With its appearance of small villages, its cobbled streets and its many artists, the district of Montmartre exudes incredible charm. But the Butte Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is even more pleasant to visit in good weather. Summer is therefore the best time to enjoy Montmartre .
The Sacré-Coeur, the focal point of Montmartre
When we talk about the Montmartre district, everyone obviously thinks of the hill, on which rests the sublime monument of dazzling whiteness: the Sacré-Coeur basilica . It must be said that this masterpiece of the 19th century astonishes and attracts, with its Romano-Byzantine style architecture, but also with its astonishing color and its dome installed 83 meters above the ground.
Then take the Montmartre funicular , or climb the small cobbled streets, to reach this monumental religious building. From up there, you can admire a breathtaking view of Paris, and take advantage of the lawns of the Louise Michel square to make yourself comfortable.
Inside the place of worship is the largest mosaic in France, while the huge square tower houses the largest bell in France.
Anecdote: the Montmartre hill is the highest point in Paris, at 130 meters above sea level.
The village atmosphere in the heart of Paris
Montmartre is above all a lively district , where the cobbled streets guide you to the top of the hill, passing through small corners that look like small villages. Finally, we find the rural atmosphere in which the district has almost always been immersed. Because, barely 2 centuries ago, Montmartre was only a vast hillock, on which were erected 12 mills, and where the space was occupied by vines.
Even today, the district perpetuates the tradition by continuing to cultivate the vine, but also by carefully preserving 2 of these mills (Moulin de la Galette and Moulin Radet). It is from this story that the name of the famous French Cancan cabaret, the Moulin Rouge , comes to us .
Clos Montmartre wine is the only wine produced in inner Paris. Each new cuvée is celebrated in the fall, during the Harvest Festival .
In the footsteps of Amélie Poulain
Cinema lovers cannot miss the success of the film Le Fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain. This feature film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet is an ode to Montmartre , its typical charm and its conviviality. You can then wander the streets at random to follow in the footsteps of the young Amélie Poulain, but you can’t miss the famous Café des Deux Moulins , where the protagonist works as a waitress.
Next, head to Maison Collignon , where the owner has kept both the name of the grocery store from the film, but also its ambiance. Finally, you will be able to recognize the merry-go-round in Square Willette, where Amélie has strategically set up a treasure hunt to attract Nino Quincampoix.
Montmartre artist studios
If Montmartre seduces with its atypical charm, it is easy to understand that it has been the muse of many artists since the dawn of time. We are, of course, talking about the traditional caricaturists and portraitists of the Place du Tertre , but not only. Artists have always enjoyed meeting up in neighborhood cafés and workshops, to give free rein to their talent and imagination.
The district has seen the parade of many renowned artists, such as Modigliani, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Renoir, and even Manet. Would you like to learn more about these great painters? Head to the Musée de Montmartre , and if you love Dali’s surrealist painting, head to the Musée Dali , where an entire gallery is dedicated to the artist.
Anecdote: you will find many of these great artists in the cemetery of Montmartre .
Gastronomy and romantic restaurants in the heart of Montmartre
If you want to take the time to completely immerse yourself in this warm and relaxed atmosphere of Montmartre, sit down quietly on the terrace of a bistro, and savor the moment. At the Rendez-Vous des Amis or the Café des Deux Moulins , we will be happy to serve you a little coffee or a well-deserved aperitif.
When it comes to restaurants, the district is not to be outdone either. Then take a break while climbing the Montmartre hill, and take a seat in a restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, the best addresses of which are undoubtedly À la Bonne Franquette , rue des Saules, La Maison Rose , rue de l’ trough, and Au Cadet de Gascogne , on the Place du Tertre.
If you want to enjoy the view from the Sacré-Coeur basilica, climb to the top of the hill, and stop at Chamarré , a gastronomic restaurant masterfully run by starred chef Antoine Heerah. The rooftop of the Terrass Hotel is also not bad for a dinner with a view of Paris. You will find this gourmet bistro on rue Joseph de Maistre.
Anecdote: to end your visit in style, take the time to attend one of the Lapin Agile shows , an authentic 19th century cabaret.
Discover Montmartre differently: unusual visits
If you like to discover a city from a new and atypical angle, Paris is teeming with original ideas to see Montmartre and the 18th arrondissement differently.
- Board the Petit train de Montmartre , for a 40-minute ride from Place Blanche to the top of the hill;
- Climb into a 2 CV, and treat yourself to a tour of the 18th arrondissement in this mythical car, discovering the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, the Opéra Garnier, and of course, Montmartre;
- Get caught up in the game of the urban game by trying to solve a thrilling investigation in themythical district of Montmartre …
For the more classic, you can also decide to visit the district accompanied by an experienced guide. Guided tours of Paris are very numerous, and can be approached according to different themes.
Singian Sabaikaya: your relaxing break between two visits
A stone’s throw from the Pigalle metro station and 350 meters from the Sacré-Coeur basilica, the Singian Sabaikaya traditional Thai massage parlor offers you a bubble of sweetness in the heart of Paris.
For a therapeutic or preventive massage, or simply for pleasure, the professionals apply traditional massage methods to soothe you and guide you towards the well-being of body and mind.
Choose from the different formulas, and fly away for a few minutes of relaxation, with a massage with essential oils, a massage with hot oils or even a foot reflexology massage.
Alone or as a duo, the Singian Sabaikaya massage parlor guarantees you a quality service, at 76, rue des Martyrs, Paris 18.
La Cadet residence, your family aparthotel in the 9th arrondissement of Paris
Less than 20 minutes by metro from Montmartre, the Cadet Résidence is the tourist residence you need to fully enjoy your stay in Paris. Located in the 9th arrondissement, in rue Cadet, the aparthotel offers fully equipped studios and apartments , with private bathroom, sleeping area with quality bedding, lounge area with sofa bed and flat-screen TV. , equipped kitchen, free and unlimited wifi…
The Cadet residence is also completely secure , to allow you to go for a walk serenely, and spend a good night’s sleep. You can then be reassured by the safe, which will protect your precious belongings, by the closing of the doors every evening, but also by the secure car park.
And to enjoy an unforgettable stay in Paris , the hotel la Cadet residence also offers attractive discounts, to always enjoy a hotel at the best price . Reductions are then applied for medium and long stays, as well as for all people who book at least 30 days in advance.
Do you dream of discovering the Sacré-Coeur basilica, at the top of the Montmartre hill, or of walking in the footsteps of the heroine of Amélie Poulain’s Fabulous Destiny? Cadet Résidence is the ideal hotel to take full advantage of this district of Paris , but also of all the major tourist sites.