Montmartre

Updated on September 13, 2026

The Montmartre hill in Paris is truly a world of its own. A small village within the capital, the Montmartre neighborhood can be spotted from afar thanks to the Sacré-Cœur basilica, rising 130 meters above the city. The Montmartre hill is one of the most visited neighborhoods in Paris. Its bohemian past gives it a truly unique atmosphere to discover on a leisurely stroll.

Highlights

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica

The Sacré-Cœur basilica is the second most visited monument in Paris. The crypt and the dome can also be visited for 5€. The view from the dome is probably the finest in all of Paris, but it does require climbing 300 steps with no elevator.

The vineyards of Clos Montmartre

Climbing the hill from the north lets you discover the Clos Montmartre vineyard and its 2,000 vines of different varieties. A testament to Montmartre's winemaking past, the vineyard today also helps prevent the hill from being overtaken by development.

Place du Tertre

Despite the crowds of tourists who flock here every day, Place du Tertre keeps a particular charm. It was once the central square of the old village of Montmartre, a gathering spot for bohemian artists, poets, songwriters, and painters. Today it hosts more than a hundred painters and portrait artists who specialize in "one-minute portraits."

The Montmartre funicular

The funicular gets you to the top of the Montmartre hill in just 1 minute 30 seconds, for the price of a metro ticket. It's the original and most popular way to make the climb. For the more adventurous, the stairs at Square Louise Michel offer a more athletic ascent, "Amélie Poulain" style.

Montmartre Cemetery

Although Montmartre is home to several small cemeteries, the most famous is the "cimetière du Nord." More than 200 notable figures are buried here, including Michel Berger, Alexandre Dumas fils, Georges Feydeau, Sacha Guitry, and Émile Zola. The most visited grave remains that of Dalida — also said to be the most flower-covered in the whole cemetery.

The Moulin Rouge

At the foot of the hill sits the Moulin Rouge cabaret. This iconic venue is the perfect way to end the day with a "feathers and sequins" evening show. A gourmet dinner designed by the chefs of Maison Dalloyau is also served during the French Cancan performance.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Montmartre is full of little streets and hidden passageways waiting to be discovered. For example, at 45 Rue Lépic, you'll find an unusual covered passage with a few artist workshops and galleries. Another secret Montmartre street is Villa Léandre, a charming little dead end running parallel to the chic Avenue Junot.

How to get there

The simplest way to reach the Montmartre hill is by metro: take line 2 and get off at "Anvers" station, then take the funicular or the stairs; or take line 12 and get off at "Abbesses" station, then take the funicular or the stairs. Another option: bus lines 30, 31, 80, and 85 all stop at the foot of the hill.