Morning in Montmartre

It was the morning after we arrived in Paris and we had booked into a Behind the Scenes look at a local Boulangerie in Montmartre. We pre-purchased online and as it turned out our hotel, Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur was in the same street, Rue Caulaincourt, so we thought we’d enjoy the sunshine and early morning walk through Montmartre. We allowed plenty of time, not being familiar with the area and also because we wanted to get coffee and have something to eat before our tour commenced at 10.00am.

montmartre001

montmartre008

montmartre003

We set off along the beautiful tree lined street, Rue Caulaincourt and over the bridge above the Montmartre cemetery. Having only arrived at our hotel the day before we kept stopping to see things as they caught our eye, we were still in awe of the fact we were in Paris and took many pictures along the way. The area is magnificent, the architecture beautiful. The street was lined with old ornate doors of 19th century buildings, leading up to private residences, several stories off the ground. Stunning balconies overlooking beautiful trees and “Mary Poppins” rooftops of the surrounding buildings; where you imagine on the inside doors that don’t quite close because of their age.

montmartre002

montmartre007

montmartre040

Along parts of Rue Caulaincourt we are charmed as it was quiet and serene, passing gorgeous little cobblestone streets, with lovely restaurants on every corner; the good atmosphere of the Montmartre area made us feel totally safe. Then we passed lively squares, overflowing with bustling cafes, G20 supermarket, steep stairways leading through to the next street, Metro station and green grocer stores. There are so many shops along the way, boulangeries with mind blowing pastries, we are having sensory overload. We got rather excited at all the delicacies in the window at Arnaud Larher Patisserie Chocolaterie but could not contemplate eating something so beautiful.

montmartre038

montmartre016

Further along, more shops, more boulangeries and cafes, trendy little bistros all in a 30 minute walk. There are wine merchants, cheese shops, flower shops, butchers & charcuterie shops. When we finally arrived we still had time to stop at the nearby Café Francoeur. We sip our coffee and reflect; strolling was a befitting way to get here having been charmed as we walked along such a long, glorious Montmartre street.

montmartre006

montmartre015

montmartre036

Inside Le Grenier à Pain we met our guide, Emily, who introduced us to the owner and explained there are two other people who have booked this tour. Emily spoke very good English and when the other two arrive we are asked our names and where we are from. They say it’s a small world, well would you believe the other couple like us, come to Montmartre from Perth, Western Australia. Here we are, on the other side of the world and the only other people to book for today live a few kilometres from us in Perth. So, we are in a bakery and our surname is Baker and the other ladies’ names are Butcher and just next door just happens to be a butcher shop. Emily translates this to the owner and together they chuckle thinking us Aussies have funny names.

montmartre022

montmartre021

montmartre029

It is explained to us the name of the bakery, Le Grenier à Pain, translates to The Bread Attic and we are taken behind the shop front to the bread production room where we meet the Bread Maker. Translating once more, Emily introduces us to Ion and they also have a chuckle about our names. As we watch Ion make the famous French Baguette and demonstrate how the machines work, Emily advises us step by step of the process.

In France artisan bread making follows rigorous rules, from the choice of ingredients to the control of times and temperatures. Emily explains bread contains only four ingredients, flour, leaven or yeast, salt and water, but that it takes the work of the baker for the dough to become bread. Although the dough is made with machines this is far from a factory using industrial methods, but a typical small, independent Parisian production unit. Ion gauges, measures, evaluates the flexibility of the dough and kneads with precision. While we are watching and listening to the demonstration we sample fougasse, stuffed savoury bread with olives and another with sundried tomatoes. After the Baguettes are shaped, Emily explains Ion must make five cuts, called scoring in the top of each Baguette.

