Finding Heart: Monmatre, Paris, France

Paris can be a mess, but really you just have to sift through all the top layers to find the true heart. Le sacre cœur in Monmatre seems to have all the things I really loved about France nestled in a small corner of Paris.

My first five days in Paris were awful. I didn’t understand the charm. I was stuck near Gare de Nord and it smelled of piss, literally. The hostel was a party hostel, things were chaotic and fast paced. It was nothing like the quiet coziness of Toulouse or Le Mont Saint Michel where I had just come from. Je n’était pas content.

But I had a feeling their had to be more to the city, alors, j’ai reste. I decided to book another week and search for more. I mean, it’s the city of love right?

Moving to Monmatre changed everything. The cafes, the slow nature, the romantic streets, the music playing, the picturesque scenery, everything was fresh and revitalizing after feeling the ugliness of the tourist sections. This place changed everything for me from a city I hated to a city I adored. I just needed the heart to show me the way.

J’ai trouvé les chose que je cherche.

Merci Paris. À bientôt.

The infamous Moulin Rouge

Im not sure why this seems so popular, it’s feels like a regular place to eat, but tourist flock here. They’re all right behind me if you’re wondering.

Probably the most genuine feeling moment I had. This couple looked so clsssical in their attire and setting. I felt I was drifting back in time forgetting the new cars and sounds of tourists. It was. Lovely photo to capture.

Mass.

Watched my first French film in French theatre! Trop content! I could hardly keep up with the actual story but I guessed what I didn’t know. Still fun.

Lazy evenings.

Beautiful buildings.

The subway is not great, but there is still tons of vintage feel in most areas, especially outside the main districts.