Introduction:
Bonjour, dear wanderers and mystics, and welcome to another enchanting edition of the City Mystic Luxe Blog! Today, we're whisking you away on a mystical journey through the City of Lights, Paris. Each week we’ll visit a new neighborhood. It’s been years since I had the pleasure of visiting this special place and I’ve been missing her recently. This week we’ll begin with my very favorite of them all: Montmartre. As the founder of City Mystic Luxe, Paris holds a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled to share my love for this magical city with you. Join me as we explore the hidden gems, captivating history, and artistic treasures that make Paris a true haven for wanderers, mystics, and creators alike.
Wandering the Enchanting Streets of Montmartre:
Montmartre, an enchanting village within Paris, has long been a magnet for artists, writers, and bohemians. Its rich history dates back to Roman times when the area was known for its gypsum mines and vineyards. One such mine was later repurposed into the gorgeously haunting cemetery known as Cimetière du Nord. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Montmartre became the epicenter of Parisian artistic and cultural life, attracting the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Amedeo Modigliani. The neighborhood's free-spirited atmosphere, affordable housing, and stunning views of Paris drew these creatives to its winding streets and vibrant cafés, resulting in an explosion of artistic innovation and avant-garde movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism.
Wandering through Montmartre today, you can still feel the artistic energy that once permeated the area. The iconic Place du Tertre, located near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, is a bustling square filled with artists offering portraits and selling their original works. The nearby Musée de Montmartre showcases the history of the neighborhood and its famous residents, while the Espace Dalí celebrates the surrealist master Salvador Dalí with a collection of his lesser-known sculptures and engravings. One of Montmartre's most intriguing anecdotes involves the legendary cabaret, Le Chat Noir. Founded in 1881 by Rodolphe Salis, it was the birthplace of the modern cabaret, and it hosted performances from many of the area's most prominent artists and poets, including Toulouse-Lautrec, who created the famous poster for the establishment. Today, Montmartre continues to inspire creativity, wonder, and a sense of history as visitors explore its storied streets and artistic legacy.
The Montmartre Cemetery, officially known as Cimetière du Nord, is a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the bustling Montmartre district. Established in 1825, the cemetery was built on the site of an old gypsum quarry and is known for its picturesque landscape, featuring winding paths, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere. It serves as the final resting place for many prominent artists, writers, and cultural figures who were drawn to Montmartre during their lifetimes. Among the notable personalities interred here are Edgar Degas, Émile Zola, François Truffaut, and Gustave Moreau. As you stroll through the cemetery, you'll discover an array of beautiful and often elaborate tombstones and sculptures that reflect the artistic legacy of Montmartre. In addition to its historical significance, the Montmartre Cemetery offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets and serves as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural history that permeates this iconic Parisian neighborhood.
Check out the gallery below to see some of the original shots from my last trip to Paris in 2015. These are some of my favorites from Montmartre that didn’t make it into the City Mystic Paris Tarot deck. See you next time when we discover the Louvre together! Until then, may you create, explore and wander.
