Quintrelle by Elle: Adventures in Paris #1 Montmartre

Now that the hectic festive period is over and I am settled back in Paris after an amazing Christmas at home and New Years under the Eiffel Tower, it's time to get back into the swing of things and back to blogging about gay Pariee.

So one of the many precious presents that I was honoured to open this year included a small box containing "City Walks for PARIS - 50 adventures on foot" - probably one of the most thoughtful presents to receive when you're living in a city that you hardly know.

Of course by now, I have done, seen and been to all the 'obvious' places to do and see...the Eiffle Tower...Arc de Triomphe...Sacre Coeur etc...but there is always more to do, secret little treasures to find and hidden cobbled streets to walk down. Each and every one of these little cards covers a small area of Paris and takes you on a walking adventure whilst pointing things out that may not be obvious to you had you not know they were there. So what better a way to start the new year than to pick a card at random and discover things about the city that I didn't know before.

New Years day: the first day the year, 2013 and more adventures in Paris - walk #1 Montmartre.

I'm always lost for words when it comes to Montmartre, home to so many picturesque peeks and many artists...delicately sat in the north of Paris on a hill, this beautiful area will really have you captured in its beauty the moment you begin your adventure through the windy cobbled streets.

We started our walk at the Moulin Rouge - an icon of Paris and cabaret.An interesting road I must say...but nonetheless an experience to walk down (see for yourself). We then headed up the bustling Rue Lepic slowly moving out of the touristic crowds into a quieter, more peaceful area walking past the Tabac des Deux Moulins which featured in the famous Amélie.

Turning left, we began to climb the hill of Montmartre and you could almost imagine what it was like back in the days of Van Gogh and Picasso. Following the street round, we passed the still-operational Moulin de la Galette, a windmill turned dancing club which gave inspiration to Renoir's Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette.

We then turned left onto Rue Girardon, seeing Claude Lelouch's Ciné 13, a small glamorous theatre where you can enjoy champers and cocktails whilst lounged on red leather sofas during the film! Just over the road slightly hidden to the right, a very peculiar Man coming though the wall which is said to be based on a story called The walker through walls.

Just right, round the corner sits Paris' last remaining vineyard and a museum where you can taste and buy wine from the vineyard. We finally continued up the hill past La Maison Rose, a cute little restaurant that I have yet to try! If it's goes anything by its appearance then the food will be delicious!

Carrying on up the hill and situated at the very end of our walk, right at the top of Montmartre, the Sacre Coeur casting its shadow over Paris and giving each and every climber the most amazing view of the city. Be sure to find the spot hidden among trees and looming buildings where you can just about see the Eiffle Tower. If you've planned well or are lucky enough time your walk to end up at the top to watch the sun set over the city, it's breathtaking!

E x

The iconic Moulin Rouge - the start of the adventure

#54 Rue Lepic once was home to Van Gogh

A peek at the stunning view of the city half way up our walk.

A very cute pub-village-esqu looking restaurant - another one to add to the list to go to!

The Moulin de la Galette windmill turned dancing club

Ciné 13

This really doesn't look like Paris - one of my favourite things about Montmartre, the old cobbled roads, the cottage style houses and the country-village atmosphere - ah love!