A romantic walk in Montmartre; 3 km of pure happiness
Publish on Wednesday, 1 February 2017 in Visit Paris
A neighbourhood of artists and bohemians in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Montmartre is still one of the most picturesque and romantic districts of Paris. It has narrow alleyways, quiet stairways, picturesque cafes, and a serene charm in which you can lose yourself. Everything here seems conducive to romance, walking hand in hand, and enjoying intimate moments... let the Cler Hotel tell you all about it!
From the Sacré-Coeur to the Place du Tertre
Discover the gleaming white splendour of the Sacré Coeur Basilica, perched atop the hill of Montmartre! You and your loved one will be well rewarded for having climbed the 237 steps to the highest part of Paris when you enjoy the breath-taking panorama over the whole city that this lofty position commands. Fortunately, if you are not feeling energetic, since 1901 a funicular railway has provided easy access to this Holy Grail.
Leaving the Basilica, direct your steps towards the Place du Tertre. At the end of the 18th century this square was the meeting place of the entire bohemian population of Montmartre. Today it is world famous for its artists, portrait painters and caricaturists, as well as its charming little café terraces.
At the artists’ rendezvous
Heading away from the Place du Tertre, in a few minutes you can reach a legendary cabaret at the intersection of the Rues des Saules and Saint-Vincent. The Cabaret du Lapin Agile, facing the vineyards of Montmartre, was frequented by many famous artists in its heyday.
By taking the Rue Saint-Vincent you come to the Place Dalida, named after the famous Egyptian-born singer who had such a successful career from the mid-50s to the mid-80s. Dalida lived in and loved Montmartre. The square has since become a place of remembrance and contemplation for her fans.
Turn your steps along the Avenue Junot and take a look at Villa Léandre, a lovely little quiet cul-de-sac situated between numbers 23 and 27 and bordered by beautiful English-style houses. The Villa Léandre was once inhabited by artists and theatre people.
Where windmill vanes reach above the heads of lovers....
Montmartre was once the location of a number of windmills that perched upon the hill. At the intersection of the Rue Lepic (where Van Gogh lived) and the Rue d'Orchamps, can be found the Moulin de la Galette, the only Montmartre mill still in operation. Along with the Moulin Rouge, it is one of the district’s oldest witnesses to yesteryear.
Your romantic stroll should bring you to the I Love You Wall in the Square Jehan Rictus, on the Rue des Abbesses. This 40 m2 wall is dedicated to all the lovers of the world. Some 612 enamelled lava tiles bear the words ‘I love you’ transcribed into more than 300 different languages and dialects, some quite obscure.
Stop off at the Café des Deux Moulins (15 Rue Lepic), made famous by the film Amélie, a charming place where time seems to stand still.
Finally, you will reach the legendary Moulin Rouge on the Boulevard de Clichy. This cabaret is still synonymous with Parisian nights, remaining forever THE symbol of the Belle Epoque. Very much in vogue in the 19th century, this premier palais des femmes is noted for bringing the French Cancan to prominence and for inspiring the creative passions of the artist Toulouse Lautrec.
Le Cler Hotel, a classic and contemporary 3-star hotel in Paris, close to the Eiffel Tower