Gaze up at the country’s most iconic basilica standing atop this hilly region of art stalls in northern Paris.

Visit the artistic community of Montmartre that stands on the hilltop of the 18th Arrondissement. Once the site of a political uprising, it became a creative zone in the early 20th century, welcoming artists including Picasso and Dalí.

Ride the Montmartre Funicular from base to peak in less than 2 minutes to see the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. For a greater challenge, walk up the 220 steps of the adjoining Rue Foyatier. Various outdoor stairs join Montmartre to the lower parts of Paris.

At the hilltop, find the white basilica visible from across the city. Note the onion dome and towers that resemble a mosque as much as they do a church. It was built in the late 19th century in the Romano-Byzantine style. Enjoy spectacular views of Paris from this high point of the city. Peruse the interior for its huge Christ in Glory mosaic, meditation garden and large organ.

Just west of the church is the Place du Tertre, known as “Artists’ Square.” Watch talented painters creating masterpieces in front of your eyes, even in the rain under umbrellas. As an ideal souvenir, have your portrait made in the particular style of one of the artists.

Few sites in the world are more iconic than the Moulin Rouge, partly due to the 2001 movie. Attend a traditional burlesque dance show for its excellent choreographed dance acts, comedians and magicians. Get a photo of your family standing outside the famous windmill and neon lights.

It stands in part of the red-light district, which is now fading. Walk to Place Pigalle to see the wicked side of Paris, with its lively square full of strip clubs.

Ride lines 2, 4 or 12 of the metro to arrive at one of the stations in this zone. It is in the central northern part of the city, just north of the 9th and 10th arrondissements.

The 18th Arrondissement makes Paris among the world’s most favourable destinations, with fascinating monuments and quirky art markets.