PARIS (NEXSTAR) – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Vincent Van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir all made Montmartre their home at one time.
Located on the right bank, it is a place filled with cobblestone streets and charm. The neighborhood is home to artists of the past and present.
The star attraction of Montmartre is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, which overlooks the entire city. The stunning landmark was built in the 19th century and houses the largest mosaic in France.
While outside is often packed with tourists, inside it is an active Catholic basilica.
The edifice is built of stones from the Château-Landon quarries which have a unique quality to them. Rain causes the stones to release calcite, a mineral that essentially bleaches the stones and keeps the stunning façade white.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica is open every day of the year and offers free admission with no less than four masses held.
