a guide to Montmartre
about Montmartre
Montmartre's most imposing landmark is indisputably the Basilique du Sacre Coeur. Noted for its gleaming white architecture, its position atop Montmartre affords spectacular views of the Paris skyline. Venture inside and find one of the world's largest mosaics, Luc-Olivier Merson's captivating Christ in Majesty, gazing down at you from the ceiling.
Not far from here, the twelfth century Church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest churches in Paris. Look out for the impressive bronze doors depicting St. Pierre, St. Denis and Nôtre-Dame, and the clock tower, originally used as a telegraph during the revolution.
Other attractions include the Moulin de la Galette, an old windmill (now incorporating a restaurant) that has featured in paintings by such revered figures as Van Gogh, Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. Continuing the art theme, the Bateau Lavoir is an old studio where Picasso once lived and, it is reported, invented cubism. Film fans may also note the Café des Deux Moulins, which featured in the hit film Amélie.
Our Tip: Take a stroll through the Place du Tertre and have your portrait done by one of the many street artists there, a unique memento of your visit.
top hotels in MontmartreHotels in Montmartre
how to get there
by car
Exit the Périphérique at Junction 22 (Porte de Clignancourt) and continue past the Metro station onto the Boulevard Ornano. Take the right fork at the roundabout onto Rue Hermel, continuing until you reach a T-junction at Rue Custine. Turn right, where you will immediately encounter a fork in the road. Take the left one onto Rue Caulincourt. At the first turn-off, take a U-turn onto the extreme left Rue Lamarck. Follow this road around until you reach the Basilique du Sacre Coeur.
For satellite navigation systems enter postcode 75018.
Nearest underground parking: Custine Automobiles, 48 Rue Custine, 75018
by bus
The following buses stop at Porte de Montmartre station: 60, 95
by tube
Nearest station: Lamarck Caulaincourt (Line 12)
From Gare du Nord: Take Line 4 towards Porte de Clignancourt, alight at Marcadet Poissoniers (3 stops). Change to Line 12 towards Mairie d'Issy, get off at Lamarck Caulaincourt (2 stops).
From Gare de Lyon: Take Line 14 towards Saint- Lazare, exiting the train when the line terminates at Saint-Lazare (4 stops). Change to Line 12 towards Porte de La Chapelle, alighting at Lamarck Caulaincourt (6 stops).
From Gare Montparnasse: Take Line 4 towards Porte de Clignancourt and get off at Marcadet Poissoniers (17 stops). Change for Line 12 towards Mairie d'Issy, completing your journey at Lamarck Caulaincourt (2 stops).
by train
Nearest RER station: Gare du Nord (RER B, RER D)
attractions
upcoming events
Jan 11
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05
Jan 14
Locals flock to the rustic Basque dining room, Le Troquet, in the residential 15th arrondissement, where Chef Christian Etchebest uses seasonal produce to create daring dishes that always mélange unexpected flavours. Diners sitting at Gingham-clad tables tuck into delights such as smoked eel with avacado mousse, cheesy biscuits and apple.
Dec 10
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20
Dec 13
Despite an initial shaky start, Honoré de Balzac became one of French literature's most famous names. His former home, the Maison de Balzac in Paris, is open to the public, his writing desk still intact.
Jan 11
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06
Jan 14
The Saxe-Breteuil Market in the 7th arrondissement is a typical Parisian market, attracting chic locals. It is the only market in Paris to afford views of the Eiffel Tower. Come early in the morning for the best fruit and vegetables.
