Montmartre in 1 day
- Admin
- Jul 20
- 8 min read
Montmartre, a bohemian neighborhood...
Montmartre is full of fascinating highs and lows. I love wandering around and imagining the era when many artists lived in this unique place. It was in the 19th century that they discovered this picturesque place, with its stunning views and affordable rents, which for centuries had been a rural village. Musicians, painters, and writers with a bohemian lifestyle played a significant role in shaping Montmartre as it is today. Since most of them lived free, unrestrained, and sometimes even hedonistic (not a derogatory term, mind you!) lives, with their arrival, the place began to change. It was then that bars, cabarets, brothels, and... tourists appeared!
Today, many people come to Montmartre just to see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (for more information, visit our website: http://www.routeparis.com/sacre-coeur) or the traditional Moulin Rouge ( http://www.moulinrouge.fr/ ), but the place has so much more to offer. And I agree with the saying that the journey is more important than the destination. That's why I always begin my walk slowly, paying attention to the beautiful sights along the way and always trying to discover some unusual corner. I feel that the arrival is more pleasant when I enjoy the walk.
Well, digressions aside, our tour begins by getting off at the Abbesses metro station (line 2). Upon exiting, you'll notice that the station entrance is unique and one of the most beautiful in Paris. It's a splendid and well-preserved glass and cast iron structure dating back to the Belle Époque, designed by the famous French architect Hector Guimard.
Cross the street and head straight toward " Place Jean Rictus ." It's located directly opposite the station, on Rue la Vieuville. There's a wall with the words "I love you" written on it , perfect for taking wonderful photos.
Leaving the square through the same entrance gate, cross the street and admire the façade of the parish church of Saint-Jean, and if you can, go inside. I always enjoy visiting churches!
I walk down rue des Abbesses to the award-winning bakery " Le Grenier à Pain ", located at number 38. There I have a snack, a coffee, and buy some sandwiches to eat along the way (just thinking about the chocolate croissants makes my mouth water).
Return along the same street and follow the Passage des Abbesses to Rue des Trois Frères, turning left to reach Place Émile-Goudeau, on Rue Ravignan. At number 13 of this street is the Bateau-Lavoir, which was a stopover for many artists, including Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Guillaume Apollinaire, Maurice Utrillo, and many others. Today, it's just an interesting showcase, but I enjoy stopping there and soaking up the atmosphere.
From Rue Ravignan, head towards Rue d'Orchampt and follow it to the end. You'll come out onto Rue Lepic, opposite the Moulin de la Galette windmill (which inspired Renoir for his painting "The Dance at the Moulin de la Galette"), where you'll also find the luxurious restaurant of the same name and the Moulin du Radet. These are the only two remaining windmills of the many that once stood in Montmartre.
From there, I recommend taking Rue Girardon and, if you have time, entering Square Suzanne Buisson, crossing and exiting at Place Casadesus until you reach Alée des Brouillards, then returning to Rue Girardon. If you don't have time, follow Rue Girardon until you reach Place Dalida.
Continue along rue de l'Abreuvoir to “ La Maison Rose ,” a charming café-restaurant known for paintings by Maurice Utrillo and many others.
Along the way, I was enchanted by the quiet, tree-lined streets and some beautiful houses...
Going left, you'll see a vineyard in the city center, the "Vigne du Clos Montmartre," and turning right onto Rue Saint-Vincent, you'll see "Le Jardin Sauvage Saint-Vincent." It's generally open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., although it may be closed on windy days. This garden boasts unique flora, wild plants, and a variety of fauna in the heart of the city, helping to preserve the area's biodiversity. Interesting facts about Paris...
Continuing along rue Saint-Vincent, turn right onto rue du Mont-Cenis (I was enchanted by the staircase and took lots of photos...).
Go down the stairs and you will find yourself in rue Cortot, where a few meters away is the Montmartre Museum ( http://museedemontmartre.fr/en/le-musee/ ) (it is worth a visit, the works of art tell the story of Montmartre).
From there, I think almost all roads lead to the Basilica , just go up, but I'll tell you how I can enjoy it a little more... I go back along Rue Cordot, turn right onto Rue du Mont Cenis, pass behind the Sacré-Cœur, walk along Rue du Chevalier de la Barre and arrive at the Parc de la Turlure. From Dalí, the view of the Basilica is beautiful.
Leaving the park, turn left onto Rue du Chevalier de la Barre and right onto Rue Paul Albert. Cross Rue Maurice Urtrillo (steps) to Rue Lamarck and climb the steps leading to the Basilica. Enjoy the view and visit the interior of the church. It's beautiful, but it's a shame that photos aren't allowed inside! (Visit our website: http://www.routeparis.com/sacre-coeur).
I haven't mentioned yet that you can skip the stairs and take the funicular, a small cable car, to the foot of the Basilica. This saves you about 200 steps. To be honest, I've never used it, but I find it quite interesting, especially since it accepts metro tickets.
Leaving Sacré-Coeur along the " Parvis du Sacré-Coeur" , turn right onto Rue du Cardinal Guilbert, then take Rue du Chevalier de la Barre on the left until you reach Rue du Mont-Cenis, where you will turn left again. You will pass in front of the "Cimetière du Calvaire", where a wooden Calvary marks the highest point in Paris (130 meters).
Continuing a little further you reach the famous Place du Tertre , where many artists exhibit their works, others create caricatures in the open air and, at night, it is a meeting point, as it is surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants.
On Sundays, the square is livelier, with more artists exhibiting their works. On the other hand, everything is more crowded...
There are some restaurants and bars around the square.
A little further on, on Rue Poulbolt, the Espace Dalí ( http://daliparis.com/ ) is definitely worth a visit! It houses a museum dedicated to the artist and an art gallery, which also exhibits works by contemporary artists.
Leaving the Espace Dalí, turn right onto Rue Norvins, circling Place du Tertre again. I think a good way down is to take Rue Saint-Éleuthère, reach Rue du Cardinal du Bois, and walk along Square Louise Michel until you reach Place Saint-Pierre, where Rue Stenkerque begins.
Ah... Rue Stenkerque... If you like souvenirs at affordable prices, this street is "the" place: themed T-shirts and bags, hats, accessories like scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs, keychains, miniatures of the Tower, all at low prices! This is the place in Paris where you'll find these trinkets (some are beautiful, right? I came back with a scarf that "lives" around my neck) at the best price. That's because I didn't mention the five-story fabric market, right there on Place Saint-Pierre, on Rue Charles Nodier (I don't think I have time for a whole day...).
But don't believe this story about people who place bets on the street and call tourists...
After walking along Steinkrke Street, you will find yourself in front of the Antwerp metro station (line 2).
My itinerary ends here, but yours doesn't have to end there, because despite your tiredness, you might want to visit the area of the famous Moulin Rouge that same day. If that's what you want, let's go...
Pigalle
Pigalle remains one of the centers of Parisian nightlife , perhaps the most famous, although it has changed significantly since its days as a seedy neighborhood. Although architecturally a bit amorphous, where modernity blends with old buildings without much harmony or planning, it is a neighborhood with a unique charm.
I'll give you some suggestions for tours you can do on the same day:
✔ If you just want to visit the area near the famous Moulin Rouge Cabaret:
Once you reach Place de Anvers, turn right onto Boulevard de Rochechouart and then follow Boulevard de Clichy to the Moulin Rouge. This route, if you don't stop, takes just over ten minutes. It's quite quick.
Moulin Rouge: http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=it
The area's sex shops and nightclubs attract tourists. Don't be alarmed if someone approaches you at the entrance and invites you into a club. This is common, especially at night.
If you want to see a show at the Moulin Rouge, you'll need to book in advance, and the dress code isn't the same as when you're out and about all day. So I recommend booking another day.
Consider walking down Rue Lepic and ending the day at the Café des Deux Moulins, which became a hit thanks to the film "Amélie." The authenticity of the place is due to the decor, but don't expect much more... http://cafedesdeuxmoulins.fr/en
✔ If you want to discover the most popular street of the moment: rue des Martyrs:
Once you reach Place de Anvers, follow Boulevard de Rochechouart and turn left onto Rue des Martyrs, where the streets begin to thin out. This is where the city's new upscale neighborhood is emerging. It's called SoPi (South of Pigalle) and attracts bohemians, or rather, the more bourgeois.
The street is a must-see for anyone who loves good food... See what you'll find there:
🔺9, Rue des Martyrs: The Jam Room. Every kind of jam you can imagine!
🔺At number 9 (next to each other): Première Pression: a boutique selling artisanal Provençal olive oils, with tastings. It also sells natural olive-based cosmetics.
🔺22, rue des Martyrs): Pâtisserie des Martyrs, the pastry shop of Sébastien Gaudard, elected best pastry chef in France in 2012.
🔺46 rue des Martyrs: Rose Bakery (everything is delicious!)
🔺48, rue de Martyrs: Beillevaire Dairy.
🔺72, rue des Martyrs: Tableware shop specializing in tableware and ceramics.
It's a normal neighborhood that's becoming more modern. "Guys, not everything in Paris is pure glamour!" Couples with children stroll there in the morning; it's a safe place, but you have to be careful, like in any tourist spot. At night, near the Moulin Rouge, the bright lights attract attention and the place is always crowded. On weekend evenings, since the neighborhood is very bohemian and the concert halls and bars stay open late, you'll find the occasional "shower singer" on the streets. Groups that cause a bit of trouble here and there, mostly young people. That's life!
Montmartre: train journey
There is also the option of travelling by train, especially if you are travelling with children or elderly people.
The little trains of Montmartre:
The journey takes about 40 minutes, starting from Place Blanche, in front of the Moulin Rouge, with a short stop at Place du Tertre and returning to the same square, served by the Blanche metro station.
Pass by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Church of Saint-Pierre, Place du Tertre, the Espace Dalí Museum, the Saint-Vincent Cemetery, the Saint-Pierre Market, Antwerp and others.
Traffic is available every day from 10am to 6pm, and until midnight during the summer.
Montmartre:
The journey takes about 40 minutes and departs from Place Pigalle, with a brief stop in front of the Sacré-Coeur (parvis du Sacré-Coeur). It passes several tourist attractions and is a great alternative.
Traffic runs daily from 10am to 6pm (5pm until March), with departures every 30 minutes.
Learn more: http://www.montmartre-guide.com/commerces/montmartrain/
And...If you want to know more:
- Visit our page: Basilica of the Sacred Heart
-If you enjoy outdoor activities and haven't visited Paris yet, visit our page: Boat Trips on the Seine.
If you've already been to Paris, prefer a less touristy itinerary, or are looking for a different Paris, check out our main page - Paris Itinerary - with lots of photos and suggestions. Choose from: Seine Highlights , Parks and Gardens , Fairs and Markets ;
-If you want to discover other options, also very popular in Paris, consult our advice section on the blog .
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