About Montmartre
Montmartre is Paris's legendary hilltop neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement, crowned by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This bohemian village was once home to artists like Picasso, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec, and still maintains its artistic spirit today. From the famous Moulin Rouge at its base to the charming streets of Place du Tertre at its summit, Montmartre offers a unique blend of artistic heritage, tourist attractions, and authentic Parisian village life.
📍 Location
18th Arrondissement, Hilltop
🎨 Character
Artistic, Bohemian, Village-like
🎭 Famous For
Artists, cabarets, panoramic views
🚡 Access
Funicular, Metro, Stairs
💡 Neighborhood Tips
- Take the funicular to avoid the 300+ step climb
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for best light
- Explore both tourist areas and authentic village streets
- Evening brings different energy with cabarets and nightlife
- Be aware of tourist scams in main squares
Exploring Different Areas of Montmartre
🎨 Place du Tertre (Artists' Square)
Artist Activities:
- Portrait artists: Quick sketches and paintings
- Caricature artists: Fun tourist souvenirs
- Street painters: Landscape and abstract art
- Traditional crafts: Local artisan work
Historic Restaurants:
- La Mère Catherine: Founded 1793, traditional
- Le Consulat: Belle Époque atmosphere
- A la Bonne Franquette: Artists' favorite
Shopping:
- Original artwork and prints
- Traditional French crafts
- Postcards and souvenirs
- Vintage posters and memorabilia
Tips:
- Negotiate prices with artists
- Early morning for fewer crowds
- Tourist-focused but authentic atmosphere
⛪ Sacré-Cœur Area
The Basilica:
- Entry: Free to basilica, €7 for dome
- Hours: 6 AM - 10:30 PM daily
- Views: Panoramic Paris vista
- Architecture: Romano-Byzantine style
Surrounding Area:
- Steps viewpoint: Free panoramic views
- Gardens: Peaceful walking areas
- Street performers: Music and entertainment
Nearby Attractions:
- Saint-Pierre de Montmartre: Ancient church
- Espace Dalí: Salvador Dalí museum
- Moulin de la Galette: Historic windmill
🍷 Village Montmartre
Authentic Streets:
- Rue des Saules: Last vineyard in Paris
- Rue Cortot: Musée de Montmartre
- Place du Calvaire: Quiet village square
- Passage des Abbesses: Hidden pathway
Local Life:
- Residential streets: Away from tourists
- Local cafés: Neighborhood gathering spots
- Small shops: Bakeries, pharmacies
- Community gardens: Green spaces
Cultural Sites:
- Musée de Montmartre: Local history
- Vignes du Clos Montmartre: Working vineyard
- Maison Rose: Picasso's favorite restaurant
🎭 Pigalle & Nightlife
Famous Cabarets:
- Moulin Rouge: World-famous cabaret
- Folies Bergère: Historic music hall
- Lido: Glamorous shows
Alternative Scene:
- SoPi (South Pigalle): Trendy bars and restaurants
- Rue des Martyrs: Foodie street
- Modern bistros: Creative cuisine
Music Venues:
- La Cigale: Concert hall
- Le Trianon: Historic theater
- Various jazz clubs: Intimate venues
Shopping:
- Music instrument shops
- Vintage clothing stores
- Art supply shops
Dining & Entertainment
🍽️ Traditional Dining
Historic Restaurants:
- La Mère Catherine: Traditional French since 1793
- Le Consulat: Belle Époque charm
- Au Lapin Agile: Historic cabaret with dinner
- A la Bonne Franquette: Artists' hangout
Local Bistros:
- Le Moulin de la Galette: Guinguette atmosphere
- La Maison Rose: Picasso's favorite
- Le Procope: Hidden gem
Price Ranges:
- Tourist restaurants: €25-40 per person
- Local bistros: €15-25 per person
- Fine dining: €50+ per person
☕ Cafés & Casual Dining
Traditional Cafés:
- Café des Deux Moulins: Amélie movie fame
- L'Atelier Renault: Artistic atmosphere
- Various terrace cafés: People watching
Modern Coffee Culture:
- Craft coffee shops: Specialty roasters
- Artisan bakeries: Fresh pastries
- Wine bars: Local vintages
Quick Eats:
- Crêpe stands throughout the area
- Traditional French sandwiches
- Ice cream and sweets
🎭 Cabaret & Shows
World-Famous Cabarets:
- Moulin Rouge: €87-200+ with/without dinner
- Lido: €70-180+ various packages
- Folies Bergère: €45-100+ shows
Intimate Venues:
- Au Lapin Agile: Traditional chanson cabaret
- Le Chat Noir: Historical cabaret
- Various jazz clubs: Music and atmosphere
Booking Tips:
- Reserve in advance, especially weekends
- Dinner + show packages often better value
- Dress code: smart casual to elegant
🌃 Nightlife
Bars & Pubs:
- SoPi area: Trendy cocktail bars
- Traditional wine bars: Local atmosphere
- Irish pubs: International crowd
Music Venues:
- La Cigale: Concert hall for major acts
- Le Trianon: Historic theater and concerts
- Jazz clubs: Intimate performances
Late Night Options:
- 24-hour cafés and brasseries
- Night clubs and dancing
- Late-night food options
Practical Information
⚠️ Safety & Awareness
- Tourist scams: Friendship bracelet sellers
- Pickpockets: Active in crowded areas
- Betting games: Avoid street games
- Overpriced restaurants: Check menus carefully
- Police presence: Tourist police in main areas
💰 Budget Tips
- Free attractions: Basilica, views, street art
- Happy hours: Early evening drink specials
- Menu prices: Terrace vs. inside pricing
- Artist negotiations: Haggle politely
- Lunch menus: Better value than dinner
🧳 What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for cobblestones and stairs
- Camera for panoramic views and street scenes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hilltop winds)
- Small cash for street artists and vendors
- Daypack with security features
⏰ Best Times to Visit
- Early morning: Fewer crowds, peaceful
- Late afternoon: Golden hour photography
- Sunset: Spectacular views and atmosphere
- Evening: Cabaret and nightlife scene
- Avoid: Midday crowds in summer
Ready to Explore Montmartre?
Experience the artistic soul and bohemian spirit of Paris in Montmartre. From the historic artists' square to world-famous cabarets, from panoramic views to village charm, discover the neighborhood that inspired countless masterpieces and continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Get Your Montmartre Transfer
Artistic heritage • Spectacular views • Bohemian spirit