Montmartre is a hill (Rocky Hill) of 130 meters, located on the right bank of the Seine in the Northern 18th arrondissement of Paris, and famous for the Sacré Coeur (built at its summit).
It’s also known to be the district where lived many artists like Dalida, Aznavour, Toulouse Lautrec, Van Gogh, Renoir, Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, Ernest Hemingway or Pablo Picasso… This neighborhood was the birthplace of Impressionist Parisian Bohemia in the nineteenth century.
- Montmartre History
- What to do and See in Montmartre
- Restaurants in Montmartre
- Where to stay in Montmartre
Montmartre Neighborhood’s important heritage
Montmartre was initially called Mons Martyrium (Mount of Martyrs). In the Middle Ages, the area was known for its numerous convents. In fact, Henry IV was hosted there during the siege of the French capital, in the wars of religion. There was many battles during the Franco – Prussian War and the Commune.
Before being incorporated into the City of Paris, Montmartre district used to have numerous vineyards, wheat fields and pastures for sheep farming .
During the nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth century, the city was the venue of many painters activities such as, Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism and Surrealism and the progress of modern painting.
Today Montmartre neighborhood is a large commercial environment, with many cafés, restaurants and cabarets such as the Moulin Rouge.
It is formally known as “Le Carré aux Artistes” or Artists Square and it is the place for painters and caricaturists to share their work. Vineyards are still present and each year Montmartre produces wine. The grape harvest celebration take place on October.
What to do and what to see in Montmartre – Map and sights
Here is an itinerary to discover this picturesque district of the French capital. The walk will take you from the famous Moulin Rouge (Mo Blanche station) to the Sacrée Coeur basilica.
You will aslo discover the Abbesses square, Moulin de la Galette , Place Dalida , le Lapin Agile (a cabaret where Picasso and many other famous artists could be find at their time), the typical and touristic Tertre square and the Musée de Montmartre.
At the end, you can take the Funicular and walk down to Anvers metro station…
You can also read our guide about Montmartre best attractions and sights.
Montmartre Top Activities
Find a selection of acitvities ti book in Montmartre
Restaurants where to eat in and around Montmartre
- Le Patio – rue Doudeauville
Eating is always a pleasure in this pleasant canteen where you can find good food and vegetarian plates. Very fresh vegetable plates of balanced Mediterranean cuisine. Lot of kindness from the staff as we would like to see more often. This is a really lovely and unique address. Excellent fruit juice (Something that you must try!), one of the best mojitos in Paris.
- Le Khaosan, rue condorcet
A very good Thai restaurant. Modern but warm and quite romantic decor. Very good food (Mo Anvers)
- Le captain B, avenue de trudaine . Best Burgers around Montmartre
A very good burger restaurant with friendly atmosphere at avenue Trudaine in the 9th (Mo Anvers).
- Le carajas, a Brazilian restaurant, 24 rue des trois frères the 18th.
Brazilian atmosphere and cooking. Very nice for an evening with friends. Very good food (Mo Abesses)
Hotels to stay in and around Montmartre
A romantic Hotel with a suave and elegant environment.Located near Montmartre, it’s also famous for it’s restaurant and its garden.
- Hotel de Nell
A really nice hotel with nice decor and materials and a good breakfast. This 5 stars Hotel is very appreciated by european visitors.
>>Book there for Hotel de Nell
- Relais Montmartre Hotel
The rooms are very comfortable. The hotel is well located hotel and the breakfast is correct (even if there is a lack of choice) – Good price for the services offered.
- Hotel des Arts – Montmartre
Possibility of sight on the Eiffel Tower. Rooms are not big but nicely furnished, very clean, cozy with very comfortable bed and noiseless. Ideal to feel like in a romantic cocoon …
>>Book there your Room at Hotel des Arts
>>You can Find ou selection of Hotels in Montmartre there
Shops in Montmartre
There are many shopping streets with shops that are open all week long, even on Sunday, like rue des abesses, rue des Martyr ( Sandro, Maje…).
If you like designers stock clearance shops, you will enjoy shopping at Maje or Les petites at a discount price. Find more info there.
You can also try some famous shops like Tati (Bargain filled department store) at Mo Barbes or Ets Lion (Mo Abesses) where you can find wine, olive oil… If you like tea we recommend that you try Kusmi tea at Abbesses square.
And last but not least, the food market on Wednesday and Saturday morning offers a wide variety of typical French products in rue Ordener street