Our home away from home in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, Montmartre, was and still is central to the Surrealists, with many great figures of the movement living, working and dying in this area. We’ve had fun exploring this fascinating neighborhood, including the obvious tourist spots of Sacre-Coeur Cathedral, but also exploring specifically for Surrealist-focused landmarks. And we found many! This has kick-started some personal work incorporating my dreamwork, photography and writing.
Other highlights include learning about the area of Montmartre (named “Mount of Mars” by the Romans, later “Mount of the Martyrs” by the Christians”), a sacred hill used by pagans, Romans, then Christians. Montmartre cemetary, resting place of Surrealist poets and painters (and many others), textile exhibition at Halle St. Pierre, visiting the 12th century Église St. Pierre de Montmartre (that incorporates Roman columns) and finding my favorite café and new personal headquarters, Au Rêve (To the Dream). Close to metros, local markets, boulangerie with the world’s greatest baguettes and croissants within 120 steps of our door, we’ve settled in fast and love our new neighborhood in Paris. It’s been a great home base for exploring the city. More to come…
