I live in Paris. But Montmartre lives in me.
Montmartre—just the name conjures up images of cobblestone streets, vibrant artists, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Nestled atop a hill, this charming village within Paris offers more than just postcard views. As a Montmartre resident, I’ve fallen deeply in love with its unique blend of history, culture, and community. Here are ten things that make living in Montmartre a true Parisian dream. It’s been 8 years and I’m still in love with my little slice of Paris.
This is my 3rd neighborhood – after Etienne Marcel, Belleville, and a stint around Stalingrad – Montmartre has loved me up twice (aka I switched into two separate apartments during two different chapters of my life). It was the official start of my post-divorce and single-maman life.
All those juicy details will have to wait for another post …hahaha
Here are the 10 things I really appreciate about living in the 18th arr.
1. Waking Up to the View of Sacré-Cœur
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a view of the Sacré-Cœur. The basilica, with its gleaming white domes, is not just a landmark—it’s a symbol of home. Whether bathed in the morning sun or softly lit at night, the sight never fails to inspire a sense of awe and peace. From Pierre’s bedroom, we have a pretty cool view.
2. Strolling Through the Markets
Montmartre is a food lover’s paradise, and its markets are the heart and soul of this culinary haven. The bustling Barbès market (you have to be super aware around here because it can be a bit rough around the edges), the vibrant Marché de l’Olive (a covered market where we like to hand out arond and have wine at the corner), and the eclectic Marcadet market (the best to go buy a Poulet Roti for Sunday lunch – the French love Roasted Chicken!) each offer a unique flavor of Paris. From fresh produce to exotic spices, these markets make grocery shopping a joyous adventure. Of course, I shouldn’t rule out the Chateau Rouge market that is open every day – I only go when I want to grab plantains and some fish otherwise it quickly becomes overwhelming for me.
3. Embracing Cultural Diversity
Montmartre is a melting pot of cultures, and that’s something I truly cherish. Living here means being surrounded by the rich tapestry of Black Paris and the vibrant Indian community. Maison Château Rouge and Little Africa are hubs of culture and creativity, offering everything from African art to the best samosas in the city. Soul Food offers creative activities to solo refugee kids and it all started here.
Thankfully after years of being labeled as a “quartier populaire” folks are seeing the richness of La Goutte d’Or.
4. Walking in the Footsteps of Legends
Montmartre is steeped in artistic history. Every corner seems to whisper tales of the past—Suzanne Valadon painting in her studio, Toulouse-Lautrec sketching at the Moulin Rouge, or Picasso strolling down the narrow streets. The artistic fiber of Montmartre is alive and well, making it a constant source of inspiration. Not to mention many more!
5. The Village on the Hill: My Community
Despite being in the heart of Paris, Montmartre has the close-knit feel of a village. My friends and neighbors are like family—we know each other’s names, share coffee in the mornings, and celebrate together. This sense of community is what truly makes Montmartre feel like home. My local baker is the one person that knows about my life and I can leave my keys there without worry.
6. Treasure Hunting in Thrift Stores
For vintage lovers, Montmartre is a goldmine. From the quirky finds at Guérisol to the curated selections at Le Poulpe and Emmaüs, the thrift stores here are the best in Paris. Marché aux Puces St-Ouen is another treasure trove, where every visit feels like a mini-adventure in search of hidden gems.
Our weekends are spent BD hunting and vintage hunting so having our own Emmaus is a big plus!
My beautiful dining table that is expandible was bought at Le Pouple – when googled the price was 1800 euros and I paid 25 euros!
7. Savoring Treats from Local Bakeries
In Montmartre, a bakery is never far away, and Boulangerie Tembely is a standout – they call me Madame Pavlova because that’s what I always get. Their pastries are works of art—flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether it’s a morning croissant or an afternoon eclair, the treats here are impossible to resist.
8. Relaxing in Cozy Coffee Shops
Montmartre is home to some of the coziest coffee shops in Paris. Whether I’m grabbing a quick espresso at Bob’s, enjoying a latte at Olas, or indulging in a pastry at Café Lomi, these spots are perfect for relaxing, working, or catching up with friends.
I can’t say enough good things about all these spots – Olas is practically where I live!
9. The Panoramic View of Paris
The view from Sacré-Cœur is, simply put, breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see all of Paris stretched out before you, from the Eiffel Tower to the distant suburbs. It’s a reminder of the beauty of this city and the privilege of living in such a magical place.
TIP – get some sandwiches and wine and do like we do and picnic at the foot of Sacre Coeur – seeing the sunset over Paris is a living dream!
10. Early Morning Walks
There’s something magical about Montmartre in the early morning. When I used to drop Pierre off at school and had to walk with him to the metro ( he was still going to school in Etienne Marcel …that’s also another story) I couldn’t help to enjoy the calm. The streets are quiet, the air is crisp, and the city feels like it belongs just to you. Walking through the empty squares and past the still-sleeping cafés is one of my favorite ways to start the day—it’s when Montmartre feels most like the village on the hill that it is.
I remember during the confinement when we could only walk a few miles from our apartments and I literally cherished all those moments when I had Montmartre all to myself – it felt like a movie set.
Living in Montmartre is living in a place where history, culture, and community come together to create something truly special. I have made a family from friends and I wouldn’t want it any other way. For this I say Merci Dieu!
Each day offers something new to love, and each moment is a reminder of why Montmartre is not just a place to live, but a place to love.
TOUR MONTMARTRE –
If you are interested in seeing local Paris, and specifically Montmartre – join me for a one-on-one fun tour!
BUY THE MONTMARTRE GUIDE –
Know everything there is to know about Montmartre – and also visit the coolest places to eat, drink, and stay with this GUIDE (click here for the PDF MONTMARTRE GUIDE)
