Pigalle is perhaps Paris’s most notorious neighborhood. Known for risqué revues and cabarets, the area was home to bohemian artist of the early 20th century, and it still exudes the avant-garde sensibility. This quarter’s racy reputation dates back to the 19th century—when Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was creating his iconic posters for the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the spectacle of the can-can in the gorgeous and romantic fin-de-siècle décor of the Moulin Rouge.
Pigalle’s night life is not all there is to find in this Montmartre neighborhood. True, Boulevard de Clichy and Place Pigalle are dotted with adult stores, but that is not all this charming area has to offer.
Artists of all stripes will want to explore nearby Place du Tertre, the famous square where artists set up their easels to paint portraits of visitors and the local scenery. This Place was once the center of modern art, and painters like Picasso and Utrillo lived here, eking out a hand-to-mouth living. The area has become a great deal more posh, but much of the bohemian feel is still evident. Just steps off the Place is L’Espace Dali, a permanent exhibit of Salvador Dali’s surrealist artwork. This museum houses France’s largest collection of Dali’s sculptures. Dreamlike music accompanies you on your tour of melted clocks and mythological illustrations. There are even workshops for children to help introduce the wonderful absurdity of surrealism to a new generation.
Walk down the hill for a few blocks to the triangular Place des Abbesses to see artwork of a more quotidian nature. The metro stop at Place des Abbesses is one of two left in Paris that still sports an Art Nouveau entrance. This ingress was designed by Hector Guimard in the early 20th century, and it calls to mind the Paris of absinthe, art and avant-garde. In other words, the spirit of Pigalle. In addition to the famed Guimard entrance, the metro stop holds more delights, as well. The Abbesses is one of the few deep metro stations. To catch the 12 train, you can descend through a spiral stone staircase that is painted with murals of a cartoonish Paris. The artwork is more than worth the exercise (although there is an elevator for regular commuters).
To complete your visit to this artistic quarter, stop in for a drink in one of any number of cafes and watch the world go by. There is no place earthier in all of Paris.
Are you ready to feel Bohemian? NY Habitat has many 18th arrondissement vacation rentals in the Pigalle area. Take a look at these furnished Montmartre apartments to start your journey:
This unique 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Montmartre – Sacre Coeur – Paris (PA-1850) features light-filled rooms, a cozy loft, and natural wood exposed beams. Just steps from Place Pigalle and Place des Abbesses, this will make the perfect retreat for any visiting artist.
This vibrant 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Montmartre – Sacre Coeur – Paris (PA-2001) has a terrace overflowing with flowers, built-in bookcases, and spacious rooms. Feel inspired here!
This luxurious 4 Bedroom Triplex Townhouse Vacation Rental – Montmartre – Sacre Coeur – Paris (PA-2033) is the perfect vacation home for a large group. Sleeping up to 8, this townhouse features a spacious porch with plenty of outdoor seating, four gorgeous tiled bathrooms, and a piano. Decadence awaits you!
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