There are few visitors to Paris who don't know Montmartre, one of the capital's most famous districts that attracted many Impressionist painters in its day. Perched on top of its hill, this village-like neighbourhood in the 18th arrondissement charms tourists and lovers from all over the world with its picturesque character, countless steps and typical side streets. From the top of this hill, which has a unique atmosphere, walkers and anyone who loves scenic views can also enjoy a magnificent view of Paris and its monuments!
Here there's no shortage of iconic places, and you can fully appreciate this unique district's character on a leisurely stroll. The picturesque Place du Tertre with its many painters and caricaturists deftly sketching in pencil, the long street of Rue Lepic and its famous Café des 2 Moulins where scenes from Amélie were filmed, the Clos Montmartre and its famous vines at the corner of Rue Saint-Vincent and Rue des Saules, Saint-Pierre market with its countless fabrics, the Auberge de la Bonne Franquette inn that was visited by Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Cézanne, the Montmartre Museum with its memories of yesteryear, the Espace Dalí dedicated to the master of Surrealism, and the charming Place Émile Goudeau are some of the spots that visitors adore. The most romantic visitors should be sure to drop by the charming Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses, to admire its famous wall of "I love you's"…
Montmartre hill is also known for the famous Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacré-Coeur). Perched right at the top of the hill, at 130 m in altitude, it can be reached by taking the Montmartre funicular, or if you're feeling energetic, by climbing the 222 steps from the Square Louise Michel. Built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style, this white stone edifice consecrated in 1919 is one of the most iconic and frequently photographed monuments in Paris. Inside, on the apse ceiling, you can admire the biggest mosaic in France before going down to visit the crypt. From there you can take a staircase up to the dome, to enjoy a magnificent 360° view of Paris! Near the basilica stands another religious building, the Church of St Peter of Montmartre (Saint-Pierre de Montmartre), which also has very attractive architecture.
At the bottom of Montmartre hill on Boulevard de Clichy is the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, which welcomes tourists in the lively Pigalle district. And if you have time, be sure to visit Montmartre cemetery, the final resting place of such illustrious figures as Stendhal, Hector Berlioz, Sacha Guitry and Dalida.
Each year in the second weekend of October, the neighbourhood hosts the grape harvest festival that celebrates the famous vines of Montmartre. A famous patron inaugurates the festivities, and then it's time to have fun and discover an exceptional vintage wine!
