Montmartre is, without a doubt, the most famous Parisian district. This completely picturesque neighbourhood is now a household name and was famously home to many of the world's most beloved and best-known artists throughout the past couple of hundred years. While it has, undeniably, suffered from its own fame and mass-tourism, making the area less authentic in some ways and making it so expensive that the culture of young artists occupying the area that propelled its reputation is no longer financially viable for said young artists, there is still much to love about the area. You might just have to ignore the gaudier tat on sale in some shop windows and try and avoid times and places that attract the most oppressive tourist crowds. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Paris and you are looking for somewhere to wander around pretty streets and lush green spaces, to grab a bite, to go and take in some of the city's most famous sights, to soak up the unique atmosphere of Paris, and more, then Montmartre is not to be missed!
Located on the Butte (hill) Montmartre, the district of Montmartre was once marked by the dozen or so windmills that were visible atop the hill. Today, only a few remain; that of the Moulin Radet, the Moulin de la Galette, and the incredibly famous Moulin Rouge. An area that excavations have shown has been occupied since at least Roman-Gallo times, it was once known as “Mont de Mars,” or Mount Mars, and then became “Mont des Martyrs”, after Saint Denis, a Christian bishop, was decapitated on the hilltop in 250AD for preaching the Christian faith to the Gallo-Roman inhabitants the city. All of which eventually led to the current name of Montmartre. Until 1860, the neighbourhood was actually located just outside the city limits of Paris but it was annexed to the city that year along with other surrounding communities and became part of the 18th arrondissement of Paris, as it is today.
Located on the Butte (hill) Montmartre, the district of Montmartre was once marked by the dozen or so windmills that were visible atop the hill. Today, only a few remain; that of the Moulin Radet, the Moulin de la Galette, and the incredibly famous Moulin Rouge. An area that excavations have shown has been occupied since at least Roman-Gallo times, it was once known as “Mont de Mars,” or Mount Mars, and then became “Mont des Martyrs”, after Saint Denis, a Christian bishop, was decapitated on the hilltop in 250AD for preaching the Christian faith to the Gallo-Roman inhabitants the city. All of which eventually led to the current name of Montmartre. Until 1860, the neighbourhood was actually located just outside the city limits of Paris but it was annexed to the city that year along with other surrounding communities and became part of the 18th arrondissement of Paris, as it is today.
Despite becoming an official part of the city, the area has maintained a somewhat village-like appearance (there's even still a vineyard on the hill) and atmosphere that drew famous artists to the district in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the likes of Picasso, Modigliani, Miro, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Géricault, Renoir, and Van Gogh all having lived in the area at one time or another, and continues to make visitors fall in love with the place to this day. And who can blame them? Montmartre is full of charm: with its pretty, cobbled streets, artists still working away, drawing tourists for fun or for cash, cute shops and bistros, pretty parks and outdoor spaces, a stunning Basilica, streets now famous from scenes in beloved movies, and more! However, if you're looking for specific reasons to visit Montmartre (and things to do in Montmartre) in France here are just ten excellent ones!
1. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
This stunning architectural gem is a glittering white-domed masterpiece that crowns the hill of Montmartre and is clearly visible from all over the city. Built at the end of the 19th century in the Romano-Byzantine style, it is one of the most important places of worship in the city. Massive and imposing, it is home to impressive mosaics, stained glass, wall paintings and more. Plus, if you head to the forecourt of the building or, better yet, up to the domed roof, you will be able to take in the most extraordinary, unobstructed view over all of Paris, laid out like a toy town below you.
2. Amélie
Amélie was a worldwide cultural phenomenon. The internationally-acclaimed film by Jean-Pierre, which came out in 2001 and stars Audrey Tautou as the titular character, a shy waitress, largely takes place in Montmartre. Fans of the film might like to walk the same truly cinematic streets as Amélie and seek out the various spots that played out as backdrops on screen. You can even visit the Café des Deux Moulins, in which she worked, which is still open today, for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine!
1. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
This stunning architectural gem is a glittering white-domed masterpiece that crowns the hill of Montmartre and is clearly visible from all over the city. Built at the end of the 19th century in the Romano-Byzantine style, it is one of the most important places of worship in the city. Massive and imposing, it is home to impressive mosaics, stained glass, wall paintings and more. Plus, if you head to the forecourt of the building or, better yet, up to the domed roof, you will be able to take in the most extraordinary, unobstructed view over all of Paris, laid out like a toy town below you.
2. Amélie
Amélie was a worldwide cultural phenomenon. The internationally-acclaimed film by Jean-Pierre, which came out in 2001 and stars Audrey Tautou as the titular character, a shy waitress, largely takes place in Montmartre. Fans of the film might like to walk the same truly cinematic streets as Amélie and seek out the various spots that played out as backdrops on screen. You can even visit the Café des Deux Moulins, in which she worked, which is still open today, for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine!
3. The Montmartre Vineyard
Speaking of wine, if you're a wine-lover visiting Paris in Autumn, then be sure to head to the north side of the Butte where a vineyard was planted in 1930 and where you can sample the Clos Montmartre wine that is on offer during the wine harvest festival.
4. Espace Dalí
The beloved surrealist Dalí is celebrated in a museum located on 11 rue Poulbot where over 300 works – from sculptures to drawings to paintings to sculptures of his famous paintings – are on permanent display. If you're a fan of his work, this is an unmissable, concentrated experience of the artist's oeuvre.
