Parisian Panoramas: A Stroll from Montmartre to the Seine

On a crisp morning in Paris, you step off the train at the iconic Gare du Nord, one of the busiest train stations in Europe and a masterpiece from the 19th century. Designed by architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff, it opened in 1864, with an impressive facade decorated with statues representing the cities served by the trains. Full of energy for the day, you begin your walk towards Montmartre.

Montmartre is no ordinary hilltop district; it was once the heart of bohemian life in Paris. As you climb up, you wander through picturesque streets and pass famous spots like Place du Tertre, where artists sell portraits and paintings, just as Picasso and Monet once did in this neighborhood. After the stairs, you reach the top, where the iconic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur welcomes you. This white masterpiece offers one of the best views of Paris. Here, you take your first photos, with the whole city at your feet.

After spending some time in Montmartre, you decide to take a break for coffee at one of the cozy cafés nearby. Perhaps you choose Café des Deux Moulins, made famous by the film Amélie. While you enjoy your espresso, you think of the artists and writers who once lived here, like Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec.

You continue wandering, taking more photos of the expansive view of Paris before heading toward La Madeleine. This neoclassical building resembles a Greek temple, with its impressive Corinthian columns. Originally intended as a church, it was used over time as a temple honoring Napoleon’s army before finally becoming a church. La Madeleine is not only beautiful to look at but also has a rich history worth absorbing.

From La Madeleine, you walk to Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, with a rather turbulent past. During the French Revolution, a guillotine stood here, and over 1,000 executions took place, including those of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Today, the square is a stunning location with fountains and the famous Luxor Obelisk, a 19th-century gift from Egypt, majestically rising in the center.

You cross the Seine via the Pont de la Concorde, a bridge dating back to 1791 and originally built with stones from the Bastille, the famous prison stormed during the French Revolution. As you cross, you’re greeted by a breathtaking view of the Seine and the iconic buildings lining the riverbanks.

On the other side of the Seine, you follow the river upstream until you reach Pont Neuf, the oldest remaining bridge in Paris, dating from 1607. Despite its name, which means “New Bridge,” it’s now one of the oldest structures in the city. Here, you snap a few more photos, capturing the Seine and the historical architecture in a beautiful scene.

You continue walking to the Centre Pompidou, a cultural highlight with its futuristic architecture that contrasts completely with Paris’s classic style. Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, it’s famous for its “inside-out” design: colorful pipes on the exterior indicate the location of pipes, elevators, and escalators. Inside, you’d find an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, but today you may simply admire the building itself from outside.

Feeling satisfied, you head back to Gare du Nord, filled with memories of a beautiful day in Paris. With photos of breathtaking views, iconic landmarks, and unique moments, you carry the city with you.