It all started in Montmartre…

It was September 20 that Erik and I packed our car with all that fitted and went ‘en route’ to our new adventure, Paris! How sweet the feeling of change, when you now that everything I going to be different from then on.

And different it was. We live in a street you hope to live in when you think of Paris: beautiful high white buildings with those little balconies and big entrances. The apartment is Parisian-small, very small. But all is good when you’re in Paris.

Not less important, the neighborhood. We live where Amélie Poulain does, in Montmartre. A beautiful rustic ‘quartier’ where you often have the feeling of being in a little town in stead of vibrant Paris. And as Erik is working all day, I took the difficult task of discovering it. When in Paris, do as the Parisians do.

We live on the foothills of ‘Montmartre’, also known as ‘La Butte’. It used to be a village and was absorbed by Paris in the 19^th century. Since, many artist like Van Gogh, Picasso en Toulouse-Lautrec came to live here. It became the district of cultural freedom, decadence, cancan and peacock feathers. Nowadays, this character has mostly disappeared, but Montmartre still owns the village-like ambiance that is unique in Paris. Small cobbled streets, authentic painters houses, little squares with old oak trees, beautiful lanterns and off course, the famous steps. They all ensure that the song of Amélie Poulain gets stuck in my head.

Off course is the Sacre Coeur the biggest attraction of Montmartre. But please don’t limit your visit to this district with just this. Walk around on the small streets on the northeastern side of the hill. Here, tourism has not yet ruined the authenticity of the district. Take for example Rue des Abbesses, a street full of boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Here you still find one of the remaining Art Deco subway entrances.

Walk from there via Rue Lépic to Rue Caulaincourt. On this route there are several interesting things to see and do:

·         In Rue Tholozé you must make a little stop at the vintage store 1962 with beautiful clothes and accessories from the fifties and sixties.

·         The Square Suzanne-Buisson is a gorgeous green square with Art Deco elements. Perfect for a little relaxing after walking so many steps.

·         If you like art house movies, then you must go to Cinéma 28 at Rue Tholozé. An old cinema famous for its beautiful movies and nice bar and terrace for a drink.

·         A classy way to end the afternoon is at Call me Bubbles (from 6 to 10 pm).A small bar where you can order different champagne by the glass. The first glass is €10 (includes a ‘snack’ like foie gras or macarons). The second glass is €5.

·         One of the best Italian restaurants in Paris is Pulcinella. Packed almost every evening, so make a reservation.

·         I love those bistros from the old days in Paris. Café Francoeur is one! Authentic decor, happy waiters and nice neighborhood locals. Drink a ‘pression’ on the heated terrace or enjoy a simple lunch/diner inside.

·         Just Be. This is where I go if I want to escape the rush of the city. You can come here for a simple (but good) meal, but even better for a drink or Cafée Gourmand. The ambiance is just perfect for having a quality night out with friends. And...cocktails €5!