The Parisian Charm of Montmartre
Many people want to discover Montmartre, these days there is a certain fascination with this village perched at the top of a small hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre still has an artistic village atmosphere. Creators of the 19th and 20th century still remain in this culturally rich neighbourhood of Paris. When you wander down the cobblestone streets you will stumble upon traditional french bistros, artists of all crafts, and the most spectacular Basilica of Paris, Sacre Coeur. As you continue reading you’ll discover what there is to see, do, and eat in the most charming arrondissement of Paris.
Read along for some of our favorite spots and a clickable Guided Map at the end!
Iconic Landmarks of Montmartre
Sacre Coeur Basilica
While strolling through the streets of Paris this pure white masterpiece of grace, Sacre Coeur can be seen from various locations. Sacre Coeur is situated in the northern part of Paris and nestled on the butte (hill) of Montmartre. Built at the end of the 19th century with Romano-Byzantine architecture, Sacre Coeur is a landmark not to be missed when visiting Paris. You can witness an unforgettable sunset along with an unobstructed view of Paris. You can access this viewpoint by funicular or by taking the steps from the public garden “Square Louis Michel”.
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
Place Du Tertre, An artists Square
Despite what many of you might know about Montmartre, it once was its own separate village consisting of windmills, vineyards, and an abundance o“Les Mur des je t’aime”,f farmland. Montmartre became part of Paris in the late 19th century. When the square opened to the public artists of all crafts would congregate here, and till this day it remains this way.
While you wander around the majestic village of Montmartre don’t forget to make your way towards Place du Tertre and witness artists in their element. Maybe even consider sitting down for one of the many artists that line the square and get a one of a kind illustration of yourself or the landscape of Paris.
Moulin Radet / Moulin de la Galette
If you want to reminisce about what Paris once was, during the time of Van Gogh and Renoir then Moulin Radet is a site not to be missed on your visit to Montmartre. Moulin Radet is one of the twelve Mills that were placed all throughout Montmartre to ground flour. It dates back to 1717 and is one of the only two remaining in all of Paris. This was an inspiration for many artists and an example is “Belle Epoque” created by Van Gogh and Renoir.
Address: 83 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris
Today you can enjoy a meal inside the restaurant and if you want to try French style roasted chicken – just hop on over infront to the Le Coq et Fils – 98 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris
Things to do in Montmartre
Place des Abbesses
This bohemian square in the district of Montmartre is the place to be if you want a glimpse into the authentic day-to-day life of a Parisian. Place des Abbesses is a pure depiction of Paris in numerous Hollywood blockbuster films. Abbesses is the perfect starting point for any day in Montmartre. Here you will find the famous/ instagramable where you can search for love written in your language on the wall. So with a variety of different bistros, hip cafes, and one of a kind shops you will feel like a local.
Grab an authentic pastry or sandwich around the corner at Pain Pain – 88 R. des Martyrs, 75018 Paris and have some artisianl coffee at SpreeCafe Gallery – 11 Rue la Vieuville, 75018 Paris
Where to dine in Montmartre
Hardware Societe
Located only a short walk away from the magnificent Sacre Coeur, The Hardware Societe embraces the “Art de vivre” of Montmartre. This cafe serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a variety of different dishes to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Here you will enjoy traditional Australian dishes tailored to French cuisine. The Hardware Societe is where French precision meets Australian hospitality.
Address – 10 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris
KB Coffee Roasters
If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me then you’re always seeking out superb coffee wherever you are. So after spending time in Montmartre and walking for hours on end, you may need a quick recharge/ pick me up! Look no further than KB Coffee Roasters. Situated right between Rochechouart and Montmartre it’s the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. Grab an espresso along with their delectable homemade chocolate chip cookie for “le gouter” (snack).
Address – 53 Av. Trudaine, 75009 Paris
PAIN PAIN Bakery
When people think of France they think of the renowned French cuisine. If we generalized that fact most people think of all the decedent boulangerie and patisserie items. Who can resist a fresh warm baguette, a buttery flakey croissant, or pain au chocolat. A Boulangerie & Pâtisserie not to be missed in Montmartre is Pain Pain. Created by Sebestain Mauvieux and was elected the “Best Baguette in Paris” in 2012, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a morning pastry, lunch for a picnic on the lawns of Square Louise Michel, or an afternoon gouter (snack). So don’t forget to make this stop on your tour of Montmartre.
Address – 88 R. des Martyrs, 75018 Paris
Shopping Local in Montmartre
Interior Galerie de Céramique
If you’re looking for a one of a kind souvenir from Paris then look no further than Interior Galerie de Ceramique. Created by Violeta Jerma, it’s the perfect shop to find unique ceramics that will remind you of your trip to Paris. Its a shop that you will find unique pieces to reminisce of your time in France or gift to your friends and family back at home.
address – 4 Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris
(just across from the historic La Bonne Franquette)
L’Odeur du Book for the best books in Montmartre
If you are anything like me, you enjoy getting lost in a book, and you want to complete your picnic or coffee break with a wonderful novel!! Look no further than L’Odeur du Books. This book store is worth a visit, off the main street in Montmartre it specializes in social sciences and humanities. It is also one of the few bookstores in Paris that has standing relationships with independent publishers, so you’re able to find some rare books here. Also do not fear if you don’t read french they have wonderful english sections too.
Address – 60 Rue Hermel, 75018 Paris
Map Your Day tour of Montmartre
You can join us for a local led tour of Montmartre – with Yanique who lives in the neighbourhood.
Montmartre is a quartier of Paris that is the heart of inspiration. Artists of all crafts venture here to feel enlightened and immersed in the Parisian beauty and culture. When you begin your day at KB Coffee Roasters for your morning coffee and make your way up to Pain Pain for morning croissant to fuel your walk up the many hills of Montmartre.
You will; reach Place des Abbesses, where you will be in the center of the Parisian hustle and bustle, surrounded by all the beautiful noise,sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. You’ll feel like a local. Don’t forget to make your way over to the famous “Les Mur des je t’aime”, and don’t forget to find love in the language(s) that you speak. Afterwards make your way to one of the last remaining windmills of Montmartre “ Moulin Radet” , here you will see where Van Gogh and Renoir received their inspiration for their renowned art piece “Belle Epoque”.
After that you will begin to see the Sacre Coeur from almost every street and corner. Make your way to “Square Louis Michel”, and walk up to the butte (hill) of Montmartre and see the most breathtaking view of Paris. At this point in your day tour you’ve worked up an appetite and you’re ready for a lovely lunch, and what better way than to visit the “Hardware Societe ”. It’s the perfect spot to be surrounded by the charm of Montmartre without the crowds of tourists.
Once you have a full stomach you may be ready to do some shopping and wandering. I recommend you make your way to the famous “Place du Tertre” . Here you will see artists in their element, you can even sit down to get a one of a kind portrait done. This is a vibrant area of the Montmartre Village and has remained a place where all artists congregate together.
Lastly, make your way to “Interior Galerie de Ceramique” and find a one of a kind homeware piece to bring home to family and friends, it’s the perfect souvenir to bring back from Paris! But if you’re looking for something you can enjoy the rest of your trip pay a visit to L’Odeur du Book for novels that have been published by independent artists in subjects like social sciences and humanities.
I hope this article gives you insight on the hidden gems of Montmartre and how to spend the perfect day in the most charming quartier of Paris. If you need some more inspiration don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Guide to Montmartre.
PARIS LOCAL TOURS with Yanique
