The Allure of Montmartre
Bonjour,
Despite the droves of tourists, Montmartre still touches every pleasant nerve in my body. Despite the litter, all the steps, the trashy little souvenir shops, the caricaturists luring you to sit for them, the cruel cobblestones that are so difficult to trod. and the jammed-together cafe tables, Montmartre for me is that remnant of old Paris which I have always loved. Some come without seeing the best parts: the little museum which houses Renoir’s studio, the vineyards, the chimney pots at my favorite view down the hill, the little park beside the Sacre Cœur, the Man Walking through the Wall, the Dalida bust, the window boxes, the ivied houses.
We had a wonderful day yesterday with Sharon and Johnny, along with thousands of others. It was perhaps the busiest we had ever seen it. The Tyson’s major focus was on buying art which they did, and even surprised us with a lovely floral piece painted by a dear sweet lady we see every year. I had the opportunity to air out a theory of mine—-the eventual demise of La Place du Tertre, the art square, due to the aging artists. The artist I chatted with agreed with me that there does not seem to be a rising group of younger artists to take their place. Let’s pray that isn’t true!!! Case in point, the specific artist the Tysons hoped to purchase another painting from died a few years ago.
Vibrant blue skies, a nice breeze, good food at La Mère Catherine and then ending the day with an aperitif at La Maison Rose. It truly doesn’t get much better than that! We are so fortunate and blessed.
Here’s our day in pictures which if you love Montmartre, you will enjoy. We didn’t have to do everything because this was the Tyson’s second trip. Much of our time was spent in a café chair soaking up the ambiance which Johnny admitted was his favorite Paris pastime.
The heat is ramping back up and will be in the 90’s for the next few days! Ugh!!!! Today we plan to just meander around the area of the Eiffel Tower.
Thanks for your continued comments which are so appreciated!
L & B
August 8, 2022 @ 10:30 am
I especially enjoyed this post as I feel the same way about Montmartre and try not to skip a visit there. We took some of our grandchildren to Paris in March and interestingly it was a favorite place for at least on of them. It looks like you had a wonderful day. I do need to have an aperitif at la Maison Rose next time.
August 8, 2022 @ 11:01 am
Thank you for another tour of Montmartre via your photos. It’s good to see photos of you, Bernie, Sharon and John. Everyone seems to be enjoying your daily excursions, despite imperfect weather and conditions.
August 8, 2022 @ 11:12 am
Art can’t die, and young artists will emerge… but maybe in different ways in a different places.
August 8, 2022 @ 11:40 am
Love Montmarte and that cute peasant top of yours. It will be sad when the artists vendors disappear. Glad I got one, however small, and the pic of the artist.
August 8, 2022 @ 12:47 pm
I love all of the cafe chairs with the woven seats and backs! Is there a story about them? Is there a company that makes them? Or an artist or craftsman? What material? They seem to be everywhere (in your pictures anyway) and so pretty.
I haven’t seen anything like them in the U.S.
I enjoy all of your posts and pictures!
Peg
August 8, 2022 @ 3:17 pm
There seem to be two major companies that make the better, woven chairs, Maison Gatti and Maison Drucker which is the best. They are very expensive!!!
August 8, 2022 @ 12:48 pm
What a beautiful day in Paris! With that gorgeous sky and glorious light, it’s no wonder that it inspires such beauty! Thanks for sharing, Linda!
August 8, 2022 @ 3:01 pm
Merci! I enjoy reading your about your busy but relaxed days! I’ve been jotting done a lot of your restaurant visits for my visit next month!
August 8, 2022 @ 5:31 pm
*sigh* thank you
August 8, 2022 @ 9:20 pm
What a glorious day in photos! You all look so relaxed and happy. I so enjoy escaping with you! Merci!
Ann