Next we are each given the blade called a “lame” to score a loaf. The purpose of scoring is primarily to control the direction in which the bread expands during cooking, intentionally creating a weak spot on the surface of the loaf preventing it from bursting. Emily is very informative and translates our questions, explaining Ion is an artisan, a craftsman with a real passion for every aspect of French baking. The angle and depth of the cuts influences the formation of an “ear”, a raised flap of crust at the edge of the cut which slows the expansion of the loaf. The scoring stroke should be firm, rapid, smooth and decisive and for the beginner it takes practice. Although understanding the function of scoring and the effects on the result helps, there is no substitute for experience. It’s a kind of magic watching Ion choose the right temperature for the oven and proving machine and working in this small authentic area. It is clear to see an automated machine could never replace his main tool, his hands. Emily explains that his hands “understand” and feel the bread dough.

montmartre018

montmartre025

montmartre026

We learn the laws are quite strict for bread making. To be called a Boulangerie they must bake onsite and not between 10pm and 4am, hence only two batches of baguettes are made each day. Baguettes have to be made on the premises from start to finish and must only contain four ingredients, wheat flour, salt, yeast and water to be called “baguette de tradition”. Boulangeries also produce viennoiseries which are baked by someone skilled between a Boulanger and a Patissier. Viennoiseries are typically eaten at breakfast or as snacks and can be croissants, pain au chocolat, pain aux raisin, brioche, baguette viennoise and chausson aux pommes (apple turnover).

montmartre027

montmartre037

montmartre010

While the baguettes are cooking we head down these tiny spiral stairs, slippery from all the flour, into the basement. Here we get to sample some apple cake and chocolate cake as we get a full demonstration of making croissants. We see the buttery, layered pastry being meticulously cut and rolled. Croissants can only be crescent shape if they are made with butter; straight croissants usually are made with margarine. The bakery must gauge how many to make each day, also ensuring enough to last a day, but without wastage. By law the croissant cannot be sold the next day, so any excess is filled with almond cream, glazed, covered in almonds and baked again so they can be sold as Croissant aux amandes. We also get shown the slow melting chocolate sticks used to make pain au chocolat and see a huge mixer making batter for little apple cakes (gateaux aux pomme).

Once we are finished here we carefully go back up the flour covered stairs were we are met with wondrous smell of fresh baked bread as Ion has just taken the golden baguettes from oven.  We get to take the loaf we scored with us and a fresh croissant as well.

montmartre028

montmartre024

montmartre023

On the way back we are proudly walking along, Steve with our two baguettes sticking out the top of his backpack.  Next minute a man rushes towards him and gestures something is wrong.  He quickly takes the baguettes out from the backpack and pokes them under Steve’s arm and instructs him, “this is how we carry a baguette in Paris”.  We stop at Fromagerie Lepic and get some stinky cheese to have with the baguette.  Now we strut with style, I feel like we need a beret.  From now on, we shall be known a Mr & Mrs Boulanger.

montmartre019

montmartre012

montmartre032

Further along another photo opportunity, at Boulangerie du Moulin de la Galette.  Again I’m in awe; this quaint Art Nouveau bakery is where Julia Childs’ buys her croissants in the movie Julie and Julia. An amazing and authentic boulangerie with walls covered in blue and white tiles, art painted on the ceiling hosting a chandelier and smells of freshly baked baguettes. Even with no intention of buying we can’t seem to exit without purchasing one (or two) of the irresistible viennoiseries.

montmartre011

montmartre034

Back at the hotel we devour the buttery, flaky croissant, brushing the crumbs from our lap and break open the crunchy baguette to enjoy this astounding bread that we had a hand in making.  This capped one of the best experiences we had in Paris, learning how Croissants and Baguettes are made and the unexpected highlight of our stroll along Rue Caulaincourt.  Now when we hear someone say “nobody makes baguettes like the French” we know it is not just a cliché.

montmartre009

 Have you had a memorable experience like this in Montmartre?  What is your favourite french pastry?

*All opinions and photos are our own and we were not financially compensated for this post.

We have a small favour to ask before you go. Would you please share this post, leave a comment below or just hit the ‘like’ button below? If you want to read more from us why not subscribe to our Newsletter? We won’t spam you or share your personal details. If you’re not already doing so, please follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram or click the MixFlipboard or other social media buttons below to share this post with others who might enjoy reading it. If you want to come back to this post again, pin the photo below using the red Pinterest button.

monmartrepin

103 Responses

  1. I think you have the whole of Parisian life summed up in this one post – wonderful 🙂 I love Paris and need to get there more. We are only 3 hours away but never quite seem to find the time!
    Oh and I feel for you with strong French accents over the phone …. or people who speak too fast. I am getting better but always dread having the phone someone French.
    A very belated visit via #AllAboutFrance

