Paris, France
Montmartre is a famous hill in Paris which also gives its name to the district in the north of Paris. Montmartre is most commonly known due to the white domed Basilica of the Sacré CÅ“ur which sits at the top of the hill. The area is also popular for its lively nightclub district. Another older church that is located on the hill is called the Saint Pierre de Montmartre, it claims that it was the location where the Jesuit order of priests was created. The area was once the location for many studios occupied by renowned artists including Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Salvador DalÃ, Modigliani and Vincent van Gogh. Some of which worked on their master pieces around the area.For years the hill has been a popular drinking area, and when looking at the history of the area it is clear why. Montmartre was once free of tax due to being out of the city limits and the local nuns would make wine! At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century the world famous cabaret the Moulin Rouge was located in the area along with Le Chat Noir. Artists, performers and singers appeared there regularly including Georges Guibourg, Mistinguett, Fréhel, Jane Avril, Damia, Yvette Guilbert, Marcelle Lender, Aristide Bruant, La Goulue and many more.
Today, thousands of tourists visit every year to climb up the steps or instead to take the ‘petit train’ to the top of Butte de Montmartre. From the top there are magnificent views across Paris, which on a clear day, there is the possibility to see for 40km at on of the highest points in Paris.
