On our last day in Paris, we planned a stroll through Montmartre, the large hill in the city’s northern 18th arrondissement. Rising 130 meters high, it gives its name, โMontmartre,โ to the surrounding district, part of the Right Bank. Montmartre is primarily known for its artistic history, the white-domed Basilica of the Sacrรฉ-Cลur at its summit, and as a vibrant nightclub district.
Our Journey Down the Hill
Our walk from Lamarck-Caulaincourt to Pigalle:
To reach Lamarck-Caulaincourt, we opted for the metro (line 12) departing from Pigalle towards Mairie d’Aubervilliers. Alighting at Lamarck-Caulaincourt, the second stop from Pigalle, we ascended a flight of stairs, emerging onto Rue Caulaincourt.
Our stroll took us past the intriguing Vla Lรฉandre and the charming Rue de l’Abreuvoir, eventually leading us down to the Instagram-famous La Maison Rose.
Next, we strolled through Place du Tertre, passing numerous cafes and witnessing artists showcasing their amazing work, and musicians playing various instruments, eventually reaching the Sacrรฉ-Cลur.
The view of the city from the top was mesmerizing. This route allowed us to avoid stairs, uphill walking, and scammers.
Exploring the Sacrรฉ-Coeur Basilica
The Sacrรฉ-Coeur Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, is a stunning Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its majestic dome, soaring 200 meters above the Seine River, offers unparalleled views of the entire city and its suburbs. This magnificent landmark is Paris’s second most popular tourist destination, following the Eiffel Tower.
We opted to explore the church’s exterior, marveling at its grandeur. A lively atmosphere filled the air with music and joyous dancing in front of the basilica. Numerous vendors displayed their wares, adding to the vibrant energy.
To descend via the Funicular, we took the stairs painted for the 2024 Olympics. Around 6 PM, we searched for hot chocolate and ended up at a Lindt shop but didn’t find what we wanted. We then decided to have dinner at a nearby cafรฉ with outdoor seating overlooking the church. The cafรฉ was lovely, with good food and friendly staff. We opted for comfort food and enjoyed pizza, pasta, and beer.
Other ways to reach Sacrรฉ-Coeur Basilica
- Bus No. 40: A small electric bus that goes uphill near the Sacrรฉ-Cลur.
- Petit Train: A small train from Blanche to Sacrรฉ-Cลur, offering a scenic tour of the area.
- Funicular: A funicular railway that goes up to the base of the Sacrรฉ-Cลur.
Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood with many stairs and steep paths, so plan your travel accordingly.
A Touch of Romance: The Wall of Love
Next on our agenda was the Wall of Love, a love-themed masterpiece encompassing 430 square feet within the Jehan Rictus Garden. This captivating creation, conceived by artists Fรฉdรฉric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000, features the phrase “I love you” written in over 250 languages, including major and lesser-known languages like Navajo, Inuit, Bambara, and Esperanto. The sheer volume of languages, totaling 311 declarations of love, creates a truly unique and heartwarming spectacle. The wall is open to the public free of charge. We spent some time in the garden, where Yuven wanted to play.
We wanted to take the bus back to Pigalle, but the area looked so pretty in the evening, we decided to walk.
We concluded our Montmartre exploration at the Moulin Rouge before heading back to our hotel.
This also concludes our 4 days in Paris. Stay tuned as we continue our journey to explore the next country.
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