Montmartre: a village in the heart of the city
Of all the districts in the city of Paris, Montmartre is undoubtedly the best known and the most popular for tourists. Every day, the history and atmosphere of the place continue to attract thousands of Parisians. In fact, there is always something to do in Montmartre, and the place is a particularly popular place to live. Here is a summary of the assets of Montmartre.
A brief history of Montmartre
The history of Montmartre goes back to antiquity. Historians believe that this name comes from the Latin "Mons Martis" or Hill of Mars, referring to the temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war, built on the hill of the city in the first century AD. The four columns of this temple still exist near the Church of St. Peter, between the Sacred Heart and the Place du Tertre. It is also believed that Saint-Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was decapitated and his head was carried to the place where the present eponymic basilica was built for his homage. The name Montmartre would, thus, come from the expression Mons Martyrum, or Mount of the Martyr, in memory of the Bishop of Saint-Denis.
Montmartre was outside the wall of Paris built by the Ferme Générale, the corporation of tax farmers, between 1784 and 1791. As wine in Montmartre was consequently cheaper, the area became the place for entertainment and the busiest place in the city, and this is still the case today.
The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is the symbol of the district and the second most visited monument in the capital. It was built between 1873 and 1914 and houses the largest mosaic in France under its dome. Montmartre is undoubtedly the most visited area of France.
Information and news about Montmartre
Montmartre has retained a village-like feel, with winding narrow streets, busy cafes, and thundering animation during the night. Haut Montmartre, which has an elevation of 130 metres, is quieter than lower Montmartre, which is home to the cabarets of Le Moulin Rouge and Michou, the highlights of entertainment in France.
The restaurants of the neighborhood are also cheap and very well-known. The Montmartre Mon Amour Hotel houses rooms themed around famous romantic stories: Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, or Victor Hugo and Juliette Drouet. The Maison Rose, a must-see in Haut Montmartre, is practically never empty and is definitely worth a visit. Unquestionably, the warmth of the Montmartrois and the playful and rural side of this district are truly charming.
Summer events in Montmartre
This summer, Montmartre will host the final stage of the Tour de France, and the crowning of the yellow jersey. An unmissable event, as is the Music Day on June 21st with a series of shows and concerts in the streets of the neighbourhood and in many cabarets. Moreover, many painters and portrait artists will be happy to draw you a sketch for a few euros on the Place du Tertre, all summer long. Of course, the Museum of Montmartre and the Espace Dali will exhibit numerous exceptional works during the upcoming summer season.
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