THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF ARTISTS

Last year on my trip to Paris, one of my friends let me stay in her apartment for a few days, located in a place called Montmartre. Montmarte is a large hill in the 18th arrondissement, one of the more tourist-driven sites in Paris.

The apartment was located in Rue de Chappe, downhill from the top, and it was a colorful street full of souvenir shops, little restaurants, and cafes where local people and tourist go to enjoy their free time.

Montmartre is primarily known for its artistic history; it holds the nickname "The neighborhood of the painters or artists" which suits it pretty well. As you walk through the neighborhood, you will find place du Tertre where a lot of artists gather to sell paintings and art. This is the place that nurtured most of the great artists and writers living in France this past century and is something not to be missed.

On top of the hill, you will find the Basilica Sacré Coeur Church (the big white church), Remember that the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur sits on the crest of the hill, so as long as you are heading uphill there is little possibility of getting lost. At the bottom of the hill is the Boulevard de Clichy which is lined with bars, kebab shops, sex shops, and peep-shows.

I ate at one place called "Au Petit Creux" which is in the Rue du Ont Cenis corner with Rue du chevalier de la Barre. I ate so well and only spent 10 euros.

Lastly, what I especially loved about Montmartre were the impressive views of all of Paris.

Lose yourself in the steep and cobbled streets of one of the most historic and interesting neighborhoods in Paris.