Things to Do in Montmartre with Plan Before Your Visit

1.9K

Tucked away in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is like a storybook come to life. Once upon a time, it was a quaint village, but as fate would have it, this joined the ranks of the city of lights in the 19th century.

Now, let’s talk about its star-studded history – we’re talking about Van Gogh, Picasso, and movie sets straight out of Hollywood!

From “An American in Paris” to “Amélie Poulain,” Montmartre has been the backdrop to tales of love, art, and everything in between.

That’s why, in the following discussion, we are going to talk about the things to do in Montmartre. So, you can keep them on your bucket list and experience the ultimate magic of this place in a whole new way.

Let’s get started, then!

Best Things to Do in Montmartre to Get Unmissable Experiences

Montmartre, the neighboring village of Paris, is known for its artistic history. This place always appreciates art and artists.

However, as with any other place, Montmartre is no different. They come with tons of popular places that will take you back in time. They are as follows:

Visiting Sacré-Coeur Basilica

At the top of the hill, Sacré-Coeur Basilica stands as a symbol of faith and French history. It was constructed in the late 19th century as a tribute to the French casualties of the Franco-Prussian War. Also to promote spiritual healing after the turmoil of the Paris Commune.

Its architectural elegance is free to visit, where you can see the architecture that blends Romano-Byzantine style. After entering there, your eyes will be drawn to the glow of the stained-glass windows, mosaics, and marble statues that bring to mind the historical significance of France.

Most importantly, if you want an incredible view of Paris, you must climb up the 300 steps to the top of the dome.

Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre is located in the Montmartre district. This lively square is always cheerful with artists and their art. They gather to show off their paintings, sketches, and sculptures. With many quaint cafes and small shops, this square creates a fun environment for tourists.

You’ll find street musicians, and the music creates a melody in the air. Also, you can engage in conversations with the artists and admire the artwork by purchasing a piece to take home as a souvenir.

Occasionally, you will hear a church bell that reminds you of the square’s rich history and artistic legacy.

Montmartre Vineyards

Established in 1933, Clos Montmartre is one of the oldest vineyards and carries the centuries-old tradition of winemaking practices within the city. While the yield is small, around 1,500 bottles are produced from here.

The vineyard is not just a source of local wine but it’s a cultural highlight, during the annual festival Fête des Vendanges in October. This festival celebrates grape harvesting with parades, wine tastings, and music that draws the attraction of both tourists and locals.

During this event, the vineyard is open to the public for guided tours. So, if you’re planning a trip to Paris in October, you can grab the opportunity to see the vineyard and learn more about its history.

Montmartre Museum

It was founded in 1960, in a 17th-century building that was home to famous artists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Suzanne Valadon.

It carries an artistic heritage and is a must-visit for any art lover. You will see a collection of the works of the most famous artists who lived and worked in Montmartre. Such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, and Utrillo.

Last but not least, Renoir Gardens is another incredible thing besides the Musée de Montmartre.

Walk Through the Timeless Streets of Montmartre

Next up the streets of Montmartre. All you find there is its historical significance. The street artists and singers will remind you about the past and the dreamers of that time, like Picasso and Van Gogh.

Its cozy cafes, vibrant art studios, and quaint boutiques make these streets more attractive to tourists. So, make sure to take a break from your busy schedule and sit at cafes. You will feel the creative energy as musicians play music and painters paint on canvas.

The Rue des Martyrs

The Rue des Martyrs is a street that connects the 9th and 18th arrondissements. This street serves the tourist as a one-stop solution for the quality culinary delights of France.

This bustling street is lined with quaint cafes, traditional bakeries, cheese shops, and unique boutiques. If you want to eat in Montmartre, this street can offer you a taste of the French culinary tradition. These include freshly baked baguettes, artisanal cheeses, and fine wines.

Here are some recommendations for cafes and bakeries:

• Rose Bakery – Tea Room Martyrs
• KB Cafeshop
• Café Marlette
• Café Ventura

Best Things to Do in Montmartre at Night

While the daytime of Montmartre offers artistic charm, on the other side, nighttime offers a different kind of magic. From iconic cabarets to romantic strolls, here’s how to make the most of your evening in this charming district:

Explore the Lively Pigalle District

The Pigalle District is mostly famous for its rich historical significance and is also known as the Red-Light District. In fact, you will find this area a hub of nightclubs, music venues, cabarets, and the famous Moulin Rouge.

