We spent a day wandering around the streets of Montmartre. From Place des Abbesses to Sacre Coeur and back.

The shops and markets were full of artists selling their art and sculptures in the Place du Tertre. It was packed with tourists. It spoilt the history and beauty of the place, but I guess that’s what tourism does to so many places. Street artists were approaching people to draw or paint them, while others stood by selling their paintings and artwork. I’m sure it’s not how Toulouse Lautrec would have done it but plenty of people were spending their cash. People congregated outside bars with drinks and baguettes while the irritating whine of black mopeds could be heard as they screamed up the hills of Montmartre.

We turned corners to find ourselves in empty winding side streets away from the sea of tourists behind us. If you are willing to tear yourself away from the bars and restaurants of Paris, there are some great quiet areas to explore.

The Sacre Coeur isn’t really Montmartre. It has none of the artist flair and quaintness of the village of Montmartre. But the views are amazing and the church itself is truly breathtaking.