Paris Walks : Montmartre: the artists' eyrie
Come and join us for this month walk through Paris: We will discover Montmartre and its rebellious past, plunging views and windmills.


Date & Time
Oct 14, 2021, 9:00 PM
Maisons-Laffitte Train Station, 78600 Maisons-Laffitte, France
Details
Montmartre: the artists' eyrie
A rebellious past, plunging views and windmills, lush gardens and rolling vineyards, cheap rents and plenty of free space, restaurants for all budgets, cafés and bars everywhere, many beautiful girls willing to pose as models, as well as a satisfyingly turbulent night life: this was Montmartre, beloved haunt of artists.
Here, there were no constraints, and no restraints. Artists flocked here from all over the world, all with dreams of making it big! In the 19th century, Montmartre could boast more workshops and studios than mapped streets: the bateau Lavoir, la Maison de Rosimond, the Cité des Artistes - all of them veritable artists' kingdoms, ruled by paint and passion.
The ever-amicable Toulouse-Lautrec found shelter here behind a huge north-facing skylight, always courteous to both his solitary neighbors Cezanne and Van Gogh, who barely acknowledged each other. Modigliani was as always juggling his brushes and his amours, while down the road the still ferociously youthful Picasso conquered and thrived!
In this maze of small buildings, charming courtyards and lush gardens (that today house the charming Musée de Montmartre) we’ll see where Renoir set up his workshop to paint the famous “Ball at the Moulin de la Galette” and the tree which inspired his “Girl on a swing”. And how would you feel about climbing a few stairs? Suzanne Valadon is waiting for us up there in her perfectly preserved studio/apartment to offer us some tea - or maybe something a little stronger! But quick, before her son Utrillo gets back from his errands and drinks the bottle dry!
Time: 10.15 – 12.45 (Please meet at 10.00 sharp, visit will start promptly)
IMPORTANT: Tickets will be purchased collectively, please bring change!
Note: Comfortable walking shoes, a jacket and scarf, a small bottle of water and possibly an energy bare are highly recommended.
Place: Place des Abbesses. Meet just in front of the metro’s entrance.
Métro: Abbesses.
Important: Because of the hillside, do not attempt to take the stairs up – they are notoriously exhausting!
Registration deadline: Thursday 07/10/20, Participation: 20 Euros
Suggestion: Like all real Montmartrois, head to the counter of the café “Le Saint Jean” (16, Rue des Abbesses) and enjoy a pre-tour coffee (or take-away beverage): you’re all set for our uphill adventure!
Lunch: Participants might like to envisage lunch on the lively rue des Abbesses at the Café “Le Sancerre” (35, rue des Abbesses), a favourite with the locals.