  2. That sounds like a perfect arrival in Paris and such a brilliant experience. I didn’t know that day old croissants are turned into almond croissants…hmmm it might make me think twice about buying them now.
    Phoebe | Lou Messugo recently posted…Hoi An: the very best of Vietnam?My Profile

  3. Steven says:

    Its sound so exciting..i would love to stay in mountmere and enjoying food there.thank u for sharing the post

  4. Kimberly says:

    That sounds like so much fun! I need to look into doing this.
    I really need to spend more time in Montmartre.
    #allaboutfrance

  5. OMG AMAZING photos!!! #AllAboutFrance

  6. Kerri says:

    Homesick for France once again….I love it so much and all of these photos just make me pine for it. We were going to go on a behind the scenes boulangerie tour last time we were in Paris, but we ended up just having too much to do. We make our own french baguettes at home all the time which I just love. So much better than the Australian bread we are forced to eat sometimes 🙂 Great shots, great story, and I’ve noted this place down for our next visit. #allaboutfrance

  7. Emily says:

    I love Montmartre at any time of day, however hackneyed it may be. Great photos. #AllAboutFrance

  8. Julie says:

    I never knew you could take a behind the scenes tour of a boulangerie, how wonderful. We always try to use boulangeries where you can see what’s going on & particularly like the local ones with traditional wood-fired ovens (like at Coustellet or Villars, where everyone has to move out of the way when they put bread in or take it out of the oven as the shop is so small! What a lovely & tasty way to spend a morning

  9. Nancie Lee says:

    This sounds like a fabulous way to spend the morning! I love how strict the laws are on how bakeries can be sold. No day old bread sales in Montmartre! The pastries look so tempting, how can you pass them up? I love visiting specialty shops and would probably be all day going from one to another. Thanks for sharing this great destination!

  10. Ever since visiting Paris, my husband will occasionally claim that a baguette is almost, but not quite, as good as the ones in Paris. I really like that Steve was shown the proper Parisian way to carry a baguette home. This Behind the Scenes tour is something that I would like to do on some future Paris visit.
    Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted…5 Things to Do in Austin other than Austin City Limits or SXSWMy Profile

  11. Corinne says:

    I love Paris in the springtime….I just love Paris. Although, Lyn, Montmatre is not one of my favorite places at all. It is pretty, though.
    Corinne recently posted…The 9th Annual Worldwide Photo Walk – Where will you go?My Profile

  12. Gorgeous photos of an area of Paris that I love. It is great to have experiences like this when you travel, as it makes the connections that much stronger. We were actually in Le Grenier au Pain last year.
    Paula McInerney recently posted…Discover the Sigiriya Maidens of Sri LankaMy Profile

  13. Rhonda Albom says:

    That sounds like a fantastic day. When I was in Montmartre, it was night and I only went to the top to see Sacré-Cœur.
    Rhonda Albom recently posted…Exploring Cornwall Park in Auckland New ZealandMy Profile

  14. This makes me miss Paris quite a lot. I always dream of being back in Paris and now Montmartre is definitely going to be on my list of places to visit when I get back there. Plus I miss all the best french bread I would eat when I was there.
    Lost with Yvonne recently posted…Pit Stop, please – Cabazon DinosaursMy Profile

  15. Oh French pastries are to die for! The last time I went to Paris I also stayed in Montemarte and went on a walking tour, but did not have the same culinary experience as you did!

  16. Allison says:

    This is my kind of tour. I would love to learn how all those good pastries are made. What a wonderful experience! #TheWeeklyPostcard
    Allison recently posted…Alki Point: Fun in the Sun in West SeattleMy Profile

  17. I spent one frigid winter day walking around Montmarte. Nice to see people out in your pictures and that bakery!!

  18. Ruth says:

    I am blown away by all the food in the post. This is the way I would like to spend a morning in Paris. My husband is a baker, so, I am sure he would like to see how things are prepared in Paris. He does artisan breads, so, his process is very manual too. Baker and Butcher, that was a great coincidence.
    Ruth recently posted…Walking Vienna’s Old TownMy Profile

  19. I was in Montmartre a couple of months ago – would have loved the tour! Wish i had known! Next time! Beautiful pictures! Maybe time to pop across the Channel again!