Activities in the Pigalle District at night:

• See the iconic can-can dancers at the Moulin Rouge.
• Catch a show at a historic music hall like the Folies Bergère.
• Explore the SoPi area, renowned for great restaurants, shops, and cafes.
• Watch a movie in the Art Deco theater, Le Grand Rex.
• Enjoy the lively nightlife at bars and clubs like Le Carmen, Le Mansart, Le Sans-Souci, and so on.

Dinner and a Show at the Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is the charm of Montmartre, which is known for dazzling performances by can-can dancers and the famous red windmill.

It also popularized the high-energy can-can dance, which symbolized Parisian nightlife in the City of Lights. This place offers the night show and dinner as a combo.

• Book your ticket in advance through the Moulin Rouge website.
• Choose the show time between these two, at 9 pm and 11 pm.

Unwind at a Parisian Jazz Bar

Nightlife is another reason for tourists to visit Montmartre. Instead of the normal tourist spots, Montmartre is one of the happening places where people can have intimate jazz experiences.

These jazz bars and live music venues, like; Autour de Midi et Minuit and Le 34, offer a cozy vibe that features talented local and international jazz musicians.

• Dress comfortably to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
• Before going, please ensure that you make the reservation, especially for the popular jazz bar.
• Be prepared for cover charges of around €10-€20. This cover charge typically goes towards paying the musicians.
• Jazz bars are a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Also, order a drink from the bar, sit back, and enjoy the music.

Take a Nighttime Walking Tour

Montmartre is famous for its nightlife. This neighborhood of Paris decorates itself after sunset when the clubs and bars become alive.

In general, this tourist area is marked as safe at night. However, there are a few tips you must remember as precautions to ensure your safety:

• To avoid unusual things, always stay in populated areas.
• Avoid dark alleys and familiarize yourself with the route.
• Travel in a group or with a reputable tour guide.
• Charge your phone and trust your instincts for emergencies.

Enjoy Breathtaking Views from a Rooftop Bar

Montmartre is one of the highest points in Paris and provides a beautiful view of the city. However, rooftop bars offer some of the most breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower from a distance.

There are rooftop bars called Cœur Sacré and Terrass which provide a breathtaking view of Montmartre and the rest of Paris. Plus, they serve delicious cocktails and food. In a word, they are just perfect for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, so follow these tips.

• Choose smart casual attire to enjoy the environment.
• Make your reservations, particularly on weekends or during peak season.
• Rooftop bars can be expensive, so be prepared for that.

Best Things to Do in Montmartre with Kids

Are you planning a Parisian adventure with your little ones and confused about which things to see? This historic place always offers, like; food and rides, that are some of the best ways to keep your kids entertained and engaged.

Such as the following:

The Montmartre Carousel: Amusement Unlimited

Located at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris, France. It is one of the oldest carousels and it takes you back to the 18th century.

With a double-decker carousel and a relatively rare design, it became a popular sightseeing and enjoyable ride. Also, the hand-painted horses and other animals create a charming environment for both kids and adults.

No trip to Paris is complete without enjoying a crepe or waffle. So, make sure to treat yourself and your little champ with delicious desserts.

The Montmartre Funicular Adventure: Up, Up, and Away

This delightful mini-train ride takes you to the top of Montmartre. You will be offered scenic Parisian views as you climb up, where you will explore the famous and historic places in Montmartre.

If you are traveling with kids, be careful about their comfort. Follow these tips for a smooth journey:

• Your children may feel sensations in their ears. So, make up a story about funiculars to distract them.
•  The line can get long, so pack some small toys to keep them occupied.
• To create fun memories, take a picture or video of your children on the Funicular.
•  Teach your children about the history and significance of Montmartre.

Take Photos in Front of the Wall of Love

The Wall of Love is one of the most famous Montmartre attractions and should not be missed. In fact, this romantic spot is covered in the phrase ‘I love you’ in hundreds of languages created by artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito.

Visitors often take photos in front of it to capture the message of love in different languages. So, make yourself a witness to love in front of the wall and create a beautiful memory for yourself.

Indulge in Macarons & Chocolates

Take a sweet stroll through Montmartre’s street with your kids and treat yourselves to delightful macarons and chocolates. You will find the Quaint cafes and shops that stand to treat you to tasty macarons, also known as French cookies.

Chocolate lovers won’t be disappointed either. From rich truffles and pralines to delightful ganache and molded chocolates, they are decorated to satisfy your craving.

But the fun part is that you can get the opportunity to take Macaron classes to learn the art of making these iconic French treats. You will be guided by an expert in this fun process and thus can spend quality time with your children.

