What is there
to see?

First of all, we’d like to show you what you can discover up here on the Butte de Montmartre. Afterwards, we’ll tell you about a smartphone treasure hunt that we tested ourselves, and then we’ll finish with a brief look at the history of the area.

Ready? Let’s go!

1. Sights and Attractions

• Sacré-Cœur is undoubtedly Montmartre’s most famous landmark. This beautiful basilica is best known for the square in front of it, where visitors gather to enjoy the panoramic views over Paris, the music of street performers and the unique atmosphere. But don’t forget to step inside – the church itself is well worth a visit.
• The Dalí Museum is a real hidden gem. It wasn’t particularly high on our list at first, but if you’re a fan of Dalí, it’s definitely worth seeing.
• Another museum that shouldn’t be missed if you’d like to understand Montmartre and its history is the Musée de Montmartre.
• And then there’s the Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime), where the words “I love you” are written in more than 100 languages. A must-see for romantics. 😉

2. Sights connected to Film and Television

• The Moulin Rouge sits right at the foot of the Butte de Montmartre, on the edge of the district. Technically, it belongs to Pigalle rather than Montmartre itself – but we’ll let that detail slide. Originally a dance hall and cabaret, the Moulin Rouge is often regarded as the birthplace of the French cancan. Performing here was a sign that you had truly made it in Paris. Its famous posters were designed by none other than Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose name remains inseparably linked with the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre’s artists and, of course, absinthe.
  Over the years, the Moulin Rouge also hosted operettas, revues and even cinema screenings. And despite what the film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor might suggest, it was not actually a brothel. The character Zidler was based on a real person, however. The red-light district was located just outside, around Place Blanche and Place Pigalle, which were known for their nightlife in the early 20th century.
• Le Moulin de la Galette is another famous spot. No, not another windmill! This is the restaurant featured in the film Amélie, where Amélie works. The restaurant really exists, and with solid reviews, it can be a pleasant place to stop for a bite to eat while exploring the neighbourhood.
• Montmartre also appears in Paris, je t’aime, the anthology film made up of 18 short stories – one for each arrondissement of Paris. Directed by 21 filmmakers, the cast includes stars such as Juliette Binoche, Nick Nolte, Elijah Wood, Gérard Depardieu and Natalie Portman.

3. Other Highlights & Curiosities

Today, Montmartre is also known for a number of unique attractions:

• Place du Tertre
  This charming square was once the heart of the old village of Montmartre. Today, it is filled with artists offering portraits and caricatures to visitors. Whether you prefer a realistic sketch or a humorous caricature is entirely up to you. The square evokes the spirit of 19th-century Montmartre, when artists flocked here in search of inspiration. Numerous cafés and restaurants surround the square. While it is a lovely place to sit for a coffee, it is worth checking reviews before choosing a restaurant, as some cater more to tourists than to food lovers.
• Montmartre Funicular (Lower Station)
  Opened in 1900, this small funicular railway provides an easy way to reach Sacré-Cœur without climbing the hill. It is particularly useful for families with pushchairs, visitors with mobility issues or anyone wanting to save their energy. The journey lasts just 90 seconds, although the queue can sometimes take much longer. A single ticket costs €1.90 and cannot be combined with standard metro or bus tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the funicular stations or at any metro station in the Île-de-France region. Opening hours: daily from 6:00 am to 12:45 am.
• La Maison Rose
  This famous restaurant is one of the most photographed spots in Montmartre. Its pale pink façade, green shutters and matching chairs make it instantly recognisable. Opinions on the food vary, but if you are looking for a charming photo opportunity, stopping by for a drink is certainly worth considering.
• Vintage Car Tours by Night
  Several companies offer evening tours of Paris in classic vintage cars, many of which pass through Montmartre. It is a memorable way to experience the district after dark and see its streets illuminated in a completely different atmosphere.

4. The Artists’ Quarter

Montmartre was once an affordable area to live in, attracting many working-class families. At the same time, it also appealed to members of wealthier circles. What truly made the district famous, however, was the remarkable number of artists who were born here, lived here for a time or found inspiration among its winding streets.

To name just a few:

• Edgar Degas – painter
• Paul Cézanne – painter
• Émile Zola – writer
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir – painter
• Paul Gauguin – painter
• Vincent van Gogh – Dutch painter
• Santiago Rusiñol – Catalan painter
• Pablo Picasso – Spanish painter
• Salvador Dalí – Catalan artist
• Georges Clemenceau – politician

Montmartre
A bit of History

Montmartre originally refers to the hill in northern Paris known as the Butte Montmartre. It is the highest natural point in the city, rising to 130 metres above sea level. At its summit stands the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, one of Paris’s most recognisable landmarks.

In 1860, the former village of Montmartre was incorporated into Paris and became part of the city’s 18th arrondissement. As Baron Haussmann’s urban redevelopment projects made central Paris increasingly expensive, more and more people were drawn to this newly integrated district.

During the 19th century, Montmartre’s rural character, affordable rents and lively cafés attracted countless artists, writers and creatives. They lived, worked and celebrated here, helping to create the district’s legendary Bohemian atmosphere.

By the beginning of the 20th century, however, many artists began moving to Montparnasse. After the First World War, that district emerged as a major centre of modern art, gradually taking over the role that Montmartre had played in the previous generation.