The most awe-inspiring view possible of Paris from high on the hill of Montmartre - you see the city as if it were in a bowl, a lot like the view from Sacre-Coeur but it's your very own and you don't have to jostle with everyone else. The front of the house faces the Place des Abbesses, which is nonstop revelry for all ages - a merry-go-round, bars, music, etc.
This place is not a quiet retreat from the city (although we were there during the recent record heatwave and had to keep the windows open because of the temperature; when they were closed they effectively blocked out the street noise) . It's lively and vibrant and... alive..