Bonjour,

Montmartre is a large hill in the north of Paris which is 427 feet high. It is mostly known today for the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur, a Catholic Cathedral, which sits atop Montmartre and is the tallest point in Paris, and also as a nightclub district. But Montmartre has quite a past that lead to where it is today. The hill has been occupied for many centuries. In earlier civilized times, Montmartre was home to eleven mills. They were powered by the wind and it was very windy the day that we were up there. Eventually, the mills faded out and closed down. At that point, the area became a cheap area and many artists moved there. Many famous artists had studios there including Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Renoir, Edgar Degas and many more. Along with the artists came writers, poets, and artistic dancers. At some point, artistic dancers began to perform in the old mills. That dancing changed over a period of years and eventually became the Moulon Rouge which is still there today, along with many artists.

1. This is Basilica du Sacre-Coeur, atop Montmartre hill. This church was built to welcome the Pope. It is next door to St Pierre de Montmartre Church, which preceded it in time.

2. The area around the basilica still has its old narrow streets and was alive with artists painting and shoppers and tourists.

3. By walking around the area, we did manage to find some quieter places to slow down and enjoy.

4. You can see one of the eleven old mills which once sat on the hill surrounded by grass and little else.

5. Another of the mills has gone on to much more fame and glory.

Voila,

Bill