I love Montmarte

Not long ago I was asked what was the best place I've been to in Paris. I stunned at the question, thinking, everything was amazing really. But to name one? Then it came to me, hands down, Montmarte. I'm not sure what kind of tourist I am, but I do know that I tend to find myself often lurking around the corners of markets and street food. 

To get to Montmarte, you can take the metro directly to its heart via Abbesses metro station. But if you want a gradual introduction into this amazing area, stop at metro Blance (Moulin Rouge) or metro Anvers, where you can make your way into Montmarte. The way to see Montmarte is to get lost in it. That is exactly what I did. But if you don't want to be lost for long, just look up for a giant church known as the Sacre-Coeur Basilica that sits on top of a hill in Montmarte. You shouldn't be lost for long after you've found it. But of course, a map works too. Before I began my journey to Montmarte, the guys were telling me that it's the red light district of Paris, now that just made it even more thrilling. On the bottom of the hill is Boulevard de Clichy, lined with sex shops, bars and kebab stalls.

Done with the getting there part, what does Montmarte have to offer? Well for starters, I could tell you a little about the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. The Basilica is based on roman architecture and was built in 1875 but took over 40 years to complete. It is said that during WW2, 13 bombs landed on the church, but resulting in no casualties, which lent a special status among the local people. Did I mention? There's also an amazing view of Paris! Entry to the Basilica is free, but you can pay a small sum to climb to the top of its tower for a better view. 

La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

Taking the advice of one of the locals, we went behind the church on a lookout for the painter's square. But what is actually called is Place du Tertre. Legend has it that it is the place where 20th century art used to roam. Parisians keep the legend alive by filling the streets with portrait sketchers, watercolor works and caricaturists. They are, really really good artists, but it does cost a hefty amount to get a piece of artwork from this place. Ultimately, I walked around being reminded of the lost generation of artists who have lived and worked in these narrow streets before such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Vlamenck...just to name a few. 

Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France

*Sigh* How I yearn to go back. Do me a favour, don't ever, ever, miss this place, the next time you're headed to Paris.

Why Paris' Tourist Attractions Can Never Be Overrated

Dancing by the Louvre. Source: Karen Wan

Perhaps you have been to London or any other major tourist-y country before going to Paris, and you're probably thinking, I've seen the most famous landmarks in the world, what makes the Eiffel Tower, The Notre Dame or the Arc de Triomphe any different? Wouldn't it be overrated, just like all the others? 

The answer, for me at least, is no. And not ever for me, I suppose. With some rational reasoning and a little history lesson added to this post, I hope you would find my judgment a little more valid.

1. Eiffel Tower

Oh look! A big piece of iron slapped in the middle of Champ de Mars! You're not alone when you think that, because the Eiffel Tower was criticized even way back then when Gustave Eiffel (thus the name Eiffel Tower) designed and built it. It was built in 1889, but it was not meant to be permanent, setting it to be demolished in 1909. But on that year because of its architectural advantages, they used it as a radio antenna instead, deciding not to bring it down after all. Also something you probably didn't know is that during WW2, the french was so bad assed that they cut the lift cables on the Eiffel Tower so that Hitler had to climb the stairs if he wanted to reach the top. There are 30 replicas of the Eiffel Tower in the world, but why settle for those when the real deal is right here.

2. Arc de Triomphe

After winning against the Russo-Austrian army in 1805, Napoleon told his soldiers "You will return home through archs of triumph". Thus, Arc de Triomphe! But get this, the arc was only completed years after Napoleon's death. The names of 128 battles fought by the French Republic and Napoleon between 1792 and 1814 are engraved on the walls. An unknown soldier lay buried under Arc de Triomphe in 1920, representing the 1500 000 French soldiers who died during WW1. 

3. Notre Dame 

The construction of Notre Dame started in 1163 and continued for another 200 years! But during the French Revolution, it was badly damaged and restoration work did not begin until 1844. Notre Dame is significant because of its place as a shrine that preserve the Crown of Thorns, said to have been forced upon the head of Jesus before his crucifixion (if you know your bible). If you've watched the Hunchback of Notre Dame, the big bell that Quasimodo rings is actually named "Emmanuel" and weighs over 28,000 pounds.

4. The Louvre

Not just another Museum, but THE museum. A few hours in this landmark is not enough, because there are levels and levels of history to explore. But that's just what you should expect, because you're standing on history itself. During the reign of Philip II (first person officially to be known as the King of France), the Louvre started out as a fortress designed o prevent invasions from the north. Probably the most famous painting in the Louvre, the Mona Lisa, wasn't always on display there, instead, it was placed in Versailles before being moved to the Louvre after the fall of the monarchy.

Talk about history overload. But truthfully, the only way we willingly learn about history is through our travels isn't it? Happy travelling!

Paris: 3 Must Eat Sweets

1. Macarons

There seems to be a macaron war in Paris, between Pierre Herme and Laduree. Both can be found on Champ Elysees. You cant miss Laduree's dainty pastel green shop, but Pierre Herme is inside a building called Avenue Montaigne. The cost per macaron is around 2.10€. Which is better? Well it really depends on your personal taste. I find that macarons from Pierre Herme has a more rustic appearance, and its filling portion is much more than Lauduree's which can sometimes overpower the crunch/chewy texture of the biscuit. Taste wise, both is great. Laduree also has a branch in CDG airport, in case you're looking for sweet treats to buy on the way home. 

