Montmartre neighbourhood
1 / 5
Montmartre - by edmondlafoto from Pixabay
Description
Montmartre is a large hill on the northern edge of Paris that gives its name to the surrounding district (18th arr.). It is famous for the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit, its association with bohemian lifestyle and artists, and as an area with an active nightlife. The name Montmartre can be tied back to "Mount Mars" and, until the 19th century, the main production in the area was wine (there is still a token amount produced nowadays), gypsum and stones (from local quarries). The district topography overlooking the city gave it a strategic military value used several times in Parisian history. In 1871, the initial uprising that led to the creation of the Paris commune occurred there. By then, the area was now famous for its guinguettes, cafés and cabarets. During the Belle Époque from 1872 to 1914, many notable artists lived and/or worked in Montmartre, including Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso.
Access & Transport
From the south, the Butte Montmartre is best accessed from one of four métro stations: Blanche (2), Pigalle (2, 12), Anvers (2) - all along Bd de Clichy / Bd de Rochechouart - and Abbesses (12). On the northern side Lamarck-Caulaincourt (12) is the best option. For those who do not fancy walking up the hill (or down) there are a few bus services, including No 40 that stops at Place du Tertre and the Montmartobus that goes from Place Pigalle (next to line 2), up the hill and down the northern side to Place Jules Jofferin (next to line 12) and back the other way. This is by far the best option for visitors with reduced mobility as the area can be quite steep - a carer is likely to be required in any case.
Instructions & Recommendations
There is plenty to occupy a half-day or more, even though we only assume 2-3h (excl. Sacré Coeur), including Place du Tertre, Le Passe Muraille, Dalí Paris Museum, Vigne du clos Montmartre and the many squares scattered in the neighbourhood. For those looking for an uncrowded experience, early morning is a good option even though many cafés and restaurants may not be open yet. If you are looking for a more romantic experience, the sunset views are great from the top of the hill and nightlife starts after that, going down towards Blanche and Pigalle.
Environmental & Social
Environmental: slightly negative due to the urban environment but no high rises and quite a few green squares. From a social perspective, this helps maintains the cultural heritage of the area and small independent artists and restaurateurs to earn a living from their craft.
Conclusion
The Montmartre neighbourhood is the quintessential artistic Parisian neighbourhood, just like Saint Germain des Prés is the prototypical intellectual district of the capital. The topography and location on the edge of the city gave it a unique atmosphere that it retains to this day. If you don't mind sacrificing the sunset views, we would recommend going during the first half of the morning - or out of season - to get the place a bit more to yourself.
Key positive
Plenty of streets and squares to visit - and the Sacré-Cœur
Some of the best views over Paris
A different atmosphere from the rest of Paris
Key negative
Increasingly tourist oriented and commercialized
Street vendors can be a bother
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. Challenging but possible for visitors with reduced mobility (use the bus, funicular or a fit carer)
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo