Montmartre isnโt just a Paris neighborhood โ itโs a village within the city, wrapped in cobbled lanes, crowned by a basilica, and soaked in artistic legend. Whether youโre a first-time visitor or a Paris regular, wandering Montmartre on foot is one of the most atmospheric experiences the city offers.
Hereโs your curated walking tour of the top 10 must-see attractions in Montmartre:
1. Sacrรฉ-Cลur Basilica
Rising like a pearl above Paris, the Sacrรฉ-Cลur offers panoramic views and Roman-Byzantine elegance. Step inside to admire its mosaics and peaceful interior. For the best views, climb to the dome (300 steps) โ sunrise here is unforgettable.
๐ Tip: Come early or stay for sunset. The basilica is free, but access to the dome has a small fee.
2. Place du Tertre
Just steps from Sacrรฉ-Cลur lies Place du Tertre, a square humming with open-air painters, caricaturists, and cafรฉ-goers. This was once the heart of bohemian Paris, home to artists like Utrillo and Modigliani.
๐จ Fun Fact: You can still get your portrait sketched here, just like visitors did in the early 1900s.
3. Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je tโaime)
Tucked into Jehan Rictus Square, this poetic mural features โI love youโ in 250+ languages. Itโs a popular photo stop, especially for couples โ and a peaceful corner of romance in busy Paris.
๐ Address: Place des Abbesses (near the metro)
4. Clos Montmartre Vineyards
Yes, Paris has vineyards โ and Clos Montmartre is a tiny patch of winemaking history. Hidden behind iron gates, it produces limited batches of local wine. While itโs not open daily, you can admire it from outside or visit during the Fรชte des Vendanges in October.
๐ Tip: Ask local guides about special access tours.
5. Rue de lโAbreuvoir
Often named the prettiest street in Paris, Rue de lโAbreuvoir is a pastel-hued curve lined with ivy-covered homes and vintage lanterns. Itโs postcard-perfect, especially when viewed facing La Maison Rose, the iconic pink cafรฉ at its end.
๐ธ Best time for photos: early morning or golden hour.
6. La Maison Rose
This 100-year-old cafรฉ is beloved by artists and influencers alike. Once a haunt of Maurice Utrillo, La Maison Rose offers a pastel faรงade, rustic charm, and great views up and down Rue de lโAbreuvoir. Perfect for a coffee or light lunch stop.
7. Montmartreโs Hidden Staircases
Lose the crowds by finding Montmartreโs scenic staircases, like Rue Foyatier, which zigzags up beside the funicular. These stairs are popular with photographers โ especially in the rain or fall foliage.
๐ฅพ Pro Tip: Wear good shoes and take your time. Some stairways lead to quiet corners with lovely views.
8. Dalรญ Paris Museum
This quirky museum is home to 300+ works by surrealist legend Salvador Dalรญ, including sculptures, engravings, and dreamlike drawings. Itโs one of Parisโs most offbeat and inspiring galleries.
๐๏ธ Tickets available online โ book ahead during weekends.
9. Moulin de la Galette
One of the last remaining windmills in Paris, the Moulin de la Galette was immortalized by Renoir. Once a dance hall, itโs now a private residence, but you can admire it from the street and nearby restaurant of the same name.
๐ผ๏ธ Tip: Look up Renoirโs Bal du moulin de la Galette before visiting!
10. Le Bateau-Lavoir
This legendary building was a creative hive for Picasso, Braque, and Modigliani in the early 20th century. Though the original was lost to fire, the reconstructed Bateau-Lavoir honors its Cubist legacy.
๐ Location: 13 Place รmile Goudeau โ itโs easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled!
๐บ๏ธ Suggested Walking Route
Start at Abbesses Metro โ Wall of Love โ Rue de lโAbreuvoir โ La Maison Rose โ Clos Montmartre โ Sacrรฉ-Cลur โ Place du Tertre โ Dalรญ Museum โ Rue Foyatier โ Le Bateau-Lavoir โ Moulin de la Galette
โ Quick Map & Highlights Grid
Attraction | Type | Best For | Entry |
---|---|---|---|
Sacrรฉ-Cลur | Landmark | Views, History | Free (dome โฌ) |
Place du Tertre | Square | Art, Atmosphere | Free |
Wall of Love | Mural | Romance, Photos | Free |
Clos Montmartre | Vineyard | Hidden Gem | View only (tour โฌ) |
Rue de lโAbreuvoir | Street | Photos, Stroll | Free |
La Maison Rose | Cafรฉ | Rest stop, Instagram | Meal โฌโฌ |
Dalรญ Museum | Museum | Art lovers | โฌโฌ |
Moulin de la Galette | Historic Site | Art, Architecture | Free |
Le Bateau-Lavoir | Studio site | History buffs | Free (outside) |
๐งญ How to Explore Montmartre on Foot
- Start early to beat the crowds and afternoon heat
- Bring water and good walking shoes โ itโs hilly!
- Stop often: Montmartre is meant to be savored, not rushed
- Consider joining a local walking tour for insider stories
๐ Book a Guided Walking Tour of Montmartre
๐ Reserve your spot here