It’s been a little while since my last post. Turns out, the demands of being a law student are, well, demanding. But I’m thrilled to be writing again, especially about my most recent trip to Paris.
When I was a child, Paris was a place my parents visited. My memories are more about chasing pigeons and going to Disneyland than soaking in culture. I took French for six years in school, and through books and films, I got glimpses of France that stuck with me. Now, visiting Paris as a young adult, the city has grown on me in a way I never expected. I used to see Paris through the eyes of a tourist. Lately, I’ve started to see something deeper. One area that especially stood out this time was beautiful Montmartre.
Montmartre is most famous for the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, perched high on a hill. The basilica is stunning, and the views from the top of Montmartre are absolutely worth the climb. Best of all, they’re free. No need to wait in line for the Eiffel Tower when you can see sweeping city views from here.
Entry to the basilica is also free and stays open until 10:30 p.m. every day. Whether you visit during the day or evening, Sacré-Cœur is a sight to behold. Its striking white façade is visible from many parts of the city, and its architecture, an imaginative blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, is impressive. Inside, the mosaic Christ in Majesty by Luc-Olivier Merson is among the largest in the world and worth seeing.
Montmartre may be known as a nightclub district and a hub of LGBTQ-friendly spaces, but it’s also full of fantastic restaurants. After doing some research, I chose a spot that completely exceeded my expectations—and my appetite.
Aux Trois Petits Cochons is a charming little restaurant located just south of the Sacré-Cœur. It might sound cliché, but this place really is a hidden gem. Victor started with a potato cake, and I went with oysters. Both were fresh and delicious.
For our mains, Victor had sautéed rump steak in a pepper sauce with mushrooms and confit potatoes. I didn’t try it, but he said it was incredibly tender and flavorful. I ordered scallops, my favourite seafood, and they were perfect. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and possibly the best I’ve ever had.
For dessert, we shared a tarte Tatin, one of my favourite French sweets. It had just the right amount of sweetness. I savoured every last bite and every sip of wine. I already can’t wait to go back.
So, what makes Montmartre so unique? Part of it is my love of art. Montmartre has long been a haven for artists, especially those tied to surrealism, impressionism, and post-impressionism. Dalí, Picasso, van Gogh, and Monet all lived or worked in this area, and that creative energy still lingers in the winding streets and colourful cafés.
Montmartre also has a romantic feel, unlike anywhere else in Paris. The cafés are picturesque, the streets are filled with charm, and the whole neighbourhood seems to invite slow, meaningful moments. It’s a place of art, food, coffee, views, and something harder to define—but easy to feel.
Next up: a visit to the Orangerie Museum, home to some of Monet’s most breathtaking works.
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