Today, two windmills remain, the Moulin Radet and the Moulin Blute-Fin, both on the same hill near Rue Lepic.
When I visited Paris in 2011, I could not stop taking pictures of these statuesque antiques. I consider these monuments as iconic as the Eiffel Tower.
Montmartre was home to several 19th century artists, and many captured the moulins in their paintings. I particularly enjoy those of Van Gogh (all photos taken from wikipedia) :
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| The Hill of Montmartre |
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| Moulin de Blute-Fin |
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| Moulin de la Galette |
Of course my absolute favorite painting, and one that features prominently in my novel, is Renoir's Bal du Moulin de la Galette. Each Sunday the restaurant would sponsor a dance for the neighborhood. It was a joyous occasion for all to relax and socialize with one another. I cannot help but smile every time I gaze upon this masterpiece
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| Renoir's Moulin de la Galette |
I was so taken by this painting that I vowed to have Sunday lunch at this famous landmark. I requested a patio seat, so I could imagine being a part of the outdoor party. I ordered a typical French meal of troute almondine aver haricots verts. I even splurged on a decadent raspberry napoleon. I carried on a conversation with the woman seated next to me. She even complimented me on my French. It was a very special afternoon.
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| The restaurant today on Rue Lepic |
I didn't know that moulin meant windmill - it explains the windmill on the Moulin Rouge (I'd wondered about the connection) I've been to Montmartre and didn't notice any windmills - if I ever get back to Paris I'll be keeping my eyes peeled! Leanne @ cresting the hill
ReplyDeleteThere are only two left - but they are quite visible, now that you know to look for them :)
DeleteSounds like a wonderful afternoon! And the food sounds delicious :)
ReplyDeleteIt was... on both accounts :)
DeleteThat is such a classic Renoir painting. Your lunch sounds wonderful - that would have been such a fun thing to do.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Ellen | http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/2016/04/n-is-for-nautical-miles-nancy-drew.html
It was the highlight of the two week trip. I left out the part of the woman dining with her Standard Poodle - that is the subject of another post :)
DeleteThat sounds really special.
ReplyDeleteAnd I didn't know there were so many windmills in Paris :-)
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