  20. Anna says:

    Felt the unique atmosphere of Montmartre from your pics! If only I could teleport there and have one of these fresh baked croissants right now! #TheWeeklyPostcard
    Anna recently posted…Blog Story: Netherlands Through American EyesMy Profile

  21. jill says:

    Oh, how I love Paris! And the last time I was there I spent a very fun afternoon and evening in Monmarte. Thanks for sharing and taking me back there for a little while!

  22. Ahila says:

    I used to love the pain au chocolat that I had for breakfast each morning during my week in Paris. The delicious smells wafting from the bakeries around corners is one of my pleasant memories of my time there. That is a lovely experience to see your baguette being made and baked and then having it for your breakfast!
    Ahila recently posted…Special Six: Stockholm ArtMy Profile

  23. Well Mrs Boulangerie what a wonderful story.
    My favourite are ham and cheese filled baguettes straight from the bakery.
    Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…Should You Use an Online Travel Agency Like JustFly.com?My Profile

  24. Lolo says:

    Ok you just made me hungry for one of those delicious looking desserts and I just finished eating breakfast! #TheWeeklyPostcard
    Lolo recently posted…20 Pictures That Will Make You Want to Come to Bavaria RIGHT NOW!My Profile

  25. Arnie says:

    Every time we go, I bring the idea of this tour up, and somehow we never squeeze it in. Well, after reading your article, we are going to do it this trip! No make it two !! for emphasis!
    Arnie recently posted…Two Weeks in the UK: Our PlanMy Profile

    • Steve says:

      Arnie, if you get the chance to do the tour please let use know your experience. We are back in Paris at the end of the year and will be checking out some other walking tours.

    • Lyn says:

      Thank for your comment Arnie, so glad you to give you some insight to this tour and help you decide to book it. This is a very informative tour… and the aroma of those baguettes divine. Contact Julie at Meeting the French in rue Lepic in Montmartre to book.

  26. Chloe Logan says:

    What a unique experience! Looking into this for when I take my mom to Paris next month. (I live in central France, and even I didn’t know these specificities!)

    Chloe | Wanderlust in the Midwest
    Chloe Logan recently posted…Brussels, Belgium (VLOG)My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Chloe, This Boulangerie tour was organised by Meeting the French office is in rue Lepic in Montmartre. Viatour promote the tour. The tour specialises in meeting French artisans and going behind the scenes and is such a great experience. Thank you so much for commenting, I hope you and your Mum enjoy the tour.

      • Chloe Logan says:

        UPDATE: We did the tour on Friday and loved it! Thanks so much for the recommendation! They weren’t making croissants downstairs, but we did meet that very same pastry guy (Xavier) who was making shells for tartes. He said he gets up at 1:30 a.m. each night for work–can you believe it?! Anyway, thanks again so much!
        Chloe Logan recently posted…Life UpdateMy Profile

        • Lyn says:

          Chloe I am so glad you enjoyed the tour, I miss those bakery smells so much. I know how hard those guys work, getting up and working through the early hours to have fresh bread for everyone each day as I did payroll in a bakery for a while and saw the hours they put in. Thanks for your update.

  27. Frank says:

    We were there this year about two weeks before you were, and loved the back side, non-tourist side of Montmartre. Stayed in an apartment and explored all the bakeries in the area, buying something different from a separate one each day. They each close on different days so there are always 4 open on any given day. Wonderful place. Would go back in a trice!
    Frank recently posted…Inside the House on the HillMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for your comments Frank. We feel the same and would also go back in a heart beat. I adored Montmartre and hope to be back there next year.

  28. Corinne says:

    I’m so signing up for this tour next time I go to Paris…this spring. I love this kind of thing….baguettes, I mean!
    Corinne recently posted…Weekend Travel Inspiration – China’s Great WallMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      We were there last September and it was an amazing tour, if you scroll down through the comments there are the details of who can arrange the tour. I know you will enjoy.

  29. Esther says:

    Oh, that looks like a great tour! Nom. I never even knew such a tour existed, this will definately go on my list for when I visit Paris again 🙂
    Esther recently posted…De 5 beste dagtrips vanuit DublinMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for your comments Esther. It was such a good tour arranged through Meeting The French (and no I’m not on commission), I am sure you will enjoy it.

