Montmartre

Paris is known as the ideal city for a city trip. The sights and culinary offerings of the City of Love are so diverse that it can be hard to know where to begin. I can help with this by giving you the advice: Start your discovery tour in the Montmartre district, the artists' quarter of Paris!

Montmartre is a Parisian neighborhood with a unique charm. It is located on a hill at the northern edge of the city in the 18th arrondissement. You will recognize it immediately, as the majestic Basilica of Sacré-Cœur stands here, offering the best view over the entire city. But that's not all there is to see, as the artists' quarter always presents itself in its colorful and diverse side. Read here what awaits you in Montmartre.

The Montmartre district covers about six square kilometers and has nearly 200,000 inhabitants. Characteristic are the narrow cobblestone streets that define the character of the artists' quarter. Many may recognize the neighborhood from the film 'Amélie'. Colorful houses line the picturesque sloping streets, adding to the special charm of Montmartre. There are many cafés and restaurants, small bistros, old shops, studios, and vintage stores. What most people don't know is that this scenic district has its own vineyards located on the slope of the hill, where even its own wine is produced.

In Montmartre, joie de vivre and enjoyment come first. The area around Place du Tertre and the nearby Pigalle is highly touristy, and there are many little knick-knack shops. However, many charming corners away from the tourist crowds can also be found. Just start walking and see where the path leads you. You are sure to discover something surprising.

The 18th arrondissement also has some very famous sights to discover. Of course, I will also inform you about secret tips that you absolutely must see. Let yourself be inspired for your next Paris trip and discover the city adventurer within you!

Unmistakably, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Paris. Crowds of tourists flock here because the Roman Catholic church offers visitors a unique view over the entire city.

It stands majestically in its neo-Byzantine architectural style at the highest point in the Paris region - so you can recognize it even from 'below' and orient yourself by its location. The basilica can be reached via a long staircase with 237 steps. Many tourists and young Parisians gather here to dance and make music for the visitors, where you can particularly feel the charm of the place. Take a look at the impressive interior of the basilica - I promise you will be overwhelmed!

The Cimetière de Montmartre is the third-largest cemetery in Paris. Famous personalities such as Heinrich Heine, Émile Zola, Foucault, Edgar Degas, Jacques Offenbach, and Stendhal are buried here. It is worth taking a look at a few of the numerous graves, some of which have been around since 1825. This place has not only a unique atmosphere, but there are also interesting headstones and sculptures to admire. The cemetery, which is designed like a small park, did not belong to Paris at the time of its founding. Here you can enjoy a few quiet minutes away from the tourist hustle and let the place resonate with you. Trace the paths of history!

What many don't know is that there were once twelve windmills on the Butte Montmartre. They were used for grinding wheat and pressing grapes. Today you can still admire the Moulin de la Galette. It is located on Rue Lepic and now houses a great restaurant with a unique atmosphere. Enjoy the delicious French cuisine or sit in the little garden of the mill. You definitely won't forget this visit!

Easily recognizable by the red mill, is the cabaret Moulin Rouge. It is THE famous cabaret among cabarets and is located on Boulevard de Clichy. The Moulin Rouge is designed in the style of the Belle Époque and accommodates over 800 spectators. If you want tickets for one of the shows, you must hurry, as they sell out quickly. In my Ticketbar, you can even snag tickets for a Moulin Rouge dinner show, including a luxury bus ride!

The Marché aux Puces de St. Ouen is the world's largest flea market, located in the very north of the 18th arrondissement.

It has been around since 1885 and is open only on weekends. Its 15 different markets offer everything from antique furniture to collectibles, art objects, and second-hand clothes. The flea market attracts many tourists and invites browsing and strolling. So make sure to look for small treasures on your next Paris trip and perhaps snag a great souvenir for home. Don't you think that would be a great alternative to the classic Eiffel Tower keychain?

Montmartre is also known as the artists' quarter because many renowned artists lived there during the Belle Époque - including Picasso, van Gogh, Matisse, Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, Modigliani, Braque, and many others. Even today, you can find numerous artists and their studios in this part of Paris, as the picturesque district offers ideal conditions and inspiration. While the affordable rents of the past are no longer found today, this does not deter artists and craftsmen from living and working in Montmartre.

Place du Tertre is probably the most famous and frequently visited square in Paris. Every day, artists sit there with all their materials to earn money with their art. On one square meter, two artists can work, each having their area. They must apply for a new permit for their spot with the city of Paris every year, and not everyone is allowed to work here: only about 300 spots are granted. Therefore, many artists also work here illegally - so be vigilant!

Many tourists have their portraits painted here by the artists, who vary in skill. It's best to watch the artists at work for a while and then decide whether and from whom you want to have a piece of art painted - as you will pay at least €20 for a portrait. During the day, Place du Tertre is unfortunately very crowded, so it is worth coming in the early morning or afternoon. Here, painting, cutting, and trading happen, but that's what makes the special atmosphere in the artists' quarter of Paris!

If you want to see the art of a famous artist, you must definitely visit the Dali Museum 'Espace Dali'. Here, a variety of works by Salvador Dali are exhibited, making it the largest Dali museum in France. At the Montmartre Museum, you can immerse yourself in the history of the district and learn about the artists and their works. The museum offers a unique view of the hidden vineyards from its garden. Of course, Vincent van Gogh must not be missing here, as the popular artist lived for several years in Montmartre with his brother and art dealer Theo van Gogh. So be sure to visit the Van Gogh house on Rue Lepic!

In Montmartre, the artists' quarter of Paris, you will find numerous special cafés and restaurants where you can indulge in culinary delights. The first cafés open early in the morning so you can order a 'petit déjeuner', a small breakfast.

In summer, it is also nice to sit on the terraces and in the small gardens and enjoy. The Montmartre district offers a diverse culinary range: here you will find small cafés, patisseries, delicatessens, wine bars, and more. The famous macarons or a piece of good French cheese are surely the perfect culinary souvenir to take home, don't you think?

If you're in the mood for a small breakfast or a nice snack in Montmartre, then check out the lovely bistro Café Francoeur. Here, not only the food is impressive, but also the unique design of the premises. The Café Cuillier is typically French - those who want to enjoy a delicious coffee away from the tourist crowds will find the right place here. Also popular is the restaurant Les Apotres de Pigalle, which serves tapas-style dishes with a South American touch. The presentation of the dishes resembles a work of art. At Sacrée fleur, a particularly rustic ambiance prevails, and meat lovers will surely be satisfied here. The dessert and wine selection are also highly praised. So hurry up and enjoy!

In Montmartre, you will find many hotels and accommodations where you can stay wonderfully and from where you can start your discovery tour through the district. The Hotel Le Chat Noir is luxuriously equipped and is just a few minutes' walk from the Cimetière de Montmartre and Place de Clichy. Also in the heart of Montmartre is the Terrass' Hotel Montmartre by MH, where you can enjoy your 'petit déjeuner' on a breathtaking panoramic terrace with views over Paris. Just a few hundred meters from Sacré-Cœur is the picturesque Hotel Particulier Montmartre. It is located in an old townhouse and the rooms have been individually designed by artists. Enjoy your breakfast in the garden or in the house's winter garden.

So, are you curious now? Go on a discovery tour through Montmartre, the artists' quarter of Paris. Stroll through the small charming streets, enjoy a coffee in a French bistro, climb the steps to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, watch the artists at work in Place du Tertre, and try the wine produced in Montmartre. You won't regret it! And now check out my great Paris offers!