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The Best of Montmartre Paris: From Its Iconic Landmarks to Its Quaint Streets

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The world famous district of Montmartre Paris France is only a few scrolls down with its stunning, dreamy, Parisian vibe welcoming thousands of visitors every year. If you are planning to be one of them any time soon, you shouldn’t miss out on our recommendations of the beautiful attractions, the delicious food, the best hotels to stay and many more in the district. Montmartre, located in the 18th arrondissement, welcomes its guests with its village-like structure, offering a bunch of options to taste the ultimate French experience. Very well-known from the movies, TV shows, or Instagram posts, Montmartre is truly an iconic district in the city of Paris.

Why should you visit Montmartre?

montmartre streets

Montmartre, with its exquisite appearance in the 18th arrondissement, is an iconic neighborhood in the city of Paris. Montmartre Paris is quite a landmark with its cobbled streets, vintage shops, tiny Parisian eateries, also featuring a rich history. It is worth to see a dreamy village-like view in the middle of a fast-changing cosmopolitan city of Paris.

Montmartre used to be a top destination, even a residency, for many artists and writers including Van Gogh, Renoir, and Picasso. It was the ultimate district of inspiration during 19th and 20th centuries. Still, it has lost nothing of its artistic character, thanks to Place du Tertre, where artists paint in open air and sell their works.

These facts, its history and all the landmarks make this district as one of the best places to go if you want to experience the old and beautiful side of Paris. Despite being less well-known than the likes of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, the charming district of Montmartre is well worth the trip.

History of Montmartre

Montmartre Paris

The 18th arrondissement where Montmartre district is located, was not even a part of Paris back in the day. Instead, Montmartre was a separate village run by farmlands and vineyards. In the 19th century, it was a center of artistic and intellectual life, attracting writers, painters, and musicians from all over Europe.

This neighborhood was home to many famous artists, including Toulouse-Lautrec, Vincent van Gogh, and Yves Saint-Laurent, and also featured the world-famous cabaret club, the Moulin Rouge. Montmartre’s artistic legacy lives on in the many art galleries, cafes, and street performers that populate the neighborhood today. It is now a very significant tourist attraction for thousands of visitors every year.

Must-see Places in Montmartre Paris

Basilica Sacre-Coeur

Basilica of Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre

Sacre-Coeur, meaning “sacred heart” is a reference to the heart of Jesus, implying his pure love for humanity. The spotless white color of the building is certainly telling of its pure essence in the heart of Paris. Built in 1875, Basilica Sacre-Coeur Paris is one of the most famous landmarks of Paris in the Sacre Coeur arrondissement. Le Sacre Coeur Paris is a must-see in terms of the stunning Roman-Byzantine architecture and the large mosaics inside. The Basilica rises up to 83 metres, offering a panorama of Paris. It is certainly one of the most iconic buildings in history with its immaculate design.

Moulin Rouge

moulin rouge paris

Champagne, feathers, lights, singing, dancing, laughing… The World famous cabaret Moulin Rouge has been iconized by its red mill. Since the 1900s, Moulin Rouge has hosted spectacular shows featuring even Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, Elza Fitzgerald and many more. Historically, Moulin Rouge is the venue that is associated with the can-can dance that swept up Paris music halls in the 1840s, and the place has not lost the spirit of high-energy performances since then. Throughout time the venue has gained a style of entertainment on its own that became world famous. We recommend you to catch a show, or a matinee with an optional dinner here. Reservation is a must!

Montmartre Museum

Montmartre Museum

One of the oldest buildings in Paris, Montmartre Museum has been a residency for many famous artists and painters, still keeping the artworks and exhibiting to the visitors who would love some 19th century art. You can expect to see a collection of paintings, photographs, illustrations and so much more by artists like Modigliani, Utrillo, Dumont and others. There are three gardens around the museum that host the vineyards of Clos Montmartre, featuring an amazing view of the Montmartre village.

Church of St. Pierre

Church of St. Pierre

Saint Pierre de Montmartre is the oldest church in Paris. Before it was built, the church’s ground is believed to be a temple to Mercury. It is also historically important as it was the place where the Society of Jesus was formed by taking of vows. Some of the original pillars are still standing in this beautiful church. Church of St. Pierre hosts some exquisite designs of glass and wooden work that you must definitely see as a part of the rich, historic tapestry of Montmartre.

Bateau Lavoire

Bateau Lavoire

Photo Credit: @BateauLavoire

Bateau Lavoire was built as a floating laundry barge in 1877. It gets its name, which translates to “Laundry Boat,” from its original purpose. The structure was a barge with two levels, the upper level for laundry and the lower level for storage.

Bateau Lavoire became a hub of artistic and intellectual activity in the early 20th century. Writers and artists flocked to the building, drawn by the low rent and proximity to Montmartre’s bohemian lifestyle. Pablo Picasso painted his famous Les Demoiselles d’Avignon in this building, and it is regarded as a seminal work of modern art.

Georges Braque, Max Jacob, Juan Gris, and Guillaume Apollinaire were among the other famous artists who lived and worked in Bateau Lavoire. These artists and writers were at the heart of the Cubist movement, a game-changing art movement that revolutionized how art was created and viewed.

Clos de Montmartre

Clos de Montmartre

Clos de Montmartre was founded in 1933 by a group of Parisian wine enthusiasts. The vineyard was established to preserve the city’s winemaking heritage, which had been lost due to urbanization and industrialization.

The vineyard is located on the slopes of Montmartre and produces approximately 1,500 bottles of wine per year. The wine is produced using traditional methods and is a blend of several grape varieties, including Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Clos de Montmartre is a must-see with its large, bright, spectacular outdoor view.

Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre montmartre

Place du Tertre has a rich and famous history dating back to the Middle Ages. The square was once the site of a small village before becoming a meeting place for artists and bohemians in the late 19th century.

The area became a hub of artistic activity in the early twentieth century, and it was home to many famous artists, including Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. The square is still a popular destination for artists today, and it is known for its vibrant and colorful atmosphere.

Place du Tertre is located in the heart of Montmartre as a famous square hosting cafes, eateries, and most importantly, the open air painters. On the ground and on the walls with certain circumferences are where the selected painters are allowed to work on. You can treat yourself with one of the food and drink options around the square while walking through the most amazing artworks lively produced by some contemporary artists.

Musée de la Vie Romantique

Musée de la Vie Romantique Paris

This “Museum of Love” is the perfect place to experience art exhibitions, live music events, workshops, book readings and so on. This salon used to be the host for many great artists like Frederic Chopin, Franz Lizst, George Sand and their music. We recommend you to visit here before October, since the lovely tearoom located in the garden of the museum is open only then.

Le Mur Des Je t’aime

Le Mur Des Je t’aime

Now that we have entered the romantic vibe of the city of Paris, “The I Love You” Wall is a must-see for Montmartre visitors. The Wall is covered with the phrase “I love you” in 250 different languages. Le Mur Des Je t’aime is a relatively new monument that you must see in Paris, as it was created in the year of 2000 by calligrapher Fédéric Baron and artist Claire Kito. Its tiles are made out of enamelled lava and it is a beautiful testament to love in the city that is known to be the most romantic one in the world. It is a perfect spot for selfies and photographs for our couples out there.

Cafes and Restaurants in Montmartre

Le Vrai Paris

Le Vrai Paris

Photo Credit: @levrai

Le Vrai Paris is a perfect way to start the day with its delicious coffee and stunning exterior. Walls covered with lavender vines welcome you to this cozy little café in Montmartre. Not only is it a café but you may also have a wide range of options from brunch to dinner. It is frequented by both locals and tourists. Make sure you try their delicious beef with a bottle of Rosé from Provence. It can be quite crowded so make sure to plan ahead if you wish to enjoy the restaurant. Le Vrai Paris is a nice, touristic place to have a break during your day in Montmartre.

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Atelier P1

Atelier P1 cinnamon roll

Photo Credit: @AtelierP1

If you are looking for some famous French bakery around Montmartre, Atelier P1 is the perfect spot for you. You can expect to find some special breads made out of old wheat flour, with 100% organic ingredients, and different flavors like fruit and nuts. There are also options of pastries and sandwiches: fruit tarts are a must-try besides babkas and cinnamon rolls. Good news for those who like to get their hands on the dough: Atelier P1 also offers a workshop every Wednesday from 3 to 6 pm where you can learn to make your own sourdough bread.

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Le Cabanon de la Butte

le cabanon de labutte

Photo Credit: @lecabanondelabutte

This family owned restaurant offers traditional, homemade French meals you can taste while enjoying the Parisian interior. Being very close to Sacre Cour, Le Cabanon de la Butte is also a good spot to see the Paris skyline. It’s well known for its reasonable prices and portions, also having a very friendly staff.

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La Maison Rose

La Maison Rose Paris

Photo Credit: @lamaisonrose

While being a touristic spot in Montmartre, La Maison Rose never loses its spark when it comes to exploring eateries in Montmartre district. The highlight about this lovely little café is that it has a history to it: For over a century it has been in service, especially for many famous artists such as Dalida, Picasso, Van Gogh. The homemade focaccia here is a must-try with a side of goat cheese. We recommend you to book a place in advance, since the restaurant is usually very busy.

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Taverne de Montmartre

Taverne de Montmartre

Photo Credit: @TavernedeMontmartre

Featuring a rustic interior, Taverne de Montmartre is a great place to savor traditional French cuisine. We recommend the beef bourguignon and traditional cheese Raclette served with a tiny coal fire. Likewise, you should also try the fondue served with porcini mushroom. This restaurant is also suitable for large groups.

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How many hours do you need in Montmartre?

The amount of time you need to spend in Montmartre is determined by your interests and what you want to see and do. However, you should allow 3-4 hours to get a good sense of the area and explore its main attractions.

You could go to the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Paris from its hilltop location during this time. You could also stroll through Montmartre’s charming streets, admiring the historic architecture and browsing the many art galleries, shops, and cafes.

 

Many more could be found simply when you are merely wandering through the streets of Montmartre. This neighborhood will truly feed your soul with the most amazing streets, allowing a number of options of sight-seeing including culinary, shops, museums that you can find just around every other corner. If you are interested in French historical structures just like the ones in Montmartre, don’t forget to check out our article on Saint Chapelle! Have a lovely travel!

 

FAQ

Is it worth visiting Montmartre Paris?

It definitely is. Visitors of Paris should at least make a stop even if they are passing by Montmartre.

Is Montmartre a nice area in Paris?

Montmartre features a number of options of cafes and bars, as well as shops and museums that are built in a certain type of architecture; serving to the dreamy Parisian vibe.

Why do people go to Montmartre?

There are many tourist attractions in the area that have become World famous over time.

What is the famous street in Montmartre?

Rue de l'Abreuvoir is a very famous street where many Tv shows and movies like Emily in Paris and Amelie were filmed.

Is Montmartre a red light district?

The red light district is located on the edge of the 9th and 18th, starting on the square of Pigalle.

How do you spend the day in Montmartre?

You can start your day with some famous French bakery and coffee, followed by a tour of the surroundings like museums and shops, and then have a lovely dinner at famous restaurants renowned by French chefs.
5/5 - (3 votes)

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