Paris is a dream for every travel lover due to its plethora of small cafés, beautiful views, large shopping streets, and pain au chocolate. It’s not possible to explore the whole city in one visit, but there is one neighborhood where you can completely immerse yourself in French culture: Montmartre. Here are some secret spots you can enjoy while visiting the city of love.
What to Do
If you’re interested in getting to know the history of the district, it’s definitely worth visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It’s also known as the “wedding cake,” thanks to its white exterior that gets bleached when it rains due to the locally sourced travertine. The basilica also offers an incredible panoramic view of Paris.
Montmartre is also home to many museums that will impress you with their gardens and views. Musée de la Vie Romantique is a literary museum where you’ll find the infamous Rose Bakery. At Musée de Montmartre, you’ll get to see some of the district’s artistic legacy. If you’re a fan of art, you’ll be amazed to know that Renoir and French painter Suzanne Valadon had their studios there at one point.
Where to Eat
When in Paris, trying local delicacies is a must. The vintage bistro L’Esquisse is the perfect place to get a taste of French cuisine. You can also try a nice natural glass of white or red.
There’s no way you can leave Paris without enjoying yummy brunch and taking a photo for the ‘gram. Hardware Société is Montmartre’s most famous brunch spot that serves comforting yet sophisticated dishes such as duck confit with saffron labneh and scrambled eggs with smoked pastrami on a baguette. It’s quite busy though, especially on the weekends.
Where to Stay
The Hôtel Particulier Montmartre used to be the Hermès family mansion and is closely located to Sacré-Coeur. The place is surrounded by a beautiful lush garden and a courtyard. The mosaic-tiled soaking tubs, the view of the Eiffel Tower, and the nearby restaurants further immerse visitors in the atmosphere of Paris.
The Maison Souquet is located just across the street from the Moulin Rouge (also a must-visit place). There are 20 rooms, and in each, you can find items that will remind you of the wealthy hedonists who used to visit the place, such as tasseled lamps and stuffed headboards.
Where to Shop
Make sure you get some French cheese before leaving Paris. In La Butte Fromagère you’ll find a selection of aged Mimolette, creamy Saint-Félicien, and exquisite goat cheese sourced from small French farms.
If you’re a fan of thrift stores, you’ll enjoy a shopping spree in Montmartre. Explore Numéro Deux, Chinemachine on Rue des Martyrs, and Vintage Inspiration Paris. You’ll find some great vintage dresses and handbags, truly worth the search. The prices are very reasonable too.
Some of the Best Hallmark Movies to Get You in the Halloween Mood
Fall means many things: pumpkin spice lattes, rainy weather, books — and, most importantly, a marathon of Hallmark movies. No other movies can capture the Halloween spirit better than them. Whether you prefer a fun Christmas movie or a fall-themed one, these Hallmark films will get you excited for fall.
Fan Favorite Hallmark Movies
We have not only prepared a list of our favorite Hallmark classics but ranked them so you can decide which one to start with. Enjoy your Halloween!
Love, Fall and Order (2019)
The movie tells the story of two rival lawyers – Claire (Erin Cahill) and Patrick (Trevor Donovan). You’ll never guess what happens next…
Claire is trying to save her father’s farm from a neighbor who is represented by Patrick. Despite the rivalry, the romance is inevitable. A nice, fun Hallmark movie for you to enjoy! 0/10!
Pumpkin Everything (2022)
This movie is also one of our favorite Hallmark fall picks. It tells the story of Amy (Taylor Cole) and her ex (Corey Sevier) and their conflict over her grandfather’s pumpkin-themed store.
Could this movie be any worse? Probably, but only if it starred actual, inanimate pumpkins… 3/10.
Falling for Vermont (2017)
This one is about Author Angela (Julie Gonzalo) and her little fall getaway. After losing her memory due to a car crash, she wakes up being cared for by a doctor (Benjamin Ayres), who offers her to stay at his guest house.
You already guessed it, romance is on the way. This movie is definitely perfect for fall, but it does raise some interesting ethical questions about caregivers romancing their patients. 2/10.
Growing the Big One (2010)
Emma (Shannen Doherty) inherits her grandfather’s pumpkin farm. However, she needs to pay for his debt, which is why she enters the local pumpkin-growing contest.
We recommend watching this cheese-fest with a big group of friends while carving pumpkins. 5/10.
Harvest Moon (2015)
Here, Jessy Schram plays the role of Jen Stone, a privileged girl who suddenly goes bankrupt. Which, for some reason, makes it Halloween-themed?
When she goes to sell the only thing she has left—a pumpkin farm (ah, there it is), a handsome farmer quickly ruins her plan. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings toward each other naturally grow. Like a pumpkin. 0/10.
October Kiss (2015)
Ashley Williams plays a free-spirited nanny hired to look after the two children of an absolute workaholic. As time passes, she starts to connect deeply with the kids and their father (Sam Jaeger).
Apparently, Williams accepted the role shortly after giving birth to her son, and it only took her 11 days to shoot the movie. Any movie that takes 11 days to shoot from start to finish must really be a masterpiece. 5/10.
Love, of Course (2018)
Amy (Kelly Rutherford) feels lonely after her daughter goes to college, but she then receives a six-week offer to plan the Harvest Festival!
Noah (Cameron Mathison), the professor in charge, is definitely interested in her, but he also has the opportunity for a professorship in Australia. What happens next? Nobody cares. 3/10.
Pumpkin Pie Wars (2016)
Years ago, Faye and Lydia opened their own bakeries after a conflict during the local pumpkin pie baking contest. Talk about a grudge that has long-term professional leverage.
Now it’s time for a contest again, and their kids and co-workers, Casey (Julie Gonzalo) and Sam (Eric Aragon) must go against each other. What will happen if they fall in love, though? 6/10.
Midnight Masquerade (2014)
Into the top three now, and we’ve got some real doozies. After a trademark lawsuit for her father’s candy corporation, Elyse Samford ( Autumn Reeser) meets Rob (Christopher Russell), a young lawyer controlled by his boss. Elyse invites Rob’s firm to a masquerade ball, but poor Rob has to work at the office for the night. However, he follows his heart and attends the event as a prince dancing with Elyse.
Then, he leaves her wondering who the mysterious prince is. A modern twist on the classic Cinderella story! And more than deserving of a solid 7/10.
Sweet Autumn (2020)
In one of the whitest movies ever made, Sweet Autumn stars Nikki DeLoach as Maggie, whose Aunt Dee leaves her a candy shop that she has to share with Dex (Andrew Walker), a maple farmer.
The two embark on a mission to discover why Aunt Dee has decided to split the shop between them. Whatever could it be? 8/10.
The Good Witch (2008)
We’ve come to the top of our Hallmark Halloween movie list. The Good Witch is definitely our go-to film! Cassie (Catherine Bell) moves to a new town to open her own shop. The local authorities’ (Chris Potter) children believe she might be a good witch. Oh dear!
However, her work is not done yet, as there are a few more members of the community she needs to impress. This is the perfect film to get you into the Halloween spirit, and it scores a magnificent 10/10 on the Halloween Hallmark Movie Scale!