Montmartre
Above all, Montmartre,
an area on a hill in the 18th arrondissement,
north of downtown Paris, is known for its many artists who have been
omnipresent since 1880. The name Montmartre is said to be derived from either
Mount of Martyrs or from Mount of Mars. Until 1873, when the Sacré-Coeur was
built on top of the hill, Montmartre was
a small village, inhabited by a mostly farming community.
Montmartre is talked
about by Parisians the way New Yorkers talk about the Village: It's not what it
used to be, It's like Disneyland, the artists can't afford to live here
anymore, too many tourists etc. There is some truth these opinions, but there
are two ways of approaching this incredibly unique village within the
metropolis. The first is to follow the herd instinct and stampede your way up
the famous hill, take a picture of yourself on the steps of the basilica, buy
an overpriced crepe at the Place du Tertre, get conned into having your
portrait sketched, and walk back down clutching newly bought key-rings,
postcards, gaudy T-shirts feeling a little mystified about what all the fuss is
about.
1 comment:
Carraol, very beautiful images.
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