Whether you are visiting Paris, France for the first time or you've been there countless times, there are some interesting facts about Montmartre that you'll want to keep in mind. From the Sacre-Coeur basilica to the infamous Chat Noir, there are a lot of things to learn about this charming, romantic neighborhood.

Sacre-Coeur controversy

Located on the Montmartre hill, the Sacre-Coeur basilica is one of the most visited churches in Paris. It welcomes an estimated 11 million visitors each year. Despite its popularity, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the basilica.

It is built in Roman-Byzantine style, with an outer dome that is 83 meters high. Its interior is home to the world's largest mosaic. The crypt is not accessible because of security.

The cathedral was constructed during a tumultuous period in French history. The Paris Commune, a radical left-wing group, took power for a short period in 1871. They were defeated by the government and their members were murdered. Communards tried to destroy the buildings of the ruling classes, and the government responded by sending in soldiers.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Among the many great monuments in Paris, Sacre Coeur is a unique landmark that offers breathtaking views of the city. This church has become a popular destination for visitors.

In fact, the basilica is so revered that it is often called "the heart of Paris." This basilica was constructed in honor of St. Denis, the patron saint of Paris. The site of the basilica is believed to have been a sacred place of worship by the pagans of Paris before the Christian era.

The idea of building a church on this site came about in the 1870s, after the French defeated Prussia in the Franco-Prussian War. The defeat was interpreted by the people of Paris as moral condemnation.

King Louis IX, also known as the Saint, was the only canonized Catholic King. This sparked an interest in building a church to honor the Sacred Heart. The Sacred Heart was considered a symbol of divine love for humanity and was also associated with forgiveness.

Chat Noir

Located near the Moulin Rouge, Le Chat Noir is an ideal hideaway. It offers a more relaxed lifestyle with a playful flair.

A cabaret that combines a music hall with an art salon, Le Chat Noir was opened in 1881 by Rodolphe Salis. A local impresario, Salis was interested in merging art with alcohol.

After a few years, Salis expanded his venue to 12 Rue Victor-Masse, which attracted a new class of clientele. The fame of the Chat Noir cabaret quickly spread. The aristocracy and common people came to enjoy the joy and fun.

During the 1880s, a group of young artists called the Hydropathes visited Le Chat Noir. Their performances were accompanied by a pianist and singer. Their "chanson realiste" songs reflected a theme of deprivation.

Place des Abbesses

Located in the Montmartre district of Paris, Place des Abbesses is named after the Benedictine nuns who used to live here. The nuns had a religious convent on this site that was destroyed during the French Revolution. The royal abbey of Montmartre was then directed by the nuns.

Place des Abbesses is located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, at the foot of the Montmartre hill. This is a beautiful area with cafes, shops, and restaurants. It's also near the Louvre Museum and Champs-Elysees.

The market at Place des Abbesses is a great place to buy arts and crafts made in France. It features a large Christmas tree and local creators. You can buy fancy gourmet foods and high-quality arts and crafts.

Place des Abbesses is the only station on the Metro to give direct access to Montmartre. The metro station is 36 metres underground and has two lifts and a spiral staircase.

Restaurants

Besides the famous architecture of Montmartre, there are many things to do and see in this picturesque part of Paris. The restaurants in Montmartre are a good way to sample the local cuisine.

Le Moulin de la Galette is one of the best restaurants in Montmartre. The restaurant has an airy dining room and offers a terrace for an outdoor view. You can enjoy a French meal, vegetarian options, or a glass of wine. This restaurant also has a DIY workshop for those interested in making their own dishes.

The Sacred Flower is a rustic-chic restaurant located at the foot of Montmartre. The restaurant serves up refined French foods, including frog legs with parsley and blackcurrant sauce. They also serve rib steaks and duck breasts. You can also sample a homemade chocolate cake.

During your Montmartre excursions with a guide, you can learn about the history, the culture, and the food of the city. You'll also see some of the most famous sights in Paris. If you're interested in art, there are several art galleries and museums in the area. The Sacre-Coeur Basilica is a must-see.

There are two ways to get to the Sacre-Coeur. You can either ride the funiculaire or take the metro. Both are easy to access from any part of the city. If you prefer, you can get there by foot.

A walk through Montmartre is like walking through a movie set. You'll find cobblestone streets and tiny houses, as well as cafes and terrace bars. You'll even see the iconic Moulin Rouge. This is where many legends of Paris nightlife have performed. You'll also find a number of budding street artists.

The Moulin Rouge is a popular tourist attraction. It was the birthplace of the can-can dance. The cabaret has hosted a variety of stars including Frank Sinatra and Sir Elton John. You can visit the Moulin Rouge on your own, but it's recommended that you take a tour.

The Sacre-Coeur is a beautiful and controversial basilica. It was used as a pagan temple during Roman times. Today, it's one of the most visited places in Paris. You can visit it by taking the funiculaire, which costs the same as a metro ticket. You can also use the metro to reach the Sacre-Coeur Basilica from other parts of the city.