Wednesday 4 April 2012

Montmartre in Paris is Perfect

Bonjour!!  We arrived safely on Sunday morning and although it was a very long flight we were both too excited to worry about catching up on lost sleep.

So.....our adventure began immédiatemont/immediately.

We hit the streets of Montmartre........it is absolutely perfect.

When we arrived the sun was shining...the sky was cobalt blue...and it was a crisp 2 degrees C.  

Spring was everywhere....chestnut trees were sprouting, cherry blossoms were flowering and families were out and about doing their thing.....sitting in cafes, enjoying the sunshine and just...being.  It was perfect.

If you haven't ventured to Montmartre I would recommend that you come and have a look...it has a lovely village atmosphere, lots of bistros, cafes, boulangeries and there is a quaint Montmartrobus that takes you around those hilly streets.  And yes.....there are lots and lots of stairs.....but then you have a really good excuse to indulge in those delicious chocolat pains!

Here's how we spent the first few days in Montmartre.
The sun was shining and Parisians were out and about.
Those iconic green Morris advertising columns are an easy way to keep up with all the new shows and exhibitions. 
Cherry blossoms are in flower all over Montmartre.
Families, with their very well behaved children were enjoying a Sunday arvo in Montmartre.
Madame (centre top balcony) was tending her garden box on Sunday.   I thought this was a wonderful idea....and went searching for the nearest fleuriste.
This is the view from our kitchen window.......can't wait to see those well pruned trees in flower.
Following Madam's lead, this is my pot of hydrangeas for the window box.
Lots of shade at this window...so they should do really well.
This is the fleuriste just across the road from our apartment...what a temptation!
Pierre thought that these electric cars on rue Caulaincourt were shocking?  Such a comedian!
On the way to Le Moulin de la Galette...a man who could walk through walls!
It's a long way up...but at the top there is the best patisseriere in Montmartre!
Still navigating the Metro.....will tell you more about it in a later post.
Pierre doing his thing on rue Caulaincourt!
The lovely mural at the entrance to Le Moulin de la Galette
Le Moulin de la Galette...one of two remaining moulins in Montmartre and the subject of wonderful paintings by Renoir and Van Gogh http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin_de_la_Galette.
Just had to see Sacre Coeur without all the tourists....so we headed off at 7am one morning.......oh no, those dreaded steps!
You can see the basilica in the distance....wonderfully lit.
Obviously someone loved visiting Sacre Coeur.
You can see how beautiful it is.....and not a soul about.  
The view of the whole is Paris is amazing from Sacre Coeur.
Here comes the sun (7.30am)
Beautiful little parks and fountains are everywhere in Montmartre.

Montmartre is gorgeous.....a little bit away from the madding crowd.....but, if you want the madding crowd, then the Metro will take you there in about 15 minutes.  


We did this yesterday and were slap bang in the middle of it (at Tuileries) in no time at all.  Wanted to check out that gorgeous little artisan shop, Astier de Villatte http://www.astierdevillatte.com/......Wow!!!  You could see the artists' hands at work on all their gorgeous pieces.  I think this shop is going to be one of my favourites.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter......Pierre and I plan to go Easter egg hunting on Saturday!!

A bientôt.








20 comments:

  1. Oh yay!! I've been waiting for this very first post Robyn. I love astier de villatte!!!! Oh I'm so ecstatic for you.
    Do you know about this place? Melodies Graphiques (and the whole strip is incredible) http://vimeo.com/28325720

    I want more MORE!!!!

    Happy easter to you too.
    xx soula

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    1. Oh wow Soula!!!! How lovely of you to leave this message. Isn't Astier de Villatte fantastic.....it's like a little medieval artisan's workshop.....I couldn't resist one of their little teapots and teacups....don't know Melodies Graphiques....but I think I should if you're recommending it....will check it out. Hope the Easter Bunny comes hippity hoppity to your place.

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  2. OH my, I feel as If I"ve been in your footsteps your first glorious day in Paris. I think that first jetlagged hazy day in paris is the most wonderful because the whole stay is ahead of you and the adrenalin is pumping. I have eaten at Moulin de la Galette and glad you found it. I will look up my friend Shauna's little jewelary shop in Montmartre and send it along to you. Enjoy this fabulous time in Paris. I can't wait to hear more.
    V

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    1. Merci beaucoup Virginia....Montmartre is gorgeous...we're so glad to be here for 2 months before we move to the 9th arrondissement for the rest of the year. Look forward to receiving Shauna's address....so much to explore.

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  3. Thank you för those lovely pictures, it's like beeing there...!

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    1. Montmartre really is beautiful Maria...so pleased you like my photos.

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  4. Hello there - ooooohhh so jealous, photos are fabulous and I can taste the pain au chocolat. Cant wait for the next installment really feel like I am there and hope to be at Xmas. Till then Happy Easter and happy adventures.
    Yours in Peace, Love and Chocolate Kate xx

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    1. Bonjour Kate...we're off to the market this Easter Saturday...lots of pain au chocolat there!!!! Would love to see you at Xmas....I'll have the champers chilled.

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  5. Fantastic!!! Gorgeous photos and lots of info conveyed in few perfect words....you've hit the ground running! Love Montmartre, seeing it thru your eyes, and what a fabulously artistic website you've linked to!

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    1. Merci beaucoup French Heart....Montmartre is special. So glad you like the photos.

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  6. Ah Montmartre!! and Sacre Coeur!!!! Bringing back memories!!Thanks Robyn et Pierre. Jude

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    1. So many hidden treasures up here Jude....really a lovely spot. A bientot.

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  7. Ah these photos make me yearn for Paris.... especially the cherry blossoms. Enjoy!

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  8. Merci beaucoup Ingrid...and bon chance for your upcoming exhibition...a very interesting concept!

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  9. Loved the photo’s and comments. My goodness so many steps! Love the pastry shop windows such elegant creations. I was surprised by the chocolate fish for Easter. Glad you are both enjoying to date. Take care and enjoy the endless experiences. Looking forward to next post.
    Linda

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    1. Bonjour Linda...YES...those steps are a challenge....but a great way to build an appetite for chocolate fish!! A bientot.

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  10. What a wonderful post!!! I so enjoyed it! I am going to browse into your beautiful blog!!
    xx
    Greet

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    1. Merci beaucoup Greet....I hope you like it. Paris is so beautiful at this time of year.

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