  30. Thalia says:

    Must have been a very nice, interesting and delicious experience indeed!!… sounds like a very complete holiday! Great organization and choices!
    Thalia recently posted…Hello world!My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks Thalia, we did have a great holiday and the tour of the Boulangerie was the highlight of our time in Paris which was just the first 5 days of 5 weeks in Europe which included a 12 day cruise.

  31. Wow, this seems like a dream come true for those that love carbs, like me. I haven’t been to Paris yet but taking a cooking course there is high up on my list of things to do. I think this tour would definitely suffice for that bucket list item! Thanks for sharing….. making me hungry…. 🙂
    Adrian of Adrian’s Travel Tales recently posted…Dear Old Italian Man Yelling At MeMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for the comment Adrian,this tour certainly was a dream come true. If you are interested in this tour Meeting the French are the people to contact, their office is in Rue Lepic, Montmartre.

  32. I’m salivating haha…I love bread, but who doesn’t really?! The bread making laws are very interesting!
    Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy recently posted…Weekly Bucket List PicksMy Profile

    • Steve says:

      Warm bread with melted butter, mmm. Bringing back some very fond memories.

  33. Lauren says:

    What a fantastic tour! I would love to see all of those delicious things being made. That is a really funny story about “Baker” and “Butcher” 🙂 and what a coincidence with you both being from Australia, living a few km away! Amazing. Thank you for joining up on #WeekendWanderlust!
    Lauren recently posted…Chez Victor, Gourmet Burgers in Quebec CityMy Profile

    • Steve says:

      Boulangerie’s are so far away from our minds right now, sitting around the pool at a relaxing Bali Getaway. Thinking about double baked pork belly for lunch with a Bintang to wash it all down.

  34. Thanks so much for linking up with us for #WeekendWanderlust!Please be sure to include our Weekend Wanderlust badge whenever you post links in the future if you don’t mind to really help spread the word of traveling!

    That final collection of images from the shop window for anyone with a sweet tooth must be a real killer – great shot!
    Chris Boothman recently posted…A Tour of the Louisville Slugger MuseumMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Oh sorry, yes will do Chris. Yes it was hard not to drool over the camera taking those shots through the shop window.

  35. Jessi says:

    Wow, what an awesome tour. I love Montmartre (although I still have nightmares about ascending the never-ending flight of stairs up to Sacre Couer), but I was unable to take any tours when I was there. This will definitely be on my list for next time. I think the coolest part about the small artisan tours is that you get to meet people who are truly passionate about what they do. We experienced this in Slovenia, when we met local blacksmiths who still carried down the medieval tradition in full authenticity.

    Thanks for linking up to #WeekendWanderlust, and I hope you enjoyed your baguette!
    Jessi recently posted…Bosnia and Herzegovina [Photos]My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for the comment Jess, you can avoid those big flights of stairs at Sacre Coeur by getting off the metro at Lamarck Caulaincourt and walk through the side entrance, its such a lovely area to walk through too. Meeting the blacksmiths in Slovenia sounds worth doing. We enjoyed the baguette, the croissant, the eclair…

  36. I would love to do something like this. I took a cooking class in New Orleans, which was fun. Great way to experience the culture. I could live off of boulangeries!
    Angela Travels recently posted…Butchart GardensMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      It was the BEST tour we have done so far. I thoroughly recommend it as I too could live off Boulangeries, what they produce is just so good.

  37. Axelle says:

    Food trips are the best! Keep this delicious posts coming!

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for your comment Axelle, good trips are great. If you like delicious posts check out my posts Australian Cuisine, A Very Unique Brew and Sacher Torte. I’d be interested in your comments on these too.

  38. Wow, this sounds like a wonderful (and delicious) tour! I could definitely get into trying all those delicious little treats. How funny that you managed to meet somebody else from Perth.
    Jessica (Barcelona Blonde) recently posted…The Journey That Almost Made Me Reconsider Road TripsMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Jessica it was an amazing tour and great to taste a few of their goodies. We were surprised to meet someone from Perth on this little private tour.

  39. sanny says:

    Nice story … I’ve seen a documentary on TV about this bakery was very nice to see. I would also like to see it in person . 🙂

    • Lyn says:

      Hi Sanny, thank you for your comment. This tour was arranged by Meeting the French in Rue Lepic. The best part about seeing it in person is the aroma… and of course the samples.

