Hello, <BR>I searched the forum for the topic of Paris's Montrematre "Painter's Square" and I didn't really get the information I was looking for, so I was hoping some knowledgeable Fodorites could help me! My boyfriend and I will have about 5 hours between checking out of our hotel room and leaving Paris via the Chunnel (Gare du Nord station). I thought a perfect way to spend the rest of our time would be to go to the Sacre Coeur and Painter's Square. I'd really like to purchase a painting as a souvenir, but I don't want to pay a fortune. The people who answered the pervious questions about the square seem to hint that painters attack you to try to paint your portrait. I am not really interested in that, but I'd like a charming, smallish landscape or scenery painting. Will they have something like that there? Is it possible to buy only the picture, but not a frame? I don't want it to get ruined on the train ride to London, so I'd like to roll it in a mailing tube or something of that nature…Do the painters set a price or do I have to negotiate a price with the artist? Can anyone give me tips on how not to pay something ridiculous? (BTW, I speak very little French, but I'll have a phrase book with me and my conversion sheet!!). Thank you! <BR>Sincerely, <BR>Bridget <BR>

Bridget: No problem. <BR> <BR>When you go, get off the Metro at Pigalle. Walk a few blocks and you will find the funicular. Take that as it's a steep climb otherwise. <BR> <BR>Check out the church, first and just be firm with the various vendors. They all understand "no thank you!". <BR> <BR>The square is behind the church. Just stroll through and select a couple that you like, then start bartering. We bought a small framed oil painting of a Paris flower shop for about $90.00 (US) and they started out asking for $130.00. The last time I was there, I bought an unframed sketch of the square for about $20.00 and had it framed over here in the US for about $90.00. Not too bad. <BR> <BR>They all pretty much understand english. You will need cash, though. No checks, etc. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR>

Bridget: <BR> <BR>I don't even want to get into our experience getting back from Sacre Cour and Montremarte Artisan area, but it was a horrible bus ride and I'll leave it at that! The whole trip to Paris was wonderful, but that bus ride was another story. I don't think I'll ever ride a Paris bus again. <BR> <BR>As for your question, there are lots and lots of painters there that have beautiful paintings both framed and unframed. Prices vary very much from painter to painter. They do haggle, so don't settle for the first price. I saw a gorgeous small floral painting that was the front of a cafe, but the painter wanted about $100 U.S. for it and I didn't think it was big enough for that money, so I passed, but he came down from $150. I do think about it now and wonder if I should have taken it, but oh well... I'll just have to go back now! <BR> <BR>So, look around and see what you like and bargain for it as best as you can. They will only go so low and then you make the choice whether it is acceptable to you or not. <BR> <BR>They do beautiful work though. They are all very talented and have different styles, so you have a lot to pick from. <BR> <BR>Enjoy! <BR> <BR>Michele

Hi Bridget - <BR> <BR>I posted to you earlier but it didn't take. I'll try again. <BR> <BR>Place du Tetre (sp?) is the square you are talking about. Lee told you how to get there. <BR> <BR>As for the paintings, haggle, haggle, haggle. It would be against my religion to pay asking price. In general, with bargaining anywhere, you should expect about a 25-35% discount from the asking price. Lots of this depends on time of year and how much money they have. If it's busy, they are less likely to give you a big discount. If they have to buy bread and butter on the way home and all they have is 10FF in their pocket, you just might get a really good deal. <BR> <BR>Whatever you do, don't look excited. I can't tell you how many times I've watched people spot something they like from 30 feet away and the vendor just watches them come up and you can see him counting the money in his head. If they think you "have to have it" they won't bargain as much. Act casual. It works. Also, no fancy jewelry. They'll immediately think "rich American". I recently bought a cut crystal necklace at a Beverly Hills pawn shop for 1/2 the asking price. Inside I was doing jumps and flips because I was so shocked at how low he started out. I would have paid his asking price in a heartbeat! But, I had to haggle. And it paid off. <BR> <BR>Also, while you are there, I would highly recommend the Salvador Dali museum. There are signs pointing the way. It's just around the corner from the square. Very refreshing after all the standard paintings and statuary. <BR> <BR>Good luck... when do you leave? <BR> <BR

Hi all, <BR>Thank you so much for your postings, I really appreciate all of your advice. We are going to be in Paris at the end of June. My boyfriend and I are a little upset about all the strikes going on right now, but we are keeping our fingers crossed about them resolving everything by the time we get there. That is why I was trying to figure out alternative plans in case most of the stuff we want to see is still closed. Plus, we aren't big art people, but we like to look at some art, and we'd like to buy a little art piece as a souviner. For the rest of the family, we'll bring back little Eiffel Tower knick knacks =) <BR>I have never bought original art before, only prints, so I knew people here could help me!! Thank you so much for all your help. Lynn, you are right, anyone can read the expressions on my face and that is a dead give-away! Also, where can I buy shot glasses? My mom collects them, and I'd like to get her a pretty one from London (where we will be mainly visiting) and from Paris. Do they sell those types of glasses in airport/museum gift shops? Thank you again! <BR>Sincerely <BR>Bridget

