Whimsical Beginnings: Amélie, Love, and Laughter
Begin your Montmartre adventure at the iconic Café des Deux Moulins, famously featured in the movie 'Amélie.' Here, you'll learn about Amélie's favorite pastime: cracking the hard sugar shell of a crème brûlée. Challenge your kids to spot the cheerful posters of her smiling inside the café. Just a short stroll away at Place des Abbesses, discover The Wall of Love. This vibrant blue tiled wall proclaims 'I Love You' in over 250 different languages! A fun game awaits as you search for the English version or try to identify languages that use unique symbols instead of letters, like Japanese or Arabic, making history interactive and engaging for all ages.
Montmartre's Rustic Past and Magical Tales
As you explore Montmartre, look way up high to spot the wooden blades of the Moulin Radet, one of the last surviving windmills. Hundreds of years ago, this entire hill was covered in such windmills, diligently crushing wheat to make bread for the burgeoning city below. Nearby, at Place Marcel Aymé, encounter the intriguing bronze statue of 'Le Passe-Muraille' (The Walker-Through-Walls), a magical man who could walk right through solid walls. Hear the tale of his playful tricks on the police, and the day his magic mysteriously failed him mid-passage! Later, peek through the fence at Clos Montmartre, the secret vineyard, the last working farm in the heart of Paris, where an annual grape-picking parade bursts with vibrant costumes each autumn.
Climbing to the 'Wedding Cake' Summit of Paris
Your Montmartre scavenger hunt culminates at the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Congratulations, you've climbed to the highest point in Paris! From its grand steps, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Encourage your children to imagine the giant white church resembling a grand wedding cake. As you take in the sprawling cityscape, challenge them to spot the tiny, unmistakable silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. This iconic landmark provides a spectacular finale, solidifying Montmartre's charm as a place where history, magic, and playful exploration converge, offering a truly memorable family experience.