  40. Anita says:

    oh my, all those yummy pastries!! I am drooling!! We are hoping to go to Paris next year!!
    Anita recently posted…This week…My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Imagine how we were, we had the lovely aroma as well. I highly recommend this tour and now know that Meeting the French are the people to contact, their office is in Rue Lepic, Montmartre.

  41. Sandra McCormick says:

    Lyn, thank you for your refreshing views.

  42. Ros says:

    Lyn I am so sad we missed this tour in Paris, didn’t even know it existed! Wonderful blog, takes you on the tour. Next time a plan a trip I am getting some tips from you 🙂

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks Ros, I’m glad at least I could share the tour with you here, though not quite the same. Happy to give some tips… or maybe we can meet there sometime?

  43. Thanks Lyn for your super write up about our tour Behind The Scenes at the Boulangerie which Emily organised for you. Our Meeting the French office is in rue Lepic in Montmartre. Viatour use our services in Paris and we specialise in meeting French artisans and going behind the scenes. Our Facebook page, Meeting the French, posts daily photos of Paris life and stories so if any of your followers wants to indulge in Paris dreams – it would be nice to welcome them to our Facebook page as fans. Bonne journée and thanks for booking our tour. Happy travels !

    • Lyn says:

      Julie, thank you so much for the comment. It was so much fun to write about because we enjoyed the tour so much. I was so surprised to get a message from you, I had no idea the tour was arranged through Meeting the French! I am so interested to find out what other tours you do and will stop by next time we are in Montmartre.

  44. Trish says:

    Sounds so wonderful! Thanks!

  45. Amy says:

    All that food looks AMAZING. I could probably just eat my way through France and come home 30 pounds heavier. I loved the part about the Baker and Butcher last names – too funny!
    Amy recently posted…Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National ParkMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      I agree Amy, the food is so good, but there is so much to see by walking, you can walk most of it off… and those hills! Hehe yeah the names really made for a giggle.

  46. Simone says:

    YUM!!! This looks like something right up our alley and very interesting. Not heading to Paris this trip, but will keep it in mind for the day we do
    Simone recently posted…Flashback Friday: AlaskaMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Certainly worth doing when next in Paris, very interesting indeed Simone

  47. I’m practically drooling all over my keyboard, what a great tour that would be!
    Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Helping Provide Clean Drinking Water to Children: #cleanwater Photo ChallengeMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      It was an amazing tour Tammi, so glad we booked it.

  48. Els says:

    Gosh, these “patisseries” look delicious!! Nice to see you got an insider view of the touristy Montmartre area!
    Els recently posted…Meet Anu and Sri: an Indian expat couple in EdinburghMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      We did try an eclair and of course croissants while in Paris, but they all certainly did look delicious. It was a great view many tourists don’t get to see.

  49. Hannah says:

    I love Montmarte! It’s my favourite part of Paris- I spent hours walking down the cobblestone streets and peeking into shops. And the bakeries… Don’t even get me started!
    Hannah recently posted…Hunting for the Krakow DragonMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      I know… so many Bakeries and all so different. Did you see the bees buzzing about in some of them? The name of my page was inspired from walking the cobblestone streets of Montmartre.

  50. Milosz Zak says:

    And I’ve become very hungry. The French are masters at their art, they even tried to apply for international protection for their culinary arts, as well as local food product suppliers. There’s a lot of variation in styles across the country, but Paris was really something.

    • Lyn says:

      I wish you could enjoy the smells as well, truly a wonderful experience. You are so right, the French are masters at their art and Paris certainly is a something special.

  51. Kevin Duncan says:

    Hi Lyn,

    What wonderful photos! My wife would love for us to visit Paris one day. I better not share with her your blog or else she might press me to make “one day” be much sooner. 🙂

    Thank you for your comment on my blog the other day. I love getting comments from new readers! If you’re interested, I published a new post this morning. Feel free to check it out when you have the time!

    Hope you have a great day.
    Kevin Duncan recently posted…There is no magic formula for achieving blogging successMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Hi Kevin, Thanks for the comment. It’s a shame you won’t share my page with your wife, I’d love to hear feedback from her of her ‘virtual travel’ with me on our first trip to Paris. I look forward to checking out your post.

