Montmartre Faves
June 12th, 2023 / µ
A Self-Guided Tour Of Montmartre
Montmartre, also known as La Butte (The Hill), is most often associated with the artists who lived and worked here from the 18th century until the 1920s. But this unique and colorful neighborhood has much more to offer than days gone by.
From the winding cobblestoned streets to the iconic monument of Sacre Cæur, fantastic museums, working artists, and The New Paris food trends – organic and local – it is all up here on Montmartre, looking out above the City of Light.
Je me souviens de… is one of my favorite expressions in French. I don’t know why; maybe because it sounds a bit Proust-ish? Who knows, but here je me souviens de one of my favorite places in Paris, Montmartre.
Walking down those old familiar streets feels like walking down memory lane. It is a fact that today Montmartre is crowded with tourists. But it is a great place to visit if you zoom out the crowds and zoom in on the day.
So, I remember 3 1/2 years ago, the last time I walked around and took pictures of pigeons (I love pigeons), among other things, and here are my eight suggestions for a great day in Montmartre.
All places have been updated to present.
The white basilica of Sacre Cæur looks a lot older than it is. Its appearance is a testimony to its architect, Paul Abadie’s inspiration, the 12th-century dome of Perigueux.
The basilica construction began in 1876 but was delayed by Paul Abadie’s death. The building did not open its doors until after WW1, in 1919.
This museum is more than the exhibitions. The building itself is a testimony to Montmartre’s artistic past. The French actor Rosimond bought the building in the 17th century. It has since served as a home to many a more or less starving artist, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Today the original building still stands, and Renoir’s garden is a park. The museum exhibits both temporary and permanent collections. The latter includes some famous works of artists who portrayed the life of the famous Parisian cabaret scene of the late 18th century and early 19th century.
There are many places to eat in Montmartre; one place to try is Grenouilles. Here the food derives from products from smaller French organic producers, organic and delicious.
You will find the little restaurant in an area with plenty of gift shops. So if you feel kitsch-ish and yearn for a Lautrec poster and mug, there’s plenty to choose from. You can also visit some charming galleries in this area.
Place du Tertre was the central town square of Montmartre before the area became a part of the city of Paris itself.
Today it is an artist’s square, and you can buy anything from caricatural drawings to fine art in beautiful frames. So there’s ample opportunity to purchase something unique and signed. And who knows, your gem might be worth millions one day.
The cemetery might not be as big and famous as Père Lachaise. However, some interesting graves are still worth visiting, including Degas and Zola’s. You can download a map of the cemetery from the city’s website.
Chocolate, cookies, and coffee.
Before leaving Montmartre, do yourself a favor and drop by Compagnie Générale de la Biscuiterie, the local cookie, candy, and chocolate shop. You can buy the products travel-ready.
A skip and a hop from the shop on the Rue Lepic, you will find the café made famous in the movie Amelie de Montmartre, Café des Deux Moulins. The café is a must for any Amelie fan.
If you prefer something less touristic, you can head for the KB Cafeshop, on the Rue Martyres, just off the Place Lino Ventura. Here you can rest your feet, watch the world go by in 21st-century industrial-style décor, and enjoy top-notch coffee.
Getting there and away:
Metro line 12 is the easiest way to get to and from central Paris. If you follow the above route, get off at Abbesses and get back on at Saint-Georges.
Points to remember:
Sacre Cæur is a church, and you should dress accordingly.
The streets are primarily cobblestoned, so it is best to wear sensible shoes.
Thanks for reading! I hope you found it valuable and worth your time! Until next time, remember to get your facts straight and that whatever good times you have will never come back as bad times,
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