Did You Know?

Did you know that Paris is home to the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and most visited art museums in the world? However, the Louvre wasn't always a museum. It was initially built as a fortress in the 12th century, then transformed into a royal palace before being opened to the public as a museum in 1793.

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, was initially built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair? It was intended to stand for just 20 years before being dismantled. However, it gained immense popularity and was saved from demolition, eventually becoming a beloved symbol of the city.

Did you know that Paris has an extensive underground tunnel network known as the Catacombs? These tunnels house the remains of approximately six million people. The Catacombs were created in the late 18th century to address the issue of overcrowded cemeteries in the city.

Did you know that Paris is known as the "City of Light"? This nickname doesn't refer to the city's abundance of streetlights but instead to its historical status as a center of enlightenment and education during the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century.

Did you know that Paris is known for its café culture? The city is famous for its numerous charming sidewalk cafes where people can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and soak in the atmosphere. The café culture in Paris has been an integral part of the city's social life and has inspired many famous writers, artists, and intellectuals throughout history.

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Montmartre: Paris's Charming Village Of Art And History

Scenic view of Montmartre, a charming artistic district in Paris

On the right bank of the River Seine, in the north section of the city of Paris is the popular tourist area of Montmartre. Think: Toulouse Lautrec sipping absinthe in a local café. Situated in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is on a hill, capped by the basilica, Sacre Coeur, and its glaring white dome; hard to miss!

This is an older neighbourhood, for sake of a better word, parts of which, such as Le Pigalle, have become rundown in recent years. But Montmartre is so full of character it has remained an area of on-gong public interest.

Funky cafés and bars dot the area, lined with close streets that suggest the intimacy of a small village. It’s very hilly, so pedestrians might prefer to take the funicular up the side of the hill before walking about Montmartre; there are also stairs to be climbed.

Drop in at the Parisian cabaret, famed Moulin Rouge, or the more down to earth venue, Au Lapin Agile. You’ll feel transported back in time.