  52. Alli says:

    What an amazing collage to sum up your experience in the city of love!
    Alli recently posted…That Time When Toronto Was In Love With Niagara FallsMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks Alli, pity we can’t send the aroma to go with the pictures.

  53. I love Montmartre. I didn’t know Le Grenier au Pain did tours. I’ll have to sign us up next time we are in town. My only issue would be getting my husband from wanting to eat all the desserts. Thanks for the tips.
    Carmens (CarmensTravelTips) recently posted…Melissani Cave, Kefalonia, GreeceMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      The tour was run through Viator and on reading their reviews they seem to offer different boulangeries, so I guess we were lucky we got to go to Le Grenier au Pain. Just make sure you give your husband breakfast before you go, although you do get a few samples it could make one hungry with all those delectable smells and tasty treats on display.

  54. Sarah Ebner says:

    This sounds like the most brilliant experience – authentic, fun, interesting and tasty. Lovely to read too.

    • Lyn says:

      Thank you Sarah. It was the perfect introduction to Montmartre and oh so tasty.

  55. I am in heaven reading and looking through this post! It looks like you really made the most of Montmartre. I’m ashamed to say that despite spending a few weeks in Paris I spent very little time in Montmartre. These just too many great areas in Paris!
    Jen Seligmann recently posted…How to Budget for TravelMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      So glad you enjoyed the read Jen. We were only in Paris 6 days and although we had a few things scheduled most of the time we just went on a whim and enjoyed the moment. We only really spent the first full day in Montmartre but I think we certainly made the most of it.

  56. Shaun says:

    Love Paris and especially Montmartre! Nice post and what a great was to start your day.

    Shaun
    http://www.thislifeintrips.com
    Shaun recently posted…Off to the (Wiener Dog) RacesMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Montmartre is a place I am sure we will return to over and over. Glad you enjoyed the post.

  57. I thinking of spending a few weeks in Paris next year. Cant wait to explore this beautiful city.
    Bianca @itsallbee recently posted…Hong Kong: Lunch Date at Ritz CarltonMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Hi Bianca, I am hoping to be back in Paris again next year myself. There is so much I want to go back and see and would definitely stay in Montmartre again. I am sure you will enjoy.

  58. Gabrielle says:

    My old neighborhood! Loved your article, I didn’t know Le Grenier au Pain did tours. In case you haven’t already, check out Coquelicot (just down rue des Abbesses) next time you’re there. Spent many a Sunday breakfast there. They sell the sweetest decorations at Christmas, too.
    Gabrielle recently posted…Bring on the pumpkins! Quick bread, coffee and a very special catMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thank you so much for the tip Gabrielle, hubby and I have a passion for collecting Christmas decorations. We got ourselves a lovely bell from our last visit but something from our favourite place, Montmartre would be just wonderful. We booked the tour through Viator and so glad it was a small boulangerie we got to explore.

  1. […] to be back in Paris and although tired from our 21 hour flight, our bodies were still on Perth time, we were too […]

  2. […] to Venice. This was probably our first mistake as we full of the excitement from five days in Paris and the anticipation of our pending cruise. In hindsight, to expect to see enough of Barcelona to […]

  3. […] in Montmartre just near Moulin Rouge and began some aimless wandering. When you think of Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and Place du Tertre probably come to mind. But there is a lot more to […]

  4. […] to do with food in this food capital of the world. We found fromageries with the creamiest cheeses, boulangeries with the flakiest, buttery croissants and sampled the most delicate […]

  5. […] savings can be made by checking out the local supermarket, buy some bread, meat, cheese and fruit and have a picnic and soak up the […]

  6. […] we stumbled across one that dreams are made of on my first trip there when strolling around one morning in Montmartre. There we were sauntering along Rue Caulaincourt and the fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread […]

  7. […] favourite that is easy to find just about anywhere. Who would have thought when we arrived in Paris one of the first quick meals we would have, would be Pizza. Steve is a pretty dab hand at making […]

  8. […] at night. The simplicity of strolling on the cobblestones in the beautiful tree lined streets of Montmartre. Looking at the old buildings with their ornate balconies where bright red geraniums grow in pots. […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this:
Interested in travel?

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.

Send this to a friend