Sacre Coeur looms above Paris like a grand white guardian angel, and is the recognizable mark to the area of Montmartre. Once the hub of activity in the 1800s, the area still bustles with activity. Next door to Sacre Coeur is the Place du Tertre, the little village square where Toulouse Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Picasso spent time, as well as Ernest Hemingway, who often ate in the restaurant Au Cliron des Chausseurs, which is still located at in the square.

Montmartre is an interesting blend of old and new, packed with tiny little cobblestone streets perfect for exploring on foot. It offers that perfectly Paris flavor with neighborhood bakeries, creperies and small cafes, as well as lively, colorful hangouts with piano bars and late night eateries. The Moulin Rouge and Place Pigalle are just down the hill.

Located on the highest point of Paris, overlooking the city itself, and next door to Sacre Coeur is a perfect little Paris apartment overlooking the famous artist square at the Place du Tertre. Situated in a typical old Parisian building dating from the 1700s, the area lends itself to romantic walks, great restaurants, and great views of the city. Further down the hill, to the south is the rue des Abbesses where you can find small cafes and shops, and even an open market on Saturday.

If the cobblestone streets and sloping hills up to Montmartre become too much, public transportation is available in the convenient form of a small electric bus which zips through the narrow streets. There is also a funicular that makes the climb up the amazingly steep steps of Sacre Coeur from the tourist shops and restaurants below. Metro Abbesses is a two-minute walk, connecting you to the Place Concord, or a bus from Pigalle will take you straight to the Arc de Triumphe.