Montmartre District Paris

Visit the artistic Montmartre district in Paris, France

Information and tips about visiting the district of Montmartre in Paris. Practical information on the district's most interesting sights can be found at parisbypierre.com.

In the north of Paris, in the 18th district, you’ll find the Montmartre area. The artistic district is built on a 130-meter-high hill called La Butte Montmartre. Originally, Montmartre was a village outside of Paris, but in 1860, Montmartre was added to the city as a new district. When you walk through Montmartre, you’ll see all sorts of narrow streets, small squares, whitewashed houses, and classic street lights.

Visiting Montmartre in Paris, France

Montmartre is known as the artistic district of Paris. In the past, the district was the home of well-known painters like Dali, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Today, many artists still reside and work in Montmartre. At the historic square Place du Tertre, you can observe several artists at work and buy their paintings.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is the best-known landmark in Montmartre. It stands on the top of Montmartre Hill. You can visit the basilica for free. An entry ticket is only required for the dome of the church. Tickets can be purchased on site. You’ll find a staircase heading up to the basilica at the base of Montmartre Hill. It is quite a climb (more than 220 steps). Fortunately, there is also a cable tram. The view in front of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is spectacular; only the Eiffel Tower has a higher viewpoint.

Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre is a historic square in the heart of Montmartre. There is a good mix of tourists and artists on the charming square. On Place du Tertre, you can view and buy artwork. It is also possible to have a portrait of yourself or your family made there.

^{View at the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre}

^{Place du Tertre in the Montmartre district}

What to do in Montmartre, Paris

Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier is a majestic opera house in Paris. Construction of the structure started in 1862. In 1875, thirteen years later, the magnificent opera house was completed. The interior of Palais Garnier is lavishly embellished with marble, gold leaf, and a number of stunning ceiling frescoes. If you want to visit Palais Garnier, an entry ticket is necessary. Click here for additional information

Musée de Montmartre

Close to Place du Tertre, you can find Musée de Montmartre. The collection of this lovely museum consists of paintings, posters, and sketches, all about the history of the Montmartre district. It is also possible to visit the museum's lovely garden. The museum opens daily at 10:00. An entry ticket is required; this can be purchased on site.

^{Charming street towards Musée de Montmartre}

^{The Moulin Rouge cabaret theater in Montmartre, Paris}

Moulin Rouge

The most famous cabaret theater in the world must be Moulin Rouge. Moulin Rouge is easily recognizable thanks to the characteristic red mill on its roof. In the past, Moulin Rouge was known for its whirling cancan shows. Today, you can watch the new revue show Féerie there. To enter Moulin Rouge, an entry ticket is necessary. Click here for additional information

Le mur des je t’aime

In Montmartre, you can also visit the Love Wall of Paris, named Le mur des je t'aime. I love you is written on the wall in 250 languages. The inspiring wall can be found on square, Jehan Rictus Place des Abbesses.

Video: Montmartre in Paris, France

How do I get to Montmartre?

The Paris metro is a convenient and easy way to visit Montmartre. The artistic district can be reached via Line 2 at the Anvers stop or Line 12 at the Abbesses stop.