Discover the incomparable charm of the Montmartre district and its museums, vineyards,windmills, Sacré-Cœur…!
With its cobbled streets, stunning Basilica, artists, bistros ... Montmartre is full of charm! Perched on the top of a small hill in the 18th arrondissement, the most famous Parisian district has lost none of its village atmosphere that appealed so much to the artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. A real melting pot of art and inspiration for the cinema, Montmartre still gives as much pleasure to those who stroll around it and figures high on the list for a stay in Paris.
With your sweetheart or friends, enjoy museum visits and the wonderful view of the city from the top of Sacré-Cœur, then set off in the steps of Amelie of Montmartre.
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You can see this entirely white landmark from all parts of Paris. The Sacré-Cœur basilica is a masterpiece of grace and grandeur. Built at the end of the 19th century in the Romano-Byzantine style, it is dedicated to the heart of Christ and is an important place of worship in the capital. It houses the largest mosaic in France, measuring no less than 480 m²!
Perched on the Butte (hill) Montmartre, the basilica is accessible by funicular from the Place Saint-Pierre or via the lawns and steps from the little public garden ‘Square Louise Michel’. For an unobstructed view over Paris, nothing beats the view from the forecourt of the building or, even better, that from the top of its majestic dome.
© Mary Quincy
If you're looking for a little green haven, Montmartre will amaze you with its many gardens and vineyard! Planted in 1930 on the north side of the famous Butte, the vines perpetuate the memory of a rural neighbourhood in the heart of the capital. The Clos Montmartre wine can be sampled each autumn during the wine harvest festival – a convivial occasion to share with friends or a loved one.
Some two centuries ago, the Butte Montmartre looked quite different from today with its dozen or so windmills standing on the hill. You can still see two of them today, the Moulin Radet and the Moulin de la Galette, which add a touch of romance to the district.
Another famous landmark windmill in the district is the Moulin Rouge! This windmill has absolutely no agricultural function, and is in fact the temple of the French cancan, and a leading not-to-miss venue for Parisian shows.
If there is one film set in Montmartre to remember it is Amelie of Montmartre! This internationally-acclaimed film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet renders all the charm of the legendary district, with its cobblestone streets, small grocery stores and cafes on the big screen. The cafe where Amélie worked still exists! There’s nothing like a pause in one of these to soak up the atmosphere of the district.
The Square Willette (today Square Louise Michel below Sacré-Cœur) with its old merry-go-round, around which Amélie concocts a treasure hunt to attract Nino Quincampoix, has not changed either!
© Studio TTG
Like Picasso, Modigliani, Miro and before them Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Géricault, Renoir and Van Gogh, painters have for a long time made Montmartre their home, met up in cafes and busied themselves in the many artists’ studios on the Butte.
To delve into this art world of the past, visit the Musée Montmartre where you can wander around the former artists’ studios and a garden flanking the hill. And if you are a fan of surrealism, head to Dalí Paris, at 11 rue Poulbot. The museum pays tribute to this unclassifiable artist and his art. You’ll be amazed.
Today, Montmartre is still abuzz with art with eclectic galleries and the Halle Saint-Pierre, where art brut is superbly represented. And if you want to have your portrait drawn or painted, go to Place du Tertre just behind Sacré-Cœur, where dozens of professional drawers and cartoonists will be delighted to spend a moment with you!
© Studio TTG
After a day of walking up and down the steep streets of the Butte, nothing beats a pause on the terrace of a bistro or in one of the many restaurants in the area.
For a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, go to the Café des Deux Moulins, the famous cafe of Amélie Poulain or Au Rendez-Vous des Amis. For a taste of typical French cooking, go to Au Cadet de Gascogne, ideally located on the Place du Tertre, La bonne franquette, in Rue des Saules. And on the heights, you’ll find Chamarré, a gourmet restaurant whose tree-filled terrace is spread alongside a long flight of steps.
And finally for a panoramic view, the rooftop of the Terrass Hotel is the perfect spot! Located at 12-14 rue Joseph de Maistre, it serves bistronomic cooking and affords a breathtaking view of Paris.
© Studio TTG
The little train of Montmartre is a well-known sight in the district and gently winds its way up the hill. It loops around Place Blanche, embarking visitors on a 40-minute tour with commentary to discover the major local sights. An original and novel tour that is a must do!
Would you like to discover Montmartre in a fun way? Dive into a thrilling adventure with Escape game aventure Montmartre, the perfect way to explore this iconic district of Paris!
Fancy a romantic and unusual outing? Hop into a the 2 CV Paris Visite or the mythical 2CV for a night tour of the capital, and discover its finest monuments: the Arc de Triomphe, the Garnier Opera House, and Notre-Dame plus of course, Montmartre to finish!
And to be sure of seeing all the sights, call on an expert! There are many guided tours available to explore the Butte. To stroll along the streets of the most Bohemian district of Paris with a local, two guided tours are available in French, English, Spanish, German, Italian or Portuguese, depending on the day.
Often available in several languages, they are another way of discovering Paris. Here is a selection:
Piaf, Brel, Aznavour, Dalida... Between songs, anecdotes and more confidential addresses, Montmartre en chansons takes you back to the "Time of Cherries in the Time of Flowers".
EDIT: The game is also available in kids and teenagers versions.
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Discover the best activities and experiences to enjoy in Montmartre: guided tours, investigative tours, song tours, strolls and tastings in this iconic district.
There are several options for getting to the quartier de Montmartre:
By metro:
Line 2: get off at Anvers station, then take the funicular or climb the steps to the top.
By bus:
Bus 40**: takes you directly to Montmartre, via Pigalle and Jules Joffrin.
Bus 95**: stops close to the hill.
By funicular: fast and direct, it takes you to the top, near the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.
On foot: start your ascent from Anvers station. It's an ideal way to discover the charming backstreets of the district.
Once there, take advantage of the little tourist trains for a picturesque and enjoyable tour of the district and its surroundings:
Make the most of the good weather on a stroll from the marché Saint-Pierre to the place des Abbesses to discover the butte Montmartre:
The Montmartre district was a veritable artistic breeding ground, attracting some of the greatest names in painting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso drew much of his inspiration from this bohemian neighbourhood. Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch painter of genius, also lived in Montmartre, where he developed his unique style. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a local icon, is best known for his captivating posters depicting the nightlife of Montmartre's cabarets and theatres, such as the Moulin Rouge. The Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani left a lasting impression with his characteristic portraits, often influenced by the vibrant atmosphere of Montmartre.
Impressionists Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir were also attracted by the light and energy of the district, and immortalised scenes of everyday life in Montmartre in their works. Montmartre, with its picturesque streets and bohemian atmosphere, offered these artists a unique setting in which to experiment, create and shape the history of modern art.
Montmartre is packed with activities not to be missed. Here's our top 10 things to do once you're in the area:
Montmartre can be visited at any time of year. However, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons in terms of numbers and weather for exploring this legendary district in complete tranquillity.
