WHAT TO DO IN MONTMARTRE DISTRICT, PARIS

When visiting Paris, most people head for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or the Arc de Triomphe. However, for those seeking to do more unusual things in Paris, I recommend spending at least a few hours in Montmartre. Although this area is popular with tourists, it still has an old-timey neighborhood feel. Historically, Montmartre has been home to many notable artists. Even Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh spent time living and working in this district of Paris. Nowadays, Montmartre is no longer a budget-friendly spot for upcoming artists; nonetheless, many consider it to be one of the most beautiful areas in Paris. If you plan to visit the city soon, make sure to read on for my list of what to do in the Montmartre district. This guide has been mainly oriented to first-timers to the area.

What is Montmartre, and where is it?

“Montmartre” refers to both the hill upon which Sacré-Cœur is located as well as the actual historical district surrounding it. Regarding why this area is called “Montmartre”, there are two possible theories about its etymology. One is that, initially, it was called “Mons Martis”, meaning the “Mount of Mars”. This would make sense as the hill has been a place of worship throughout history, where the Romans would have created temples in honor of Mars and Mercury. The other theory has to do with Christian persecution and the well-known martyr St. Denis. According to legend, St. Denis was beheaded at the top of Montmartre. However, after his head was cut off, he supposedly carried it in his arms and walked several miles, preaching a sermon the entire way. Therefore, it may be that the hill is called “Montmartre” based on “Mont des Martyrs”, meaning the “Mount of the Martyrs”.

As far as arriving in this area of town, you have the option of the Abbesses or the Anvers metro stations. After exiting, it will take approximately 10 minutes to arrive at Sacré-Cœur. Walking from either of these stations is a great way to experience the neighborhood. However, there is also an option to take the funiculaire if you’d like to save both time and energy.

Sacré-Cœur

The Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic basilica and famous landmark in Paris. If you’d like to visit or photograph the church without many people around, you’ll have to wake up early. We arrived at about 7:30 a.m. to explore the basilica! As you can see, it was quite the experience of having such a massive tourist spot to ourselves. The architecture is breathtaking, but so is the view from the main entrance. The Sacré-Cœur was built at the summit of Montmartre, which happens to be the highest point in the city. From the stairs in front of the church, you’ll be able to see Palais Garnier, the Orsay Museum, and the Notre Dame in the distance.

The Sinking House

The Sinking House of Montmartre is a popular photo spot in Paris as well as a fun optical illusion. You’ll be able to find this building while standing on the steps in front of Sacré-Cœur. If you look out onto the city with your back to the basilica, this location will be on your left. If you’d like to be in the picture, you’ll have to climb over a rail to get into the grassy area. To take the photo as an optical illusion, you’ll need to turn the camera so that the hill looks like a straight line. At this angle, the building will appear to be sinking! You can see in my photos above that the left is taken as an optical illusion, and the right is how the area would appear if you did not tilt your camera. 

Cafés & places to eat

Montmartre is easily one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in Paris, and a lot of this has to do with its adorable cafés. Two of the most famous cafés in Montmartre include La Maison Rose and Le Consulat (pictured below). The first is known for its vibrant presence as well as its colorful history. In 1905, the Pink House was purchased by Laure Germaine Pichot Girones. Although you may not recognize this name, you will undoubtedly have heard of Pablo Picasso, a close friend of Germaine’s. Picasso was said to have frequented this restaurant due to this complicated relationship. In the present, La Maison Rose is open once again after undergoing significant renovations.

Just as in the case of La Maison Rose, Le Consulat was also a meeting spot for artists, including Picasso (once again), Van Gogh, and Monet. Today, the café is symbolic of life in old Montmartre and continues to serve a stream of customers each day. It’s a fun place to drop in for French cuisine or also to grab coffee while exploring the rest of Montmartre. If you’re looking for a spot to brunch, I highly recommend Hardware Societé, located at 10 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris, France. Try to go as early as you can, because the wait times can be around an hour on the weekends!

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Musée Gustave Moreau

For those of you who’ve spent time searching through Paris photos on Instagram, you’ll most likely recognize this famous spiral staircase. The Gustave Moreau Museum began as Moreau‘s residence and was then transformed into a museum containing many of his works. The different floors of the house all have entirely separate vibes. While the first floor maintains the appearance of regular living quarters, the second floor leads to a huge studio and the striking spiral staircase. This museum offers a unique experience, and I’m so glad I took the time to visit. Please note that it is closed on Tuesdays, and admission is currently €6. For more information about the Gustave Moreau Museum, click here.

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A big thanks to Marc Nouss and Emily for showing me around Montmartre. Marc was sweet enough to take many of these photos, and then I later edited them.