Montmartre is one of the most charming and romanticised neighbourhoods in Paris. It has preserved the romantic, bohemian atmosphere of 19th & 20th century Paris, and is truly like nowhere else in the city. This Montmartre guide rounds up some of the best things to do in Montmartre, including visiting the magnificent Sacre Coeur, browsing the artist markets in Place du Tertre, seeing the Moulin Rouge and some Emily in Paris film locations. Montmartre is an essential stop in an itinerary for 3 days in Paris or 5 days in Paris. It’s touristy and a pickpocket hotspot, but there’s nowhere else in Paris quite like Montmartre.

Where is Montmartre?

Montmartre is in northern Paris, in the 18th arrondissement. It is a hilly area, and the Sacre Coeur is the highest point in Paris – which gives it the best views of the city. You can catch the Metro to Montmartre. In my experience, I’ve noticed the most pickpockets on Metros & at the stations in this area, so be aware of your surroundings and your belongings.

To get to Montmartre, take the metro to one of these stops: Pigalle, Abesses, Anvers, Barbes-Rochechouart or Chateau Rouge.

A Brief history of Montmartre

Montmartre has a long history dating back to Roman times, but its glory days were during the Belle Epoque from 1870-1914. During this time, Sacre Coeur was built as a penance for the suffering caused by the Franco-Prussian war, the Moulin Rouge was founded and the area filled with artists, cafes and cabarets. Artists working in the area included iconic painters such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas and Amadeo Modigliani. After the outbreak of World War I, most of them moved to Montparnasse, south of the Seine.

Sacre Coeur

I’m not religious, but I visit Sacre Coeur every time I’m in Paris. Some say Montmartre’s curvaceous white basilica is gaudy, but it is one of my favourite places in Paris. Sacre-Coeur is a Catholic basilica, completed in 1923, to atone for France’s sins in the Franco-Prussian war. It’s often crowded, but still functions as a church and has a beautiful energy. During mass, the choir sings so beautifully, amplified by the church’s domes, that I’d happily sit through a service just to hear them sing. Photography isn’t permitted inside Sacre Coeur, but you won’t soon forget the glittering mosaic interior! In peak season, there is often a queue to get inside, so come early or come prepared to stand in the heat.

Sacre Coeur Film Locations

Sacre Coeur is an icon of Paris, so it’s not surprising that it is often used as a film location. Most famously, it is a film location for the French film Amelie, as the location where Amelie sets up a date with Nino. It is also a filming location for Emily in Paris!

La Maison Rose

La Maison Rose is one of the most picturesque restaurants in Montmartre, housed in a pink building in the winding backstreets of Montmartre. La Maison Rose was purchased in 1908 by a Catalan painter, Ramon Pichot, and his wife Germaine Gaballo, a model for Montmartre artists. Germaine painted the house pink, and they opened it as a restaurant which became popular with their artists friends and local residents, including Dali and Picasso. It remained a local hangout, well into the 60s and 70s when it attracted residents, performers at the Montmartre cabarets, the singer Dalida and philosopher Albert Camus. Today, it is operated by the granddaughter of the owner from the 1960s, and continues to be a popular spot. It was used as an Emily in Paris film location, so the secret is definitely out, but it’s still a very charming place to stop for a drink.

Artist Markets at Place du Tertre 

More than 350 artists gather in Place du Terte, making it one of the largest gatherings of artists in the world. You can have your portrait painted, or browse for paintings to take home with you.

The Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret show in the world, and the birthplace of the French Can Can. It’s in the red light district, which is a little sketchy even in the middle of the day, so keep an eye on your wallet (and pockets). I’ve been to a show at the Moulin Rouge and at The Lido, a competitor on the Champs-Elysee, and I have to admit, I thought the performance at The Lido was better.

Cafe Le Nazir

Cafe Le Nazir is a cute Montmartre cafe, on the trendy Rue des Abesses. This is a great spot for a Montmartre cafe with a neighbourhood feel, and isn’t a tourist trap – like so many in the area! The iced lattes are 10/10.

Cafe Des Deux Moulins

Located on the charming Rue Lepic, Cafe Des Deux Moulins is famous for being an Amelie film location. Cafe Des Deux Moulins is the cafe where Amelie works in the film, making for one of the best ways to experience the world of this enchanting French film.

Au Lapin Agile Cabaret

Au Lapin Agile is one of the oldest cabarets in Paris, dating back to the 1860s. It’s on Rue des Saules, at the heart of Montmartre’s village of backstreets. Au Lapin Agile has welcomed many Montmartre artists and famous residents, including Picasso who painted the interior in his 1905 oil painting, “Au Lapin Agile.”

Windmills of Montmartre

Around Montmartre, you can still spot a few windmills which are relics from the neighbourhood’s history as farmland. One notable windmill is Le Moulin de Galette, which is on Rue Lepic – a great street for boutiques and gourmet food!