Travel and Vacations

Travel Destination: Art History and Paris

Story Published on October 12, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

Mention a trip to France and Paris is the first thing that comes to mind for most people. Indeed, it is difficult to think of another city in the world that out does the cuisine, history and culture of Paris. What is really fascinating, however, is the fact Paris is really is a sum of its parts.

Montmartre is an easy enclave to locate. Just look for the white Sacre Coeur Basilica on the top of the hill overseeing the area. Montmartre is considered one of the best areas to spend time in because is has a little of everything Parisian.

While most tourists can do without seeing the Eiffel Tower (and paying to visit each level) missing Montmartre would be a lot like missing the Coliseum when visiting Rome. One last windmill left upon the infamous hill seems to tell of a time long past while hinting at the beginnings of a new future.

Montmartre has a little of everything. This was the rough area where many artists put their best works together and where the Moulin Rouge earned its infamous identity. There are street acts and street scenes galore.

With great artists such as Dali, Picasso, van Gogh and Monet having called the area home, there is a serious business these days of trying to sell every tourist junk trinkets to memorialize the times of those people. Try to look past it.

To get a better feel for the authentic Montmartre, I suggest you stay high up on the hill near the Basilica. Wondering the side streets will give you a taste of times past when the area was rough and ready with nary a tourist in sight.

It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the mimes and what have you. Ignore them. Take a moment off to the side to realize you are walking through history. Look around and take in the home where a poor Picasso painted a masterpiece or two.

This is an area that is so powerful, you cannot help but feel the neighborhood soak into your clothes. The smell definitely might! Do not mistakenly attend the Moulin Rouge and think that is all there is. The entire area is the attraction.

Life is unfortunately often about routines and the same old thing day in and day out. Montmartre is anything but this. The place is dirty, over the top and so full of culture and characters, you will just be smiling and shaking your head. Welcome to Paris!

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