Here you will find a real melting pot of art and culture which offers the visitor a wonderful picture into old Paris. With its cobble stone streets, stunning Basilica, local artists, and tasty bistros, visitors have a chance to take a step out of the hustle of the city center into a charming neighborhood. Visitors are also are rewarded with wonderful views of downtown Paris. In fact, some of the best photo opps of the city can be found here, especially from the top of Sacre Coeur.

This great gleaming white structure was consecrated in the early 20th century, boasting an interior ceiling with the largest mosaic in the country. The basilica is reached via funicular if you choose not to walk all the way up from central Paris. Take the funicular with a metro ticket and stop off at Sacre Coeur before exploring the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre.

The site of the 19th-century basilica is traditionally associated with the beheading of the city’s patron, Saint Denis, in the 3rd century. According to legend, Bishop Denis picked up his severed head and carried it several miles to where the suburb of Saint-Denis stands today. After France’s defeat in 1870 in the Franco-Prussian War, the basilica was planned as a building to restore confidence for the country’s misfortunes. The church was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a group that gained popularity after 1873 where revelations encouraged prayer to Christ’s sacred heart.

The absolute best thing to do is to climb the 300 steps to the top of the dome for picture perfect views of central Paris. From here you can see the entire city in addition to the famous Eiffel Tower. It’s easy to think that the best views of Paris would be from the top of the Eiffel, but the problem with that is you can’t see the Eiffel Tower when you’re standing inside it! The views from the basilica are more complete and typically Parisian with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop. Time permitting, after you walk the interior and climb to the top you can also check out the crypt below. It houses the largest mosaic in France, measuring no less than 480 square meters.

When you get hungry after a day of walking and you want something traditionally French look no further than Bouillon Chartier. This is a great place to discover the authentic French cuisines with all your usual clichés…namely escargot. Escargot is French for snail, and it’s a snail dish that is a common delicacy in many European countries like France, Spain, and Portugal. Chartier is a classy, historic place that is over 100 years old and offers a whole lot of French culture in a single dose. It’s always well priced which is not always the case for restaurants in central Paris.

I ate here last time I was in Paris to give myself the experience and it was delightful. I wouldn’t say I’m a ‘snails guy’ but the richness of flavor and unique sauce poured over the dish was very tasty. Highly recommend giving it a try!