There is a way of escaping the hustle and bustle of Paris without ever leaving town. That’s what the feeling of visiting Montmartre does to me. The people that live in Montmartre even call themselves “Montmartrois” instead of Parisians, although this has been part of Paris since 1860. Montmartre became famous for both its nightlife as for being a painters’ hub. You can book a tour with us and enjoy a slow walk through this part of town. In the meandering streets around the famous Place du Tertre where you can have your portrait painted, we will find one of …
Districts
Quartier Latin
Students have discussed and partied here for over a thousand years. The main part of roman Lutetia was right here on this spot and the first monastic schools were built in the midst of its ruins. Very quickly the Latin Quarter (from the language spoken here) became the leading intellectual center in Europe. And still today loads of students are crowding the medieval cobblestoned streets and the boulevards. This neighborhood – a small city in itself – is an absolute must do.
Marais
Once home to the aristocracy and later the Jewish Community of Paris, this district has changed a lot in the last 60 years. Some of the aristocratic mansion’s were then being used as warehouses but after an historic preservation project it has changed into a buzzing neighbourhood not only with plenty boutiques café’s and galleries but also great history woven into the fabric of it’s small streets, hidden courtyards mansion’s and musea.
Covered Passages
At the end of the 18th century, town planners in Paris created a labyrinth of hidden passages across the city. They offered the shoppers of the day a safe haven from the rain, mud and filth of the streets as well as the disorderly traffic of the time There are around 20 of them left. These arcades created by piercing through buildings are all different and often beautifully decorated, with glass roofs, sculpted wooden decor, mosaic floors and aligned with fashion shops, theaters, tearooms, wine bars restaurants, flower and bookshops.
Canal Saint-Martin
Paris’ beach… As soon as the sun is out, thousands of people are eating, chatting or simply sunbathing on the banks of this canal, originally created by Napoleon as a drinkwater supply. Nowadays it is one of the hotspots in the city’s hip eastern neighborhoods. Real estate and renting prizes skyrocketed over the last years. Do not forget to visit the trendy restaurants and shops in the surrounding streets.