Unique Things to Do in Montmartre

Except for the historical evidence, there are some unique places to visit in Montmartre. These places may not be that renowned for you. However, this historical place will satisfy you when you learn more about the beauty of history.

The Artworks of Musée d’Art Naïf Max Fourny

Located in Montmartre, the Musée d’Art Naïf Max Fourny is all about naive painting. This kind of art is created by artists who lack formal training in art techniques and traditions.

It is housed within the Halle Saint Pierre, a former slaughterhouse that is now a popular arts and culture venue.

You will see a collection of over 600 works by artists from around the world, including Séraphine Louis, André Bauchant, Maurice Marin, Camille Bombois, Louis Vivet, and many more.

Naive art is often filled with rich details and symbolism. So, make sure to take your time with each piece, and see what stories are behind these photos.

Dalí Paris

The Dalí Paris is a permanent exhibition in Paris dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. He’s a famous Spanish artist who likes to paint dreams and create surprising images. By using bright colors and strange creatures, he is supposed to challenge the world’s perspective.

It features over 300 original artworks, including sculptures, paintings, engravings, and even surrealist objects and furniture. The interesting fact is that it’s known as the largest private collection of Dalí’s art in France.

The Montmartre Cemetery

Montmartre includes a historic cemetery in Paris, France, which was the third largest cemetery in the city. It is officially known as the Cimetière du Nord and was opened in 1825.

Montmartre Cemetery is the final resting place of many famous artists, writers, and musicians, including:

• Émile Zola, a French novelist and playwright, was a leading figure in the naturalist literary movement.
• Stendhal was a French novelist and short-story writer.
• Hector Berlioz was a French Romantic music composer.
• François Truffaut was a French film director, screenwriter, film critic, and actor.
• Dalida was a French-Egyptian singer and actress. Her grave is one of the most visited in the cemetery.

The Museum of Romantic Life

This museum is full of art that will fulfill your craving to explore the artistic environment. The Dutch painter Ary Scheffer covered his house, Hôtel Scheffer-Renan, in this place.

You will find the museum’s setting quite romantic, featuring a lovely garden and a greenhouse café, making it a delightful spot for visitors. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints by Romantic artists such as Ary Scheffer, Eugène Delacroix, and George Sand.

All these things from the Romantic period, offer insights into the artistic and cultural milieu of that time.

Related Post: Romantic Things to Do in Paris on a Budget

Practical Tips for Enjoying A Visit to Montmartre

We already explained all the best things to see in Montmartre. However, you also need some practical tips that will help you to enjoy your vacation with comfort.

They are as follows:

How to Get to Montmartre?

To get yourself into the Montmartre from Paris, there are several transportation options available.

• You can enjoy a scenic ride with the funicular. It is a popular mode of transport that takes people from the bottom of Montmartre to the top of the hill.
• Go to the metro station and take the Metro from Lines 12 (Abbesses) or 2 (Anvers, Blanche) to reach the top of the hill.
• Walking is another option with scenic routes like Clos Montmartre vineyards.

Best Times to Visit to Avoid Crowds

To avoid crowds, visit early mornings or weekdays, which tend to be less crowded in Montmartre. This is because tour groups tend to visit Montmartre in the afternoon.

But Fridays are generally busier than other weekdays. So, plan your visit during the weekdays for a more peaceful experience.

Safety Tips for Tourists in Montmartre

• Cash, phones, and cameras – keep them close and avoid displaying them in crowds.
• Pickpockets love crowds. So, be mindful of your belongings in metros and tourist hotspots.
• Don’t go to the less populated streets after dark.
•  Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and always avoid unmarked vehicles.
• For accommodation, always read reviews to get a sense of the safety.

Recommended Duration of Stay

The recommended duration of stay in Montmartre typically ranges from 1-2 days. This will be enough time to explore its charming streets, iconic landmarks like Sacré-Cœur, art studios, and cafes, and soak in its bohemian atmosphere.

Closing Notes

You’ll have to walk through time if you’re already determined to visit the charming neighborhood of Paris.

Montmartre is a must-visit place in Paris for its art, history, and stunning views from the top of the hill. Whether you are a daytime explorer or a night owl, there are many things to do in Montmartre as mentioned above.

From the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica to the lively streets filled with artists and cafes, every corner invites you to explore the Parisian charm.

So, what are you waiting for?

It’s high time to calm your curious mind with historical exploration and connect with life in Montmartre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)