Montmartre
Since the first time I visited Paris back in ’61, I have loved Montmartre. Sure, it has changed over the years, namely more tourists by far. That said, the basic flavor of Montmartre is the same.
It is an enclave of artists and intellectuals, one of the oldest art centers of the city.
There are the wonderful views of the rooftops and city below and beyond that are basically the same, including this view of la Tour Eiffel.
My English granny and Dad (who was half American) lived in Paris in the 20s. Granny loved Montmartre. It appealed to her Bohemian side. She was part of café society. Think of the movies “Reds” and “Midnight in Paris.” She knew many of “The Witnesses” in “Reds” for those who remember the black-an-white portions of that movie.
One of my favorite doors anywhere in the world is here, eyes glowing back at me through Art Deco patterns.
The square is still full of artists, but the talent of some is questionable. Yes, they do sell a lot, but there is an old expression, “Never underestimate the bad taste of the American public,” and it is to the Americans that much of the work is sold. Elvis-on-velvet colors in some cases, rubber-stamp scenes in others, along with a plethora of portraits-while-you-wait, some quite good, some quite scary.
Yes, there is some good art in the square, and there is an excellent gallery featuring the works of Picasso and Dali, among others. “Price upon request,” is noted on many pieces. Translation: “If you have to ask, you cannot afford it!”
We are, after all, doing a workshop in Paris. Here, the Three Stooges ham it up for the camera.
To leave Montmartre, one can walk down any number of steep streets. Some have charming houses, such as this one.
Or somewhat out-of-the-way, neighborhood restaurants such as here.
It was time to head back to the hotel, meet the others, and find a restaurant for dinner. We took the Metro, an excellent system. People hurry up and down the interminable sets of stairs, as they have for well over a century.
The rest of the group were bleary-eyed after lots of walking, so we found a restaurant fairly close to our hotel. We shared stories from the day, and after dinner was over, it was a welcome collapse into bed for all of us.
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Ache to be back in Paris with camera and joining you both. Whatever time were you up to capture that beautiful shot of the light with rooftops and Eiffel Tower? Sounds like another amazing time. Love starting my days seeing your images and hearing of your experiences. Thank you!
Eileen,
We didn’t get there terribly early, but the light was right, for sure. Love that you are enjoying it all vicariously. Perhaps next year, you can join us.
Take care,
TBC