Wine Tasting of one of the Montmartre wines / © Annie GENTIL-KRAATZ
My favourite area in Paris so far has been Montmartre. It is full of tourists, and for a good reason: it is highly picturesque, and the view over Paris from the Sacré Cœur Basilica is definitely worth the climb. Many artists, like Picasso, have lived in Montmartre. Initially, people were drawn to the area because there was a tax on goods and wine in Paris, and Parisians started to go out to Montmartre to have it all cheaper (as Montmatre was not in Paris then).
Did you know there used to be 17 windmills in Montmartre?
We have many happy memories there. An indie band recording a music video right under the windows of our holiday flat. A Moulin Rouge show that was magical and mesmerising. Little exploratory walks in the little streets, delicious food at the Zèbre or Loulou restaurants. A small concert of ‘Destroyer’ (indie rock band from Vancouver) in ‘La Cigale’ (a small venue in Montmartre) with friends…
The highlight of my last trip to Paris was the visit to the ‘Clos Montmartre’ vineyard and trying their red wine. It is simply incredible to have a vineyard right in the city, in this urban setting.
I initially wanted to write a wine note for you, but since it is a wine with a big heart, sold for charity and local causes, I will let you taste it for yourself.
Currently, the only way to try it is to book a tour of the vineyard or to buy it at the shop of the Montmartre museum. You will have two options with small bottles of red and rosé wines.
The museum is definitely worth a visit when you are in the area. The last time I visited, there was a very colourful temporary exhibition about Auguste Herbin, and you could see the studio of Suzanne Valadon and her son Utrillo, local artists from the past.
What is your favourite area of Paris, and why?
Let’s share notes!
Annie
(Written in Paris and London in spring 2024)