Montmartre on a summer evening

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When I first moved to Paris, I was living in a quite primitive chambre de bonne with absolutely no entertainment other than my transistor radio. I had an American friend -- actually a colleague from work -- who was living in exactly the same conditions, and the steps of Sacré Coeur became our evening entertainment for the entire summer of 1973. 43 years later, absolutely nothing has changed there except for the fact that I pass through there a grand total of once or twice every summer and no longer with the baguette, the slab of pâté de campagne, and the bottle of the cheapest available red wine that Jane and I shared on so many nights until it finally became too chilly to sit on the steps. So many things have changed in Paris over the years that it is quite a relief to see something that seems immutable.

I arrived at 9pm just after the sun had set.







It is always fun to spot the principal sights of Paris in the distance. Even though the Pompidou Centre isn't as well loved as many other things, it is the easiest building to find.









The rising moon was almost full.







This performer had an enthusiastic audience.

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It remains completely forbidden to take photographs inside Sacré Coeur, which is controlled by the Catholic church due to its late construction.



The picture police were completely outnumbered by the picture takers, and the hush squad wasn't having much success either.





Nevertheless, it is impossible to take any good pictures due to having to sneak them.





Back outside, night continues to fall.









Rue de Steinkerque connects the Anvers metro station to Montmartre.



For the first time in history, I had my ticket checked getting off the funiculaire.





Although you can't see the Eiffel Tower from the main steps, you only have to walk a block to get a view off on the side.



Then it was time to rub shoulders a bit with the tourists of Place du Tertre.

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Leaving the tourist area, I got the streets mostly to myself again.













There was a bit of life on rue Caulaincourt.





And then, just like Amélie, I took the metro at Lamarck-Caulaincourt, just three stops from home.

[bixaorellana]

Profoundly charming and very pretty thread, Kerouac. I love how you captured the last light of day. Great nighttime shots, too, such as the last one in #1 and the first in #2.

In some of the first pictures of the steps, it might almost have been 43 years ago ...... except for the security presence.

[chexbres]

Very nice, kerouac.
I haven't ventured up to Montmartre at night for awhile - fear of tripping over cobblestones.
It always surprises me to see how small Paris really is, and how close the monuments are, even without a telephoto lens.
Was this Sunday or Saturday?  Not as many people around as I would have expected.

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It was last night, Tuesday.

[chexbres]

Well, that explains everything.

[htmb]

One of my younger cousins attended school in Paris about twenty years ago. When he tells me stories of those days he tends talk mostly about sitting on the steps of Montmartre, sharing a bottle of wine while day turned into night. I think those memories of relaxing among friends made more of an impression on him at his young age than anything else he did while living in Paris.

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Thank you, K. It brings back memories of my honeymoon. We took our lives in our hands (according to some) to wander the back streets of Montmartre late at night. Those magical walks are some of my favourite memories. The lighting is/was beautiful.

[fumobici]

Well captured, I feel like I've been back there. Especially enjoyed the video, the people seem to really have been enjoying themselves. The place is sure very different early in the morning!

[mossie]

Super nighttime shots, you really capture the essence of the place. I really enjoyed the video, the entertainer really had the crowd with him on the steps. Special mention also for the "legs"sequence near the end.

[tod2]

A lovely photographic wander! I am sooooo glad I have reserved 4 nights at Hotel Roma Sacre Coeur ( so beautifully photographed ). Although I stayed there for around 10 days last year I never ventured up the hill at night. I have great memories of Chez Ginette - this time I intend going down into their nightclub/private bar under the restaurant floor. Just curious.
In your photo I think I catch a glimpse of "Napoleon" - well that is what I called the short balding little manager/owner? He always rocked up early evening and hurried around giving orders to the staff. I hope he will be there this time.

What a great video!