Paris in July - Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and Montmartre

I am going to continue the Paris tour with the Montmartre. I love this place! Our walk begins with the Moulin Rouge. No, we did not go in, but the kids got lots of pictures of the place. What I found interesting was the building on the corner with the false front. I've been trying to figure out the purpose but can't seem to come up with one. If it was facing the street (not corner) and people could not see behind it, then I probably wouldn't wonder about it. But, as you can see, it faces a corner so from all directions, except front, you can tell this is a false front. Maybe there is a history or a reason. If someone knows, please tell me.

After getting pictures in front of the Moulin Rouge, we begin our trek uphill. We wind through the streets of the town until we come to the base and look up to Sacre Coeur. However, before starting that climb, the students have a ride on the carousel. I don't know if I have mentioned it, but these were a wonderful bunch of kids. Always respectful, on time, didn't complain (much) and fun. When they saw the carousel it was like having a bunch of children anxious to ride. As it should be. We should never be too old for a carousel. Unfortunately, all of my carousel pictures were blurred.

With the ride complete we started up the hill. It was such a gorgeous day, as evidenced by all of the people sitting in front of Sacre Coeur. Musicians played their instruments, people sang. It was a very festive atmosphere. The last time I was here it was colder and a bit rainy. Nobody was sitting outside like this. From the top steps you can look out and over Paris. I love this view.

Nobody opts to go into the cathedral. I think they are too excited to go into Montmartre and have their portrait done. We turn the corner and there are artist filling the square. Some offering portraits, others selling landscapes and other various works of art. I loved rambling through and see the different works.

After looking at all the choices and checking out the artist’s work, the students picked who they wanted to draw their portrait. Once a price was haggled over, they took their place for the sitting. A few of the drawings looked like the student, and others, kinda. There is all level of artist here and it was as much fun to have the portrait done as it was to have a finished project.

I wish I could post a picture of the scene but there were several signs around forbidding photography. I don't blame the artists. They work hard and should be be compensated for their paintings. As an author, I am very sensitive to the whole issue of copywrite and to me, those paintings are no different than a book.

Of all the places I have visited in Paris, this is another I hope will be included in the next trip (though I can't imagine it wouldn't).