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Home - Travel Destinations - Montmartre: A Day in Paris’ Most Charming Hilltop Neighborhood (Things to do)
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Montmartre rises above Paris like a quiet village tucked into the city. Cobbled streets wind past pastel houses, ivy-covered balconies, and tiny cafés. Morning sunlight glints off rooftops, while the distant hum of traffic mixes with the soft strumming of street musicians. It’s a neighborhood that rewards wandering slowly, