Saturday, February 16, 2013

Romance In Paris

The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
      When people think of Paris, they envision a city steeped in romance. A magical place with quaint outdoor cafes, iconic views of The Eiffel Tower and accordion players serenading you to the most wonderful of melodies. A place that embodies the concept of romance. Well, for many locals and tourists, this Paris can be difficult to find. With it's crazed drivers, inpatient store clerks and crowded museums, the place can be overwhelmingly chaotic and can quickly loose it's charm. However, by heading to the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, you will find the romance that Paris is known for!

This charming neighborhood dates back to the 1200's when monks used to smash grapes to create inexpensive table wine. In the 1800's, an abundance of cheap wine fueled the growth of this sleepy little village and led to the propagation of roaring and racy night clubs like the "Chat Noir" and "The Moulin Rouge". Both are found on today's Pigalle, which lies on the edge of this neighborhood. So what happens when you take cheap alcohol and add in flashy dancing girls, you get starving artists like Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Renoir spicing up the place. In fact, you can still visit each of these remarkable artists homes, that are spread throughout Montmartre. To this day, Montmartre is the place to buy inexpensive art from aspiring artists. Who knows, maybe one of the numerous street art merchants could be the next Pablo Picasso.

Montmartre
     Besides being a mecca for past and present artists, Montmartre is home to a plethora of adorable cafes and brasseries, dishing out some of the most delectable of culinary confections that Paris has to offer. This is great place to get a cup of cafe creme or a glass of incredible Burgundy wine and people watch. Sitting at outdoor cafes and watching the spectacle that is Paris, go by is a must for travelers and a favorite past time of Parisians. While you take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern day Paris, make sure to try the house specialty. Parisian's other major past time, is savoring amazing food. After having the most memorable bowl of bouillabaisse and a side order of buttery escargot, head to the iconic Sacre-Coeur. Sacre-Coeur Basilica with it's famous white onion domes, sits prominently on the summit of Paris' highest point. This beautiful church was finished in 1919 and is ornately decorated with mosaics of Christ and his dedicated followers. This jaw dropping church is an absolute must see for believers and nonbelievers alike.

After visiting this elegant house of worship head outside and find a seat on the extensive staircase in front. This is without a doubt the most stunning view of Paris. You can make out many of the iconic landmarks that are spread throughout the city, including Notre Dame, The Pantheon, and of course a spectacular view of The Eiffel Tower. Locals and tourists flock to this spot every afternoon to take in this breath taking view of the city and to watch as the sun slowly sets upon it. What could be more wonderful and romantic than taking in this scene with the one you love?

Once you witness a sunset at Sacre-Coeur, you will know why this city is a place for lovers and is considered the most romantic city of earth!

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