Article published online: Floridas Herald Tribune:
Paris was charming and challenging. A recent trip to the City of Lights gave me the chance to enjoy the experience of a different culture and appreciate the wonderful life we have here. We rented an apartment in Montmartre, an elevated section of the city associated with artists for more than 200 years. The area is famous for its legendary nightclub the Moulin Rouge and offered sweeping panoramic views from the hilltop cathedral of Sacre Coeur. When we arrived, our hosts had prepared the quaint apartment by throwing open the shuttered windows that looked over the narrow street. They greeted us with suggestions for things to do and tips about getting around town. The apartment was charming with its creaky wooden floors, small fireplace and a view of Cimetiere de Montmartre. The lack of amenities we often take for granted - air-conditioning, an electric hot water heater and closet space -- quickly became irrelevant as we settled into our cozy environment. Outside, we found....
Guest comments - Sany & Jo, Oregon, USA:
Joyeux Noel & Bonne Année
Our family had a wonderful week in the Artists Corner over the holidays!!
One week in Paris is not enough! What a great city, we barely scratched the surface. My girls attend a French immersion school in the USA & so this was a great way to partake of the French culture & use their language skills. My 11 year old translates for us many times! The patisseries & chocolateries in the neighbourhood are fine (croissant almond c’est magnifique!) We all bought paintings in Place du Tertre, and attended an organ concert in Sacre Coeur.
Many thanks for the wonderful apartment in Paris & for your hospitality
We hope to be back!
Purpose of your trip: Visiting Paris with friends from USA
How I (we) travelled: TGV
Places I would recommend: (DO NOT go to Mere Catherine restaurant at Place de Tertre). Food was not good.
Favourite moments/Special highlights: Organ music, singing at Sacre C
Gini & Richard – Seattle, Washington:
Thank you, Gail, for a cosy retreat. We really “worked” this trip – our first full day found us wandering for eleven hours! It was grand to come back here to rest each day.
The best non-guided walking tour of Montmartre is in the CADOGAN guide to Paris (the book with Rodin’s “The Kiss” on the cover). It gives a perfect description of the village; the route is easy, and the streets & views charming.
If you’re tempted to attend the “Lapin Agiles’ Spectacle”, know that is utterly charming, but as the room is tiny, you are packed in on tiny wooden benches. Fun, we’re glad we went, but it’s not for everyone (we left after 1 ½ hours).
The cheese shop at Abbesses is lovely. Also—the metro at rue Lamarck & Caulaincourt is easiest. Abbesses is deep & if the elevator isn’t working it means 8 long flights up! However – it’s station entrance is worth it – One of the few totally intact.
A perfect trip – thank you thank you!
Other Activities:
Museums, Parks, Tourism and famous Paris Stores
