See Where Picasso Lived in Paris

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by: ToddGibson | Total views: 3 | Word Count: 425 | View PDF | Print View
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To really get a taste of a place, you need to go local. Checking out the tourist traps does not give you much of an authentic experience. In Paris, this means checking out the various little enclaves throughout the city.

As an amazing contrast to the area beneath it, the white Sacre Coeur Basilica sits atop Montmartre as a cherry sits upon a sinfully delicious dessert. Home to everything that has stereotyped Paris over the years, this section of the city is not to be skipped over.

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 watches over the (once scandalous) Moulin Rouge; the dark streets of Pigalle (Pig Alley to many war veterans); and the Paris scene that was once the subject of many great works of art. While it's true that this area is a weird mix of souvenir stands and suspicious street clowns, it is worth a saunter.

As often happens with places where famous people once where, Montmartre has a lively collection of businesses trying to sell the past. Junk memorializing van Gogh, Monet and Picasso are to be found everywhere you turn. Ignore it.

Some say that the section called Montmartre is perfect until you exit the famous hill. Others say that the true part of Paris cannot be seen unless you descend from the mountain. No matter what is said individually, there is a collective scream around the globe that adores this Parisian culture clash.

Monet. Picasso. van Gogh. When you walk the streets of Montmartre, you are walking through hallowed ground. Do not let the riff raff distract you from that fact. Get off the main paths and consider what is really around you.

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.

Montmartre should be taken as it is in all its wonderful gaudiness. Bold, daring, and dying to be appreciated by the outside world, this part of Paris is what the city of lights is all about. Take a dip into the garish Parisian nightlife by walking through the one section of the town that dares to show some skin.
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