The Montmartre Neighborhood

Montmartre is renowned as the most bohemian neighborhood in Paris. Its streets, where painters play a central role, exude a unique charm. There are several must-visit points in this neighborhood that you shouldn't miss. (things to do in paris)

Sacred Heart

The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, or Sacred Heart, is the crowning jewel of Montmartre. Perched atop the hill of the same name, a climb of around 300 steps (or via a funicular) will lead you to this neo-Byzantine style basilica, an undeniable icon of the neighborhood. Admission is completely free, and it's open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. You can also access the dome, open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from June to September, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in March and April, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from November to February. Despite the crowds, we encourage you to spend some time in Montmartre Square, where many painters gather to display their artwork, some even creating pieces live. You may discover true masterpieces to take home as souvenirs.

The Paris of Amélie Poulain

Fans of the film "Amélie" have a particular interest in visiting Paris to see firsthand some of the settings where the curious young French woman spent her days. One of these settings is replicated in a café on Lepic Street in Montmartre, mirroring Amélie's workplace. Sit back, enjoy a café au lait, and feel like you've stepped into the movie itself.

"I Love You" Wall

If there's a perfect place to learn how to say "I love you" in various languages, it's Paris. In the Montmartre neighborhood, you'll find the "I Love You" wall, a blue wall adorned with this expression written in countless languages from around the world. It's a must-see spot for photos to share on your Instagram. Bring along whomever you like—friends, your partner, or go alone—because love comes in many forms and is for everyone!

Moulin Rouge

Who hasn't heard of the famous red windmill in Paris? While it may not be particularly impressive from the outside, if you're not planning to attend a show, aren't a superfan of the movie, or don't have much time to spare in Paris, we recommend not prioritizing it. However, if Moulin Rouge is one of the reasons you're visiting Paris, we suggest booking your tickets in advance, as even the cheapest ones (show + champagne) can sell out quickly.

Shakespeare and Company Bookshop

When discussing historic places in Paris, we can't overlook this iconic symbol of the city. Sylvia Beach opened the doors of Shakespeare and Company in 1919. This establishment was renowned for selling censored books and for hosting meetings of esteemed writers such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce. In 1941, when a Nazi officer visited the store demanding to purchase a book, Beach refused to sell, claiming it was her last copy. Two weeks later, the officer returned to close the store. Years later, American journalist George Whitman decided to revive this literary corner of the city, forever marking it as a representation of the Resistance movement. Today, it spans six floors and includes a café, yet it retains the charm imparted by its most famous proprietor. (what to do in london)

Tombs and Cemetery of Paris

For those who enjoy visiting city cemeteries, Paris offers two essential destinations: the Catacombs, located in the southern part of the city, and the Père-Lachaise Cemetery in the east. The Catacombs consist of a real underground maze situated in the galleries of the city's former quarries, filled with skulls and other human bones. General admission costs 29 euros (includes an audio guide), and it's open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ticket offices close at 7:30 p.m.). As for the cemetery, it's the final resting place of celebrities from all walks of life, from writers like Honoré de Balzac and Molière to musicians like Édith Piaf and Jim Morrison.

Life on the Banks of the Seine

Have you ever noticed how much the French love picnics? This tradition, in fact, derives directly from the French phrase "pique-nique." What could be a better plan than having a picnic on the banks of the Seine? Of course, you can't forget cheese and wine in your basket. Once you're ready, head to any spot along the main river of the city and enjoy a truly Parisian experience. To immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, consider relocating your picnic to the Saint Martin Canal, one of the favorite spots among the French for spending the afternoon eating and drinking. Back on the Seine, take a leisurely stroll and admire the bouquinistes, or book stalls, which have been selling books for centuries near the Seine and are undeniably one of the most characteristic features of the city. Additionally, if you wish to cruise along the river and gain a different perspective of the city, we encourage you to take a boat ride, from which you can admire landmarks like the Louvre or the Grand Palais.

Roland Garros

Tennis fans have a special treat in Paris, as the Roland Garros stadium, home to one of the five Grand Slam tournaments, is located here. If you love this sport and are fortunate enough to visit the French capital during the Roland Garros championship, try to secure a ticket and enjoy the experience to the fullest. However, if your visit doesn't coincide with this event, you can still satisfy your tennis cravings by taking a guided tour of the stadium.