A day in Montmartre, Paris
Montmartre will always have a special place in my heart as it was my first home when I moved to Paris. Also where I fell in love and created my design business, Studio Véron. Arrived there during the lockdown in November 2020 and stayed for almost a year and a half. It was such a special place to live and I still enjoy spending time there. Every time I have visitors in Paris I bring them to some of the places listed below. I will share some of my favourite things to do as someone who has spent many a day in Montmartre!
Watching the sunset from Square Nadar.
Montmartre is famous for its artistic history, breathtaking views, and bohemian vibe. You'll find the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched on top of the hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. It's an art lover's paradise, with plenty of galleries and the historic Moulin Rouge cabaret. And if you enjoy long walks, the cobblestone streets and hidden staircases are perfect for exploring. Plus, there are so many fantastic cafes where you can sip coffee (or wine!) and soak in the Parisian atmosphere.
Montmartre gained fame as the epicentre of artistic creativity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh living and working in the neighbourhood. As you wander around, you can't help but feel the unique charm that makes Montmartre a favourite spot for people in Paris and tourists alike. It's a place where you can relax and soak in the beauty of the city without any rush. Spending a day or even half a day in Montmartre is highly recommended on any visit to Paris.
Rue des Abbesses
A common mistake many visitors to Paris make is getting the metro to Anvers station, walking to the Sacre Coeur to tick it off their list then leaving again, missing out on all the beautiful streets and soaking up the atmosphere of the area. I would start a day in Montmartre at Abbesses metro station (beware there are a lot of steps, but there are lifts) and wander slowly upwards getting lost along the way. I also love the station entrance, it is in Art Nouveau style, designed by Hector Guimard. Place des Abbesses is always full of life with street musicians, vintage markets and even a Christmas market in December.
Mur des je t’aime
Directly off the square is the Mur des je t'aime, the wall with I love you written in 250 languages.
Rue des Abbesses is one of the most picturesque streets in Paris and where you can find the Vrai Paris, probably one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris. I love admiring it but I prefer sitting in the local bar Le Village across the street from it. If you are looking for something less touristy you can explore the streets parallel to Rue des Abbesses which have more choices and are usually less busy.
Place Du Tertre
Place du Tertre is a lovely little square nestled right in Montmartre that's famous for its artsy vibe. When you stroll around, you'll find artists everywhere, painting and drawing. Plus, there are cosy cafes, restaurants and little shops selling all sorts of Parisian souvenirs. The whole place is buzzing with activity, and the atmosphere is very Parisian. It's one of those spots where you can soak up the artsy, romantic side of the city while enjoying a delicious croissant and maybe even having your portrait done by a local artist.
The Artist’s Square.
It's a must-visit if you want to feel the heart and soul of Montmartre!
Dali Museum
The Dali museum is a private collection of Salvador Dalí’s works. It is a nice sized museum if you don’t want to commit to half a day in some of the bigger museums in Paris. Also it is a great way to see another side of his work as it consists mainly of his sculptures and engravings. Plus it is in a stunning location with the view of the Eiffel Tower amongst the rooftops just outside.
11 Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris. https://www.daliparis.com/en/
Sacré-Cœur
One of the most iconic landmarks in Montmartre is the stunning white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur). It sits on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the city from its steps. You can see the whole of Paris spread out beneath you. The basilica's interior is equally impressive, full of stunning mosaics and stain glass windows. It provides a moment of tranquillity to away from the crowds outside. It is also a functioning catholic church and free to enter to have a look around.
Walk up and down steps
I’m not sure it’s possible to do a day in Montmartre without walking up and down steps as they everywhere but they are very picturesque and iconic. You can get the funicular up to the Sacre Coeur if you are not feeling the steps!
La Maison Rose
This is on everybody’s list of places to visit in Montmartre but I have heard mixed reviews so have not gone there myself. The building is beautiful and the streets around it feel like you are on a film set. Of course it did feature in Emily in Paris!
Le Progrès
This is an old-fashioned, art nouveau inspired brassiere which is popular with locals and tourists alike. A great spot for people watching if you can get a seat outside. The below photo is from when I spent half a day in Montmartre doing a brand photo shoot for my website. This was one of our locations. Details below if a Paris photoshoot is on your list.
https://fr.travellerkiportrait.com - She also offers photo shoots in the Lavender Fields in Provence. You can read more about that in my blog post about the Lavender Fields here.
Montmartre is not just a tourist attraction; it's a vibrant neighborhood with a unique character that's worth exploring. Whether you're interested in art, history, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Montmartre has something for everyone.
