We spent a lovely, sunny afternoon on the hill overlooking the center of Paris – in the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre near Moulin Rouge.

We took the Metro to get there – an adventure of its own!  We are very proud of ourselves.

Once we arrived, we could choose either to climb a LOT of steps or take the handy funiculaire (we took the finiculaire).

At the top is the beautiful Sacre Couer church – and a breathtaking view.

We went into the church and lit a candle for the people of Ukraine and sat there for awhile reflecting and praying. 

Then we wandered the streets, filled with cafes, shops, and dozens of painters. 

I even found the scene of one of the puzzles I worked during COVID – I stopped when I saw it, recognizing the café, and had to take a picture.

Our destination was Le Moulin de la Galette, a restaurant that sits underneath one of the two surviving windmills in Paris. This scene has been painted by all the stars – Renoir, Vah Gogh, Picasso, Lutrec . . . .

Here is Van Gogh’s version – see the resemblance?

Renoir memorialized the festive ambience of the restaurant in his famous painting “Bal du Moulin de la Galette.”

A copy of Renoir’s painting is on the wall of the current restaurant. 

I loved that they bring you the whole chalkboard for your menu.

In Montmartre, everyone eventually gathers on the steps leading up to Sacre Couer, gazing out at Paris.  We joined them, feeling oh so romantic in this magical place.