neighborhood
Montmartre
A village perched on its hill, Montmartre was home to Picasso, Modigliani, Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Visit duration
Half day
Best time
Early morning
Metro
Abbesses (12) · Anvers (2)
Visit duration
Half day
Metro
Abbesses (12) · Anvers (2)
Best time
Early morning
History & context
A former wine-growing village annexed by Paris in 1860, Montmartre became the artists' quarter at the end of the 19th century: Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Modigliani, Utrillo all lived here.
Its 130-metre hill keeps cobbled lanes, a windmill and an active vineyard.
Key facts
- Style
- Historic village
- District
- 18th
Why visit
- ·Sacré-Cœur and its panorama
- ·Place du Tertre and its painters
- ·Wall of "I love you"
- ·Clos Montmartre vineyard
- ·Secret lanes: rue de l'Abreuvoir, allée des Brouillards
What to see
- ·Sacré-Cœur
- ·Place du Tertre
- ·Wall of Love
- ·Bateau-Lavoir
- ·Montmartre vineyard
Practical tips
- ·Avoid restaurants on Place du Tertre
- ·Walk early or late to avoid crowds
- ·Watch for scammers at the foot of the hill
Best photo spots
- ·Rue de l'Abreuvoir & La Maison Rose.
- ·Place Dalida.
- ·View from the Sacré-Cœur steps.
- ·Moulin de la Galette.
Good to know
- ·Avoid restaurants on Place du Tertre — pick the side streets.
- ·Beware of touts at the foot of the hill.
- ·The funicular accepts metro tickets, but the stairs offer the best approach.
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Wander early morning behind Sacré-Cœur (rue de l'Abreuvoir, rue Cortot) — that's the real Montmartre.
With family
The area is steep: baby carrier is easier than a stroller. A small tourist train helps tired legs.
Frequently asked
＋How much time should I plan?
Half a day is enough for the basilica, Place du Tertre and the surrounding lanes; a full day if you add museums and café stops.
＋Is the area safe at night?
Generally yes, but stay alert near Pigalle and Barbès and avoid empty side streets late at night; Place du Tertre stays lively into the evening.
＋How do I avoid tourist traps?
Skip eating on Place du Tertre (overpriced and mediocre), watch out for fake artists and shell games, and head to side streets for a proper meal.
