This Charming Parisian Neighborhood Has Secret Gardens, Romantic Museums, and Incredible Panoramic Views of the City

"Once an independent commune, Montmartre was absorbed into the city limits of Paris in 1860, but the hilltop village has always retained a distinct sense of self. Famed for its religious, artistic, and at times seedy history, the neighborhood has drawn the likes of Picasso, Renoir, and hopelessly devoted Francophiles like myself with its bucolic charm, iconic lampposts, steep steps, and panoramic views."

"A visit to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is essential to understanding the area's history, and it's well worth a trip inside to take in the grandeur of the apse mosaic and stained-glass windows. Known as the "wedding cake" for its impressively white exterior, the domed church is made from locally sourced travertine that releases calcite when it rains, which essentially bleaches the stone and keeps it looking pristine."

Rue de l'Abreuvoir is a cobbled, wisteria-lined hill that evokes historic Paris and slopes up toward Sacré-Cœur. Montmartre was an independent commune until 1860 but retained a distinct village identity. The neighborhood combines religious, artistic, and occasionally seedy history and attracted artists such as Picasso and Renoir. Streets are characterized by iconic lampposts, steep steps, secret gardens, romantic museums, retro photo booths, and boutique hotels. Sacré-Cœur features an apse mosaic and stained-glass windows, and its travertine exterior stays bright because calcite released by rainbleaches the stone. The basilica opens early while the dome opens later for panoramic views.

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