Montmartre Hill was formerly a modest and silent village of winemakers, ploughmen and millers. There are still narrow, winding streets, houses or rather constructions of disjoint planks, which only hold together by habit, country houses hiden in the greenery and terraced gardens on the slopes. Montmartre was once cover with mills; today there are only three left, two of which are in very por condition.
This place remains very touristic since Montmartre is the highest point of the capital with 131 m. It can be reached by a funicular or by a staircase with 222 steps. This district is dominated by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This religious site is a masterpice of grace and grandeur. This white stone building in the Romano-Byzantine style contributes to the charm of Montmartre. The view from the forcourt remains magnificent.
Known throughout the world, the cabarets of Montmartre are an integral part of the history of the district. Until the Belle Epoque, they were mainly simple drinking etablishments where you could also eat.
The early years of the Moulin-Rouge were marked by extravagant shows, inspired by the circus, and attractions. The wole of Paris and the artists used to meet there. The architecture of the hall was revolutionary and allowed for quick changes of scenery where all audiences could mix.
The love story betwen the painters and the Butte goes back a long way. Corot was the first one to setle there around 1830, then in the following years, we can find Manet, Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec… In 1912, Picasso put down his brushes there but it is difficult to list all the painters who settled in that place. |
