Advising Some Tourists in Paris, France

I am pushing 60 and am getting increasingly disabled, so the funicular cars up to Montmartre are well worth the single transport ticket (the ones which work on the tramways, metros and buses) to get up and back down. Montmartre is quite large and complex, and one could easily spend from sunrise until early night exploring it. Most visitors just go to see the famous Basilique de Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, which is indeed pleasant and offers terrific views of Paris, or the famous Place des Tertres with all the artists, but there is so much more. After more than 20 expat years from the USA in Paris, I still find Montmartre a mystery jewel box of hidden treats. This day, November 1, Toussaint, was one of only three days per year in which the Cimetière du Calvaire is open to visit. The other two days are the Saturday and Sunday of the special "heritage day" weekend in France. This is the smallest cemetery in Paris and one of only two left in Paris still adjacent to the church. It was closed in 1823 and has been carefully maintained. The church itself is very old, very historical and just as worthy of a visit as the famous basilica, which is actually quite modern. Yet, everyone misses it!

I don't know which language this young tourist couple was speaking, but they did speak English, so I happily advised that since they were just spending a nice Saturday looking around aimlessly, they go back up to see the cemetery, which had good documentation and a gardien.

At the top of this funicular, there is a silly tourist shop with dumb souvenirs and "French snacks," but it's nice, clean and friendly, and for one euro you can use a large, clean toilet (you can leave a small coin as a tip for the attendant if you like). Get a detailed map and study before trying Montmartre, which is great fun and quite romantic. Just below is an "outsider art" museum and café in the old Halles Saint-Pierre covered market, and up high, when you get away from the madding crowds and tourist traps, there is a small public cemetery on a hill with astonishing views, a working vineyard, famous houses, a terrific array of hidden terraces and personal services, et c. The club David Lynch designed, SILENCIO, is in Montmartre, and there are tons of shops of all types. Though cobblestoned and not great for those with mobility issues, it's as charming as all get-out and there's even a windmill. All is on the vertical here, including your breaking heart, which will always love a bit Paris, tainting you with bittersweet feelings until you become sawdust. Like life, you teeter here, struggle, and try to find your way.

copyright 2014 Lisa B. Falour, B.S., M.B.A.
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I show the cemetery on one of my YouTube channels and have a lot of clips up. Enjoy!