Montmartre Sacré-Coer Cathederal, Paris panoramas, Montmartre Cemetery and Moulin Rouge — we saw all these sights on the first evening of our arrival.

Our hotel was located only in two steps from Montmartre Hill almost on the Place Pigalle – historical Red Light District (now there are lots of sex-shows, shops and X-video salons there).

Arriving at about 8p.m. we went for a walk around. After briefly studing a map we decided to go to Sacré-Coeur Cathedral. It stands on Montmartre Hill and it is probably one of the highest points of Paris. The street, leading to the Cathedral looks like a staircase. It is more then 150 steps, but there is a small funicular railway also – for those who do not want to walk up all the stairs.

When we reached the top we discovered a great view. Actually, there were two views. On one side stands the Cathedral. It is really huge! Made of white limestone it glares in the Sun like snow.

The Cathedral is active with religious services. When we went there Sunday evening a service was taking place. During the service, the priest's recitations were intermingled with the beautiful sound of woomen's voices, accompanied by an amazing sounding organ.

Opposite Sacré-Coeur is the other breath-taking view.From the steps of the Cathedral you can see almost all of Paris – it is like a bird's-eye view! There are also several pay telescopes on a platform in front of the Cathedral.

The big tower on the horizon far right side of the picture is The Tour Montparnasse. It is about 660ft (200m) high. There is an observation platform on it (actually you can enjoy the view from three of the top floors) and a restaurant on the 56th floor.

Do you think Moulin Rouge is the only mill on Montmartre? No. There are three mills there (including Moulin Rouge). Here is a picture of one of them. We incovered it during the excursion through the district.

Another place of interest on Montmartre is The Montmartre Cemetery (Cimetiere de Montmartre). Many famous people were buried there (Hector Berlioz, Jacob Offenbach, Heinrich Heine). Since the beginning of the XIX century this has been the final resting place for outstanding people of culture.

The fist time we went there (late in the evening), it looked very dark, scary and terrific, but at the daylight this place is calm and relaxing.

On Montmartre hill – historical place where the artist community still gathers (like impressionists) – you still can try the best onion soup in Paris, get your portrait painted in 25 minutes and buy lots of souvenirs.

More Pictures

Yard behind Sacré-Coeur	Fountain	Bolevard de Clichy

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