sits atop Paris at the peak of Montmartre. Inside, you’ll discover a breathtaking spiritual space that rivals that of Notre Dame. Step outside, though, and you’ll experience a moving sight of a different kind: the city of Paris gloriously sprawling out beneath you.

The Basilica is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Moulin Rouge

Most travellers and movie buffs have heard of the Moulin Rouge, one of Paris’ most glamorous and infamous cabarets. Though technically located outside of Montmartre, Moulin Rouge is one of the area’s most well-known attractions, located at the base of the hill along the Boulevard de Clichy.

Montmartre Cemetery

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Known in french as the Cimetiere de Montmartre, this sombre resting place encompasses everyone’s favourite characteristics of Paris: It is at once romantic and eerie, sad and spiritual, elegant and authentic.

The burial sites of historic figures such as Nijinsky, Degas, Berlioz, Offenbach and Heine are all located in Montmartre, along with those of numerous other Parisians.

Like so many of Paris’ sights, the cemetery will leave you feeling bittersweet – it is this ineffable characteristic that makes Paris, well…Paris.