Montmartre and its famous Butte Montmartre is a place full of charm located in the north of Paris (18th arrondissement). Find out in this article why I love this neighborhood so much and how to visit Montmartre on foot.
Why do I love Montmartre so much?
What do I really like about this? Parisian district ? I don't really know but I feel a special atmosphere there, a little nostalgic, romantic and retro that I love!
In fact, in Montmartre, we have the impression of being in the Paris of postcards, the one that so pleases Americans and other tourists who come to visit the France.
Of course the famous Sacré-Coeur basilica located at the top of the hill is one of the most beautiful monuments in Paris. Especially since it offers a magnificent view of the capital.
In Montmartre, I like to get lost in its little streets to feel its cultural and artistic life but above all its gentle way of life!
Maybe it’s related to my passion for painting? But it's sure the famous Place du tertre is one of the my favorite places in Paris. I love the crowd that crowds around the cartoonists. I like to admire the portraits of tourists. It's funny and entertaining.
I also enjoyed visiting the Espace Dali (a beautiful little-known collection of my favorite surrealist artist).
Probably because it is picturesque and completely different from the rest of Paris, a bit apart. Montmartre has always attracted bohemians and artists. Picasso, Dali, Toulouse-Lautrec and other great painters lived in Montmartre.
What to see in Montmartre?
- La Place du tertre (see video below);
- Le Sacré Coeur ;
- Van Gogh's apartment http://www.vangoghroute.com/france/paris/rue-lepic/
- " The Wall of I love you " http://www.lesjetaime.com/
- The Museum of Montmartre http://museedemontmartre.fr/en/le-musee/
- Picasso's workshop (not to be confused with the Picasso Museum): http://www.paristoric.com/index.php/art-et-culture/art/1386-l-atelier-de-picasso-a-montmartre
- Dali Paris http://www.daliparis.com/en
To give you an idea, take a look at the video:
What to do in Montmartre?
- Take the funicular to go up to the top of the hill;
- Or walk about 10 minutes to Anvers station and from there, walk up the small rue Steinkerque and its souvenir shops to the Place Saint-Pierre;
- Or take a ride with the Montmartre train (see below);
- Go to Place du tertre to admire the painters and designers ready to sketch your portrait;
- Don't forget to visit the museums if you have enough time;
- Take a good lunch break in a nice little typical restaurant;
- Book an evening show at the cabaret on Moulin Rouge !
And of course visit the Montmartre district with its typical streets and emblematic sites (see my tour below):
Google Maps route to visit Montmartre on foot
Here is the map with the route that you can follow on foot to do my tourist circuit of Montmartre:
My walking tour to visit Montmartre
Here is my little one tourist circuit on foot which allows you to see the most beautiful sites of Montmartre :
Located 50 meters from the station Abbesses metro, go through the I love you wall :
and then head to the Place du tertre to admire the painters of Montmartre.
De Place du tertre, we must take the rue Norvins Then Mont Cenis Street. You will turn into the rue du Chevalier de la Barre to arrive at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It is accessed by the Funicular or by climbing the large stairs that lead to the Basilica.
How to go to Montmartre?
Here is the link to discover your itinerary by public transport https://www.ratp.fr/itineraires
Subway stations
- Line 2: Antwerp; Pigalle; White
- Line 4: Red Castle
- Line 12: Pigalle; Abbesses; Lamarck-Caulaincourt; Jules Joffrin
- Line 13: Place de Clichy
The Montmartre funicular
If you don't want to climb the 222 steps to reach the top of the Montmartre, with a simple metro ticket, you can take the funicular.
Station at the bottom: Rue Tardieu - Station at the top: Rue Saint Eleuthère.
The tourist train of Montmartre
You can also take the tourist train on the white square (in front of the Moulin Rouge). You will arrive at the Place du tertre without walking or climbing...
Cheap restaurants in Montmartre
You won't find many restaurant addresses below because when I like a restaurant (and it's within my price range), I always come back to the same one.
Restaurant Le Poulbot
Located in the heart of Montmartre, it is right next to the 2 hotels that I know (see below). His address: 3 Rue Poulbot. Montmartre 750018 Paris
In this restaurant, I have never eaten the same menu. In fact, it is always renewed according to the seasons and the products of the market. In addition, the POULBOT offers a wide selection of craft beers and a carefully selected wine list. In this restaurant, you can enjoy very good French specialties for around 30 Euros.
Le Moulin de la galette restaurant
It is located very close to my favorite hotel Maison Lepic Montmartre (in the same street). Address: 83 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris. I only ate there once but loved the setting with its beautiful mill, the traditional atmosphere and the typical French menu.
Cheap hotel in Montmartre – Which one to choose?
Hotel Ibis for its location and price
What did I like about the Ibis?
- Its location is perfect for visiting Montmartre (a 15-minute walk from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica) but also if you are planning a dinner at Le Moulin Rouge cabaret (just 300m). Perfect for visiting all of Paris as the metro is only a 5 minute walk away. In addition, many restaurants and cafes are nearby.
- This hotel is not expensive! One of the best value for money.
- It is a good, clean and comfortable hotel.
What I didn't like about the Ibis?
- Like most hotels in Paris, the rooms are small.
Maison Lepic for its exceptional setting
What did I like about Maison Lepic?
- With its garden terrace in the heart of Paris, this is my favorite hotel in Montmartre!
- Its romantic atmosphere: it is a dream hotel for a romantic getaway.
- Its rooms are comfortable, clean and very well equipped.
- The breakfast buffet is generous and includes fresh products and delicious pastries.
What I didn't like about Maison Lepic?
- The bathroom is too small.
Are you spending 2 days in Paris?
Here is my circuit: Visit Paris in 2 days
