Although Montmarte is a young area of Paris, it is surprisingly popular amongst foreigners and Frenchmen. The perpendicular roads and staircases, its 19th and 20th century artists and the buzzing cafes and bars contribute to the allure of the Paris sightseeing neighborhood.

Fortunately, there are plenty of Paris vacation rentals to accommodate all of the tourists it attracts. Located in the 18th arrondissement, Montmarte is located on a hill making it the highest point in Paris.

It is snugly filled with houses. Despite the swamp of tourists, it is difficult to resist the charm of this very romantic district. The cafes of rue des Trois-Freres found at the top of the hill are popular for evening drinks.

Artists started to inhabit the area in the 1880s: Renoir used the cafes for inspiration; Toulouse-Lautrec used the local bars and cabarets; and Picasso frequented the area himself a bit later.

Pigalle is quite the opposite of Montmarte. It is located in the 9th arrondissement at the bottom of the hill and is known for its Paris sightseeing sex shops and sleaze.

Tourist will probably find that walking through this district will attract the hassling of barkers to come see a peep show. By the end of the 19th century, 25 of the 58 structures on rued des Martyrs were cabarets.

Just south of Pigalle and east of rue Blanche is an great Paris sightseeing area called La Nouvelle Athenes (New Athens) right after it became populated by artists, writers and composers in the early 19th century.

Long-forgotten actresses had mansions built here, some of which can be found on rue de la Tour-des-Dames. You can find some luxury Paris vacation rentals here, as well. Paris vacation rentals are a great alternative to pricey hotels.