The Eccentric Parisian Neighborhood of Montmartre

France is the most popular destination for people traveling to Europe. Paris, of course, is the piece de resistance of the country. While Paris is a great city, the little pockets of neighborhoods are what make it so.

Montmartre is an easy enclave to locate. Just look for the white Sacre Coeur Basilica on the top of the hill overseeing the area. Montmartre is considered one of the best areas to spend time in because is has a little of everything Parisian.

While most tourists can do without seeing the Eiffel Tower (and paying to visit each level) missing Montmartre would be a lot like missing the Coliseum when visiting Rome. One last windmill left upon the infamous hill seems to tell of a time long past while hinting at the beginnings of a new future.

Montmartre has a little of everything. This was the rough area where many artists put their best works together and where the Moulin Rouge earned its infamous identity. There are street acts and street scenes galore.

As often happens with places where famous people once where, Montmartre has a lively collection of businesses trying to sell the past. Junk memorializing van Gogh, Monet and Picasso are to be found everywhere you turn. Ignore it.

Montmartre is actually a pretty large area. If you want to avoid the people hocking everything under the sun, try to stay near the bottom of the hill. Here you will find a more authentic experience and taste of the neighborhood.

Stroll the streets with the eyes of a person living many centuries ago. Try to look past the mimes and street performers in order to notice the ancient homes and cobblestones. Glance up at the street lights that line the great hill and try to imagine what a cold winter's night might be like.

There are certain places in the world where the entire area is the attraction instead of specific buildings. Montmartre is one such place. Yes, you can check out the Moulin Rouge, but stroll the area to get a much bigger experience.

Montmartre should be taken as it is in all its wonderful gaudiness. Bold, daring, and dying to be appreciated by the outside world, this part of Paris is what the city of lights is all about. Take a dip into the garish Parisian nightlife by walking through the one section of the town that dares to show some skin.