You will love painter's square. When you are there, and if you notice, there is a small narrow art gallery next to a small outside restaurant a block from the square and I would like to know the name of it. I saw a painting in there that I loved, but I didn't buy it. They carry the works of this artist who does very realistic paintings depicting the inside of what are very ornate living rooms, dining rooms, and outside gardens. I would like to contact the gallery to purchase a piece. I don't know how else to describe the gallery but it is to my recollection the only spot that sold art in a store and not in the square. You will find something lovely in the square though, I just happen to fall in love with something not in the square and a lot more expensive (which is why I didn't buy it then!!!). If you remember, I would more than appreciate it!!! <BR>Thanks, Marilyn <BR>

You will love painter's square. When you are there, and if you notice, there is a small narrow art gallery next to a small outside restaurant a block from the square and I would like to know the name of it. I saw a painting in there that I loved, but I didn't buy it. They carry the works of this artist who does very realistic paintings depicting the inside of what are very ornate living rooms, dining rooms, and outside gardens. I would like to contact the gallery to purchase a piece. I don't know how else to describe the gallery but it is to my recollection the only spot that sold art in a store and not in the square. You will find something lovely in the square though, I just happen to fall in love with something not in the square and a lot more expensive (which is why I didn't buy it then!!!). If you remember, I would more than appreciate it!!! <BR>Thanks, Marilyn <BR>

For the shot glasses, I would suggest any of the dozens of souvenir shops around Notre Dame, as well as the sidewalk vendors there. But there were also some great "rummage" stores off the side streets around Montmartre -- we found the miniature lead soldier we wanted for our son at a much more reasonable price than the military shops around Invalides, so check those shops as well. Have a great time!

Again, thanks to everyone who has offered me advice. Marilyn, I promise that I will try to find your gallery! Maybe other posters will keep thier eyes open too!!! Thank you! <BR>Sincerely, <BR>Bridget

First of all, FYI, the correct spellings of the places mentioned are : "place du Tertre" and "Montmartre". Then, if you really want to buy art in Paris, there are zillions more appropriate, better quality, more authentic, and cheaper places. One of them is very accessible : of all places, it's in the Samaritaine department store, where you can buy modern paintings at their "Baz'art", or wander around Bastille area (rue de la roquette, rue de Charenton) where you'll find hip and cheap Parisian artists. For old, cheap, fun, paintings, try the flea market on week-ends at porte de Clignancourt.

Shotglasses in London: souvenir shops have them; or go to Harrod's or Selfridge's and buy one in their housewares department (it won't say "London" on it, but it will be one that a Londoner would buy for his own use). In Covent Garden, there's a china/glass shop, I think, and I have recollections of seeing a shotglass somewhere (my sister's friend collects them also, so we're always on the lookout). London is rife with flea markets, as is Paris, and you might find an old one there. <BR>I have bought small paintings in Paris: from an artist doing his thing on the bridge in front of Notre Dame; at a flea market; from a gallery on the Left Bank. None of them cost me very much, and I sure didn't have to raise my insurance coverage, but they make me smile every time I look at them....

Bridget: <BR> <BR>In case some sites are closed, a stroll down Champ Elysees (sp?) and stopping for a glass a wine along the way and people watching was a great way my husband and I spent a couple hours this March. I am hoping the best for you. We were disappointed that the Museum O'rangie (again sp?) was closed. We enjoyed the Museum d'Orsay. <BR> <BR>If you can, try to see Rue de Cler near the eiffel tower. It is such a cute Paris street. They have the best crepes. <BR> <BR>On another note: you mention two souveniers that I bought - little eiffel towers and shot glasses - however that and my camera were stolen at Gare d'Nord. Be careful at the station. I sent down my bag for a second on top of my backpack by my feet, and it was gone. If you have a little room in your lugguage and if you are willing, maybe you can bring me back a shot glass and/little eiffel tower. I will make it worth your while $$$. I collect shot glasses. Otherwise, I will just have to plan another trip to get my souveniers. If this is possible, or if I can give you more info about Paris, please email me. Have a great trip. <BR>

Bridget, <BR>You can buy shot glasses in just about any souvenir shop. My sister collects them, so I've become an expert at hunting them down. If you can't find any that you like, go to your last resort: airport gift shops. One other tip about the funicular if you have a metro pass (can't remember the name), you can use it to ride the funicular. Just insert your ticket like you would in the metro station. It definitely beats having to walk up to Sacre Coeur! Enjoy your trip. <BR>

<BR>I suggest you follow Vincent's advice. In my opinion, the Place du Tertre is a tourist trap. Most of the "art" is overpriced and mediocre. But if you are looking only for a souvenir, perhaps you will find something you like.

I wasn't going to say anything, but...I would take a quick look at Place du Tertre (which probably used to be a charming square) and then duck out. It is the worst kind of tourist trap. As for the art: art is a very personal thing. I find the paintings there very garish. It didn't always used to be like that, but there you have it. If I were you, I'd check out the artists doing charcoal sketches. Find one who is doing a good job on someone else and ask him or her to sketch you. It'll probably be nicer and better value than any of the other stuff (shudder) that is displayed. Also, there are some artists around Notre Dame. You may get less hassle and have a gentler experience there. Good luck!