How to Get Lost While Exploring Paris's Eclectic Montmartre Village

Montmartre

48.8862° N, 2.3431° E

After our relaxing, low-key day in Jardin des Tuileries, we decided to head off to the other side of the city and visit the quaint Montmartre Village. Montmartre - Mountain of Martyrs - is located in the 18th arrondissement and is a charming community with its cobblestoned, windy streets and alleyways. From our “home” in the Marais we caught the Métro from Hôtel de Ville (the yellow line) and transferred to the green line at Concorde…. finally getting off at Abbesses. Travel time was about 20 minutes. By the way, did you know Abbesses is the deepest Métro station in the Paris system? It is on the western side of the hill and lies 118 feet underground. There is an elevator but, if you are able, take the spiral stairs up —- there are some beautiful murals as you make the climb and intricate art nouveau style work as you exit.

Montmartre is the perfect neighborhood to just get lost in and that’s just what we did as we made our way towards the Sacré-Couer Basilica. Here you’ll find artists paiting ‘en plein air’ on Place du Tertre — which is fitting as these were the very streets where artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Auguste Renoir roamed. This is also the places where many African-Americans artists fled to escape injustices back in the United States…… Artists such as Josephine Baker, Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes. In 2021, Josephine Baker was the first Black woman to be inducted into France’s Pantheon - France’s highest honor.

I love the way the Sacré-Couer (Sacred Heart) seems to reveal itself as you walk around the bend. The basilica stands very majestic on the hillside with its tall turrets piercing the sky. There is a merry go round at the base of the steps and at this point, you can choose to take the Funicular up the hill or take the 270 steps up. We like the bustling scenery and the panoramic views as you go up the stairs so, we chose that route.

There’s always a handful of musical artists along the climb up the stairs…….

And, on this day, a bride and groom joined the crowd for a pretty photo opportunity.

Top of the steps are also another great place to view the city and all of the beautiful rooftops.

The Sacré-Couer is a must see when you visit Montmartre. It is the 2nd highest point in Paris — the Eiffel Tower being the highest. And, after the Notre Dame, it is the most visited church in France. You can visit the basilica for free but, there is a fee to climb the 300 steps into the dome — enter on the left hand side.

One of the most interesting things about the basilica is how it stays so white…. It was made with the same stone that was used on the Arc de Triomphe and the Alexander III bridge. The stone is very resistant to water and actually releases calcite that cleans the stone — thus helping it keep that white color. Pretty cool!

One other note, we suggest you download the free Tupuy app —- with it, you can listen to a free audio guide about the basilica as well as purchase tickets and get information about other monuments throughout Paris.

Sweeping views can be found behind the basilica as well…..

Which is also the perfect background for selfies!

Our visit would not be complete without walking further into the village and admiring all of the artists. My favorites are the portrait artists — it’s amazing to watch them drawing customers as they wait. They’re all so very talented and their work affordable! You can stroll amongst the artists or if you are ready for a meal, there are a number of restaurants that surround this courtyard of portraitures. Sit and enjoy your meal while you decide which one you’d like to hire!

As we head back to the métro station, we are already discussing what we want to come back and see in the Montmartre. Here are a few things you may want to add to your Montmartre “bucket list”….

The Moulin de la Galette - the last surviving windmills

Take a walking tour that explores Black Parisians and Americans impact on Montmartre and greater Paris

The Wall of Love in the Jehan Rictus Garden Square

Have our portraits drawn in Place du Tetre

Sip on coffee + tea at Maison Rouge - located at the corner of Rue Aubrevoir and Rue des Saules. This landmark has been serving coffee to the likes of Camus and Picasso for over 100 years!

Step into the “hidden” vineyards of Clos de Montmartre

Let us know what you’ve discovered in Montmartre Village! Happy Travels!