2. Ice cream

The best ice cream I've ever eaten. EVER. A must go is Berthillon. All the reviews are true, Berthillon's ice cream is simply exquisite! Creamy, velvety, intense flavour, perfect for a summer's day but I'd eat it even in winter. At 4€ for a 2 scopps cone, it costs around the same back home for Haagen-Daz or Baskin Robbins. There are several Berthillon outlets in Paris, but the one I went to was near Notre Dame, you can find the address here. Another great ice cream discovery is in Montmarte, a shop called Tutti Sensi. It was by a struck of luck that we discovered this place, mainly because we were hungry and decided to give this random shop a go. But it was devine! We had mint chocolate chip that was so amazing that it drew me to a conclusion that all ice creams in Paris may just be the best.

 3. Pastry & Crepes

Fancy a eclair? Strolling past the streets of Madeleine we stumbled upon Maison Du Chocolat, in awe of their pretty pretty chocolates, macarons and pastries. YUM. We couldnt't resist, so we tried their eclairs. A whopping 5€ for a single eclair, ouch. But no bite was left unsavoured. Street snacks at Paris' finest goes to crepes. This stall does not have a particular name or address, but it's located along the green park road to champ elysees. The stall looks like this. I highly recommend getting fromage (cheese) and nutella. A crepe can costs around 2€-5€, depending on the filling you choose.

Authentic French Cuisine: Le Fumoir Paris

Situated right behind the Louvre is Le Fumoir, recommended by some locals as the place for authentic french cuisine. This is the first time I ever experienced real authentic french cuisine. If you asked me to critique solely on this category, I'm afraid it would not be the slightest bit fair. But I will tell you what every other person's sane taste buds will tell you.

French food is interesting. 

I suppose if you were earning in euros, dollar for dollar it wouldn't be expensive. An choice of entree and main or main and dessert was 34€, whereas a full set of entree main and dessert was 38€. 

Asparagus, panfried duck liver with buttery sauce

Cold soup of green vegetables with smoked goat cheese

The white asparagus I rather enjoyed. It was blanched tender enough but also had a char taste from the grill. As for the the duck livers, if you've never had them before it is really worth the try. Normally, any kind of liver would have that bitter and briny texture to it. But the way they've cooked these duck livers gave it a savory buttery barbecue like taste when it first hits your tongue. Then of course, when you start to chew, that briny texture comes back but not enough to stop me from finishing the plate. As for the soup, it tastes exactly as described. Suppose you'd have to mix the goat cheese in to give it a little bit more salt. 

Beef, potato cream, glazed onions and smoked bone marrow

Baby rack of lamb, with roast mashed carrots and chards

Smoked salmon with baby potatoes and butter. Poached cod with crab meat, broccoli, beans and lemon tarragon

The beef had a rich meat taste but it was not the most tender chunk of meat. The lamb was presented in the most dainty manner, lovely flavored sauce around the side accompanied the perfectly cooked lamb. I love anything smoked, therefore, I loved the salmon. This one had a slight sweet effect on my tongue, almost as if it was honey glazed. As for the cod, perfectly cooked, perfectly fresh. Of all the courses, I have to say the best was the lamb and the salmon. What I find great about all the mains is how the sides accompanied the meat perfectly. It's not over the top with mash and coleslaw but just small sides, cooked perfectly, partnered best.

Stewed apples and rhubarb with cardamom ice cream

Meringue with cream and cherries

Strawberries with yogurt mousse and a topping of sugar and mint

Dessert, the best closing! The apple crumble was more on the sour rhubarb side than the sweet, but the cardamom ice cream balanced it out. The meringue with cherry cream is probably my favourite dessert. Every bite was smooth and light, sweet but tangy and velvety. Delish. I suppose if you like cheese, then the yogurt mouse would do your fancy. The overall taste for the yogurt mousse was still on the sour side. 

The sum it all up. French food is a great experience, a must try. The things that I've tasted really tickled my taste buds, and I could tell a lot of great techniques goes into preparing french food. I would recommend this place to those who have yet to try french food, and want a gist of all its courses, especially dessert!

Le Fumoir

6 Rue De L'amiral Coligny

75001 Paris

Tel: 0142920024

Paris: Easy Get Around

Compared to a lot of other cities in the world, Paris' public transportation system is really convenient, affordable and easy to understand. The first thing you should know is that there are two types of trains in Paris, the Metro and the RER. The metro is a subway system that covers central Paris, whereas the RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a commuter train system that covers much of the greater metropolitan area of Paris, such as the two Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle (CDG) & Paris Orly (ORY)), Disneyland Paris and Chaeteau Versailles. Paris fare zones apply to the RER train system, unlike the metro where each single journey always costs 1,70€. 

Ticket Mobilis Carnet (13,70€) Source: lodestar-cristie.blogspot.com

If you're only sticking around in Paris, but travelling to several locations within Paris, I recommend getting a book of 10 tickets (carnet) that are sold at 13,70€ (1,37€ per ticket, saving 20%). These tickets are not restricted to time, so you can use it for anytime on any day until your tickets run out. This was what I opt for but there are many other alternatives such at the Ticket Mobilis (Paris Day tickets), Carte Paris Visite (Multi-Day Paris Metro Tickets), and Pass Navigo Découverte (Paris Metro Week Pass Card). Information for all of these passes can be found from Paris By Train. 

If you're ever lost, Paris metro signs are all over the place. But don't be afraid to ask the locals. Où est la station de métro la plus proche? (Where is the nearest metro?) Contrary to what people have said about the french, I found my experience with the french rather pleasant. More than once they have tried to help me read maps and give me directions. With all this information, you'll be around the streets of Paris with no lack of confidence.