#montmartre

#montmartre

Once an independent commune, Montmartre was absorbed into the city limits of Paris in 1860, but the hilltop village has always retained a distinct sense of self. Famed for its religious, artistic, and at times seedy history, the neighborhood has drawn the likes of Picasso, Renoir, and hopelessly devoted Francophiles like myself with its bucolic charm, iconic lampposts, steep steps, and panoramic views.

[T]here was only one photo: a small corner of the apartment where I could see part of a green wall and a peep of herringbone floors. There were no more photos, but my gut said this was the one. Any apartment with green walls is okay with me!

The Roman-Byzantine style Basilica is relatively new - the first stone was laid in 1875, and the Basilica was consecrated in 1918. It was conceived as a symbol of penitence, trust, hope and faith after the Prussian Army defeated the French army in 1870, and designed by architect Paul Abadie. The beautiful white stone used in the construction came from the Souppes-sur-Loing quarry in Seine et Marne.

When Olivier Baroin moved into an apartment in Montmartre about 15 years ago, it felt like he was living in a village in the heart of Paris. Not anymore.Stores for residents are disappearing, along with the friendly atmosphere, he says. In their place are hordes of people taking selfies, shops selling tourist trinkets, and cafés whose seating spills into the narrow, cobbled streets as overtourism takes its toll.