5. The Wall of Love
If you're in Paris on honeymoon or a romantic getaway or to discover why it is nicknamed the, “City of Love,” then a visit to the Wall of Love is kind of inevitable. The "Le mur des je t'aime (I love you : the wall)" is a project that was dreamt up by Frédéric Baron, who wanted to give lovers "a meeting place; a space where love comes together in every language." A collaboration with Claire Kito, an artist who practices calligraphy, and Daniel Boulogne, a mural artist, the work sees the words, “I love you,” written out 300 times in the principal languages and dialects of the planet. Located in Place des Abbesses, in the Square Jehan Rictus, near the Abbesses Metro stop, admission is free and it is open to visit every day of the week. A perfect spot for a commemorative picture with the one you love.
Speaking of wine, if you're a wine-lover visiting Paris in Autumn, then be sure to head to the north side of the Butte where a vineyard was planted in 1930 and where you can sample the Clos Montmartre wine that is on offer during the wine harvest festival.
4. Espace Dalí
The beloved surrealist Dalí is celebrated in a museum located on 11 rue Poulbot where over 300 works – from sculptures to drawings to paintings to sculptures of his famous paintings – are on permanent display. If you're a fan of his work, this is an unmissable, concentrated experience of the artist's oeuvre.
5. The Wall of Love
If you're in Paris on honeymoon or a romantic getaway or to discover why it is nicknamed the, “City of Love,” then a visit to the Wall of Love is kind of inevitable. The "Le mur des je t'aime (I love you : the wall)" is a project that was dreamt up by Frédéric Baron, who wanted to give lovers "a meeting place; a space where love comes together in every language." A collaboration with Claire Kito, an artist who practices calligraphy, and Daniel Boulogne, a mural artist, the work sees the words, “I love you,” written out 300 times in the principal languages and dialects of the planet. Located in Place des Abbesses, in the Square Jehan Rictus, near the Abbesses Metro stop, admission is free and it is open to visit every day of the week. A perfect spot for a commemorative picture with the one you love.
6. The Little Montmartre Train
Look, this little tourist train that explores the streets of Montmartre is kitschy and touristy and not everyone's cup of tea. However, if you're with kids, you're less mobile (Montmartre is literally a hill, so trekking around can be potentially tricky for older visitors or those using a wheelchair or walking stick), or you have a soft-spot for such things, it's a nice way to see the neighbourhood at a glance. Looping around Place Blanche, it takes visitors on a 40-minute tour of Montmartre, discovering the major local sights, with running commentary as the train explores the district. If you're looking for something a little less touristy and you're up for tackling the hilly nature of the area, we recommend just wandering around Montmartre with a map (or your phone). You'll never get too lost no matter how bad at directions you are and you'll see both the famous spots and hidden gems that are a little off the regular beaten tourist path.
7. The Moulin Rouge
Things have changed in Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge itself is, no doubt, not quite the raucous establishment captured in Toulouse-Lautrec's famous posters but it is still iconic, up-and-running, and putting on performances. Again, quite touristy, but a unique and incredible experience nonetheless. Book a ticket to experience this long tradition of performance in Paris!
8. Place du Tertre
Packed with artists lined up with their easels in this picturesque cobblestone square, the Place du Tertre is where you can head to see the artists of Montmartre today. View their works on display, purchase some as unique souvenirs and, maybe, even get a portrait painted or drawn.
Look, this little tourist train that explores the streets of Montmartre is kitschy and touristy and not everyone's cup of tea. However, if you're with kids, you're less mobile (Montmartre is literally a hill, so trekking around can be potentially tricky for older visitors or those using a wheelchair or walking stick), or you have a soft-spot for such things, it's a nice way to see the neighbourhood at a glance. Looping around Place Blanche, it takes visitors on a 40-minute tour of Montmartre, discovering the major local sights, with running commentary as the train explores the district. If you're looking for something a little less touristy and you're up for tackling the hilly nature of the area, we recommend just wandering around Montmartre with a map (or your phone). You'll never get too lost no matter how bad at directions you are and you'll see both the famous spots and hidden gems that are a little off the regular beaten tourist path.
7. The Moulin Rouge
Things have changed in Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge itself is, no doubt, not quite the raucous establishment captured in Toulouse-Lautrec's famous posters but it is still iconic, up-and-running, and putting on performances. Again, quite touristy, but a unique and incredible experience nonetheless. Book a ticket to experience this long tradition of performance in Paris!
8. Place du Tertre
Packed with artists lined up with their easels in this picturesque cobblestone square, the Place du Tertre is where you can head to see the artists of Montmartre today. View their works on display, purchase some as unique souvenirs and, maybe, even get a portrait painted or drawn.
9. Musée de l’Erotisme
A less family-friendly activity and more interesting, perhaps, to couples or pals, this unique museum presents seven floors of erotic art and artefacts to be explored.
10. Rue de Steinkerque
It can feel like bargains are nonexistent in Paris but this street, normally just lined with stores selling t-shirts and trinkets, becomes the spot to find an excellent deal on Saturday mornings when, early in the day, trucks pull up dropping cardboard boxes of brand-name clothes being sold at low prices. Bring cash and be prepared for a struggle as savvy shoppers fight for what they want.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Paris and are spending time in the capital of France, be sure to set aside some time to spend in Montmartre!
A less family-friendly activity and more interesting, perhaps, to couples or pals, this unique museum presents seven floors of erotic art and artefacts to be explored.
10. Rue de Steinkerque
It can feel like bargains are nonexistent in Paris but this street, normally just lined with stores selling t-shirts and trinkets, becomes the spot to find an excellent deal on Saturday mornings when, early in the day, trucks pull up dropping cardboard boxes of brand-name clothes being sold at low prices. Bring cash and be prepared for a struggle as savvy shoppers fight for what they want.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Paris and are spending time in the capital of France, be sure to set aside some time to spend in Montmartre!