Travelling Europe - Paris Part I - Montmartre

Going to Paris I decided to stay in the Montmartre area. I have been to Paris before so I "of course" those Montmartre. It is the arrondissement of Paris where I could return to again, and again.
It is full of cobbled lanes, nice restaurants and small bars and a laid back lifestyle located in the middle of Paris….and it is a good retreat when you have been sight-seeing in the Paris for a full day.

I decided to spend the first day just on Montmartre because it is exciting and you can walk all sights despite steep and streets. One of the highlights is of course the basilica Sacre-Coeur. The basilica is on the top of the hill so it's working a good point of reference when you get lost in the small street.

Some of the streets below the hill are also full of shops selling „anything“ - like underwear, sheets, linens, etc. for very cheap prices like 50 Cent a piece or so. If you need cheap supplies, this is the place.

It is quite impressive when you walks towards it from below the hill. Accessing Sacre Coeur isn't that easy. Instead of walking the stairs I decided to take to old funiculaire to the top.

From Sacre-Coeur you have a great view of Paris and the life taking place from early morning to late night is to observe. There is a nice and relaxing atmosphere with street artists, musicians or small bands as well people just enjoying the view and a baguette or wine – when in France…..

I just enjoyed sitting here watching the life. Great!

You can visit the basilica (no photos) and climb the dome (Entry 5 Euros) and get a even better view of Paris.

In the evening Montmartre is a great place to hang out with lots of very good restataurants, a great relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices (I had expected worse..). In the narrow streets you have the impression whereever you go, the food is very good. The cuisine is typical french with paté, quiche, seafood, meat etc. alle very tasty.

Later I went back to the square in front of Sacre Coeur. In the evening you find lot's of people watching Paris by night, drinking a beer or a glas of wine and just hanging out... just a great atmosphere, you just don't really want to leave this place.

In the 2. part I will show you some of the other places in Paris I went to explore.