Montmartre

Paris
France showing heritage elements
Presided over by the Sacré-Cœur, this charming neighborhood is still reminiscent of its days as an enclave for some of the world’s greatest artists.

Providing inspiration for many films, including Amelie, Moulin Rouge and the Édith Piaf biopic La Vie En Rose, Montmartre (Mountain of the Martyr) has long been associated with the Parisian artistic community. Originally outside the official boundaries of Paris, the village of Montmartre was a mid-19th century creative haven for artists including Dalí, Modigliani, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Picasso and van Gogh. 

Many of the places frequented by those famous artists are still standing. Musée de Montmartre, where Renoir once lived and worked, is now home to historic manuscripts, letters, posters, photographs and archaeological artifacts.

Nightclubs, cabaret and prostitution were woven into the area’s social fabric and still exist today, particularly along the gaudy Boulevard de Clichy. This is where you’ll find the Moulin Rouge, which opened in 1889. Today it has two shows nightly, complete with elaborate costumes, dramatic song and the high cancan kicks of the last century.

Montmartre’s most famous architectural highlight is the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart). This Catholic church is perched on the city’s highest hill, the butte Montmartre (“mountain of the martyr”). The basilica’s interior has one of the world’s largest mosaics, Christ in Majesty. Its grand pipe organ was designed by Aristide Cavaille-Coll, who also created the organs for Notre Dame. 

While in the area, art lovers should stop by Espace Dalí a few streets to the west of the basilica. This is a permanent exhibition devoted to Salvador Dali. It features more than 300 of the artist’s works, including the country’s largest collection of his sculptures.

The best time to visit Montmartre is on a weekday when the streets are less crowded. In October, however, there is a time when you’ll be glad to mix with masses. During Fetes de Vendanges (grape harvest festival), Montmartre celebrates the pickings from its own tiny vineyard. There are parades of dancers and musicians, stalls of regional produce and a nightly fireworks display over several days.

Montmartre is located in the north end of Paris, atop a hill that reaches a height of about 427 feet (130 meters). You can take the stairs up the dramatic hillside, or drive into the neighborhood. This is an area that lends itself to getting lost. At some point during your visit, fold away your map and embrace its narrow, cobblestone streets. If the inclines are too much, catch Montmartre’s “Little Train.” It chugs its way through the major locations. A 35-minute round trip is a ticketed journey and leaves from Place Blanche regularly throughout the day.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Montmartre Hotel Deals

Hôtel Pavillon Montmartre
Hôtel Pavillon Montmartre
3 out of 5
5, rue Aristide Bruant, Paris
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,428 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥12,428
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (949 reviews)
"Was great hotel for a reasonable price"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Hôtel Pavillon Montmartre
Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection
Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection
4 out of 5
16 Rue Tholoze, Paris, Paris
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥17,128 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥17,128
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Paris. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (271 reviews)
"Such a unique boutique hotel. Beautiful area to explore - Montmartre is "colorful," but always felt safe with my 2 older teens. Pretty far from the traditional tourist attractions, but definitely worth considering"

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection
Citadines Montmartre Paris
Citadines Montmartre Paris
3 out of 5
16 Avenue Rachel, Paris, Paris
The price is ¥17,825 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
¥17,825
per night
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,344 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2024

Citadines Montmartre Paris
Le Relais Montmartre
Le Relais Montmartre
4 out of 5
6, rue Constance, Paris, Paris
The price is ¥22,686 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
¥22,686
per night
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (812 reviews)
Birthday trip
"Hotel staff were excellent, helpful and friendly. Ideal situation for the Moulin Rouge. Breakfast was reasonable but very French (but we were in Paris!) 😀. Boutique type hotel, very nice but small especially our bedroom. The beds were very comfortable and a great toilet ( you would have to try it ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Le Relais Montmartre
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
The price is ¥58,779 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥58,779
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"It was a nice hotel very close to the Eiffel Tower. Staff was nice and treated me very well. I would recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
The People Paris Marais
The People Paris Marais
17 Boulevard Morland, Paris
The price is ¥25,593 per night from Mar 21 to Mar 22
¥25,593
per night
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Stay at this hostal in Paris. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (473 reviews)
"Marvelous one bedroom for less than the cost of the usual hostel bunk. Elevators, well maintained and clean. Nice big breakfast. I was really pleased and felt very safe as a solo traveler."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

The People Paris Marais
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Champs-Élysées

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Montmartre