Sunday 30 October 2011

To Montmartre

On our 2nd full day in Paris, I had planned a visit to Montmartre. Paris is lovely and flat mainly, but the climb to Montmartre is very steep.

I discovered that the train from Maisons Lafitte stopped at a station (Aumer) below the amazing shop that is Galleries Lafayette, so we decided to call in en route. No photograph can ever do justice to the magnificent domed ceiling in here. Its jaw dropping.

As are the beautiful galleries underneath it.
We remembered that you can get out onto the roof in this store, and so made our way there. They have put seats up here now, and on such a glorious day we could have spent hours up here.
The view over the city is beautiful.

And then we spied our destination.
Its not too far to walk from Galleries Lafayette up to Montmartre. The only way to see a place is to walk. I love Montmartre. It is a bit dirty, a lot touristy, crowded and you have to watch your bags/pockets, but it has something special.

Of course there is the Moulin Rouge,
and the Macaroons.
I would love to step back in time and see the famous artists rolling around drunk up here.


The Sacre Couer is a special place too. Its free to wander in - you have to pay if you want to go up into the dome or down into the crypt.


One of the best things about Montmartre is the view. Breathtaking.
And especially for my friend Rosie, I photographed the carousel featured in one of our favourite movie's Amelie,
and also the cafe where Amelie worked - the Cafe de 2 Moulins.

18 comments:

Louise said...

Wow, there are some amazong sights! I've never been to Paris - or to France at all! One day I must!

BadPenny said...

How totally divine. Such a beautiful wonderful city.
Thank you for your sweet comment -Boggers are so special. Jess arrived safely & I keep smiling thinking of the lovely time she's going to have :)

Sue Hayton said...

What weather! I hadn't realised that Galleries Lafayette had a roof garden. It used to be fab at La Samaritaine by the river on their roof but its closed now!

Jo said...

Another wonderful day. Those views are breathtaking.

Elizabethd said...

That brought back some super memories!

menopausalmusing said...

Ah, Galleries Lafayette - I went to Paris about 15 years ago as a mature student and remember that dome - so special. I didn't know you could get onto the roof though.......

Kathy said...

Lovely photos again, Diane. The view across the the rooftops is so typically 'Paris'.
I'll be honest, Montmartre is not my favourite part of Paris ... I stayed nearby for a week once, and I found it a bit rough to be honest, but I've always loved the carousel at the bottom of the funicular.
xxx

Mac n' Janet said...

Loved your pictures, it has been nearly 40 years since we've been to Paris. Really liked the picture of the Moulin Rouge, I so loved that movie.

Rosie said...

Thankyou! I love that film:) Love too Montmatre and the history within its narrow back streets up the hill away from the tourists. Last time we were in Paris we went up to the roof of Galleries Lafayette and gazed around for ages! I've loved looking at your photos:)

elsy said...

oh lucky you diane.....probably my favourite place so far.....what a sensible way to do it....at those prices it would have to be a short trip otherwise....any more pics?

A garden just outside Venice said...

I didn't know about the panoramic view from Galerie Lafayette's roof...I only remember I bought a yellow Adidas rucksack..ah I was only 17 and still a silly teenager :-)
xxx

Lyn said...

Oh I didn't realise you were in Paris! Oh our flying visit in August seems ages ago, and you had beautiful weather. You will have to watch 'Midnight in Paris'film just out, looks quite good.
xxx

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

More wonderful pics, Diane. Thank you for sharing. My favourite place in Paris is the Marais (not sure whether I've spelled that correctly). Did you go there?

Von said...

One of my favourite places and you're so right, walking is the only way not to miss anything.

Blueberry Heart said...

oooh, I have turned a rather greener shade of green (and not due to halloween either!) I've hankered after going to Paris again for years and your photos make me want to go even more!! Absolutley beautiful pics!! Looks like an amazing time was had - even the weather was glorious!!
BH x
(really fancy a macaroon now too....)

Rowan said...

It sounds as though you had a great time and packed a huge amount into your stay in Paris. I've only been there once on an overnight stay en route to Lyons on a French exchange visit when I was 14 - over 50 years ago! Time I went again I think:)

Little Blue Mouse said...

Gorgeous photos, I love the view from Montmartre.

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

More great photos Diane!

I stayed in this area when in Paris a few years back and also visited Galleries Lafayette, which is, as you say 'amazing'! Didn't know about being able to get out onto the roof though!

Have a lovely week.

Lesley x