Walking up to Montmartre

We walk from our hotel near the Louvre up to Montmartre, winding our way through the narrow streets that approach the area.  As we pass the grands magazins (Printemps, Galeries Lafayette), we admire the window displays of later summer/early fall attire.

Window shopping

The streets leading up to Montmartre offer views of Sacré-Cœur as we wind our way toward the area.  Montmarte is located in the 13th arrondissement, standing 130 meters (430 feet) above the city, with great views of Paris, a historic district known for its artistic history, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (located on the summit, the highest point in Paris), and a nightclub district.

Working our way toward Montmarte

On our way up the hill, we wander into the Jehan Rictus garden square, featuring the Wall of Love, with the phrase "I Love You" 311 times in 250 languages.

Wall of Love

As we enter Montmartre's main square, Place du Tertre, we pass Patrick Rubenstein's I Love Montmartre artwork and enter the square filled with restaurants and artists at work.

I Love Montmartre

Cafes and restaurants

Artists at work

The side streets off Place du Tertre are lined with shops selling art, crafts, and souvenirs.  A block down the street we get a fabulous view of north Paris, down the steps past Montmartre.

Streets and shops touristic

Steps to north Paris

Back in Place du Tertre, old cars offer tours of the area, while we settle into a restaurant to have a Croque Monsieur and a glass or wine for lunch, watching the crowds go by.

Tours

Lunch

We wander around to the front of Sacré-Cœur, a block away, and head down the steps back toward the Seine.

Sacré-Cœur

Love locks in front of Sacré-Cœur

Views of Paris from Sacré-Cœur

We descend and back into the city and continue our exploration