Montmartre & Sacré Coeur, Paris

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Started around 1760 by a Mr. Pierre Deruelle who bought the land from his mother in law in then Clignancourt and started up a porcelain factory. Competing directly with the Sevres factory, it became difficult when Clignancourt was not allowed to use gold as per Sevres, fo rdecoration. Finally in 1787 the factory was allowed the gold and had an upsurge in demand, necessitating up to over 90 workers. Unfortunately after the Revolution, having lost most of the rich clientele to flight or the guillotine, the factory had a downturn and finally closed in1800. Another attempt was made a few years later but didn't last long. The majority of the buildings were demolished in the early 1900's except for this corner tower and part of the adjacent building, which has now been saved as a historic monument since 1965.

Situated at 63 rue Mont de Cenis, 75018 Paris.

Nearest metro is Jules Joffrin

After our ceremonies we were given a private tour of the Sacre Couer, Place du Tertre, and private places by Mayor Yatt. It was such a lovely and memorable morning.

If anyone is interested in doing either the Wedding or Baptsim, click on the link below, and all details about the ceremonies are listed.

This is another 'landmark' from the film 'Amelie'. It is M Collignon's grocery store, where Amelie bought her fruit and veg from. The film renamed the building 'Maison Collignon, and this still remains above the shop.
The owner has now created his own website below, tracing the steps of Amelie's adventures

Address: 56 rue des Trois Freres, 75018 Paris
Closed Mondays.

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Lying between 65 rue Lepic and 23 avenue Junot is an un-named alleyway that is part of what was known as the "maquis" of Montmartre, wild and unlawful. Here at the top of the staircase sits a rock known locally as "Witches Rock" or Rocher de la Sorciere. UPDATE - 14/08/2010 : Unfortunately it is no longer possible to take this passage due to subsidence under the steps that lead down and present a real danger

Anecdote : The Henri-Georges Clouzot film "L'Assassin habite au numero 21" "The murderer lives at no. 21", supposedly 21, Avenue Junot. But there has never been a no. 21, the numbers jump from 15 to 23.

Whilst here, at the corner of no. 25 Avenue Junot is the exquisite "Villa Leandre", another mouth-watering cul-de-sac that in the middle of a city shouldn't be there.

Look closely on the pavement around nos. 43/47 av. Junot and try and spot the brass plates marked "Arago" that mark the passage of the Paris meridien.

Lamarck-Caulaincourt is the closest metro.

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Two very unusual houses in this street, the first at no. 2 being the more well known, as Maurice Utrillo painted it around 1912, known as "La Maison Rose". Still a bar/restaurant and being in one of the most touristy areas of Paris is expensive. Menus start at 35 euros.

Just down the road is a far more interesting house at no. 4 that was lived in by Commandant Henri Lachouque, historian of Napoleon and the Great Army. At the front gate are two examples of the "Imperial Eagle" and on the right hand side is a sundial with the inscription "Quand tu sonneras, je chanterais"" When you ring I will sing". Just below this there is a plaque giving details of the Commandant.

Nearest metro is Lamarck-Caulaincourt.

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These are the only two windmills left on Montmartre out of the 30 that were here originally. Collectively, the two are known as Moulin de la Galette from the cabarets name. The oldest one of Montmartre, is the Moulin Blute-Fin, between nos. 75 and 77 rue Lepic, built in 1622, still has its mechanism inside. Unfortunately cannot be visited. The one that is still open as a restaurant was built in 1717 and called the Moulin Radet is at 83 rue Lepic, but was moved here in 1924 from a little way down the hill. All is classed "Historic Monument" since 1958.

Metro Lamarck-Caulaincourt is probably a little bit closer than Abbesses.

The telephone and site address below are given if you fancy a special night out........

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Le tabac des deux moulins is the little bar where the very well-known Amélie was filmed! It looks so nice & cozy & everything's almost the same as in the movie. If you've seen the film, you'll recognize all inside but the cigarette kiosk - it doesn't exist. And if you remember the toilet [and what happened inside] be sure to click to see the other photo... ;)

I took Robert Frost's suggestion to "take the road less travelled" literally when I decided to take every side street possible on the way to the Sacre Coeur. No funicular. No tourists en route. Should you choose to do the same, you'll be amazed when you find amazing boulangeries, patisseries, and cafes throughout what has come to be one of may favorite areas: Montmartre.

Don't be afraid of getting lost. If you keep walking uphill, you'll eventually find the basilica. If you get tired, who cares? It's reason enough to take a break for a cafe creme.