Paris in a Citroen 2CV: A journey to the heart of Montmartre

Montmartre is the most visited part of the most visited city on the planet. ‌And what better way to see it than in a classic Citroen 2CV?

‌This 2CV (Deux chevaux - two horses) was a revolution of a car, they began to build it in 1948, built it until 1991, making over five million of them, a relatively cheap car that got farmers off their horses and into cars. It also gave a post-war European middle class a sense of freedom and progress.

While Paris 2024 focuses attention on great sporting moments, the Olympics are also an opportunity for the city to broadcast its beauty and charm to billions of people - not to mention the 15 million visitors pulled in by the Games.

As one of them. CGTN is delighted to see the good people at bespoke guide agency Parisi Tours turn up in Marie-Jeanne, a green 1976 2CV still in perfect running order. Parisi co-owner Yannick and manager Antoine are ready to take us on a journey to the heart of Montmartre.

What to see in Montmartre

‌"Montmartre is the soul of Paris," Antoine says. "Obviously, we are going to see the Sacre Coeur, that's the crown of Montmartre – but we're also going to see some of the secret spots of Montmartre that not a lot of people know about."

‌They come at you fast. Picasso's home and studio for 10 years. One of the windmills immortalized in a Van Gogh painting. The Montmartre Museum, where Renoir lived.

‌Montmartre locals have a proud village identity. The area once had a huge quarry, and proud locals say 'There's more of Montmartre in Paris than Paris in Montmartre.'

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‌At the Montmartre Museum we visit Renoir's studio, which was at the heart of the impressionist movement. His vineyard wasn't bad either.

We reach the Sacre Coeur, a 19th-century church perched high above downtown Paris, with its unique Roman-Byzantine architecture, white travertine stone and panoramic views - it's no surprise that over 10 million people visit each year.‌

But park Marie-Jeanne in front of it, and there's only one winner.

"Paris is going to send amazing images to the world, so that's perfect for us and for all Paris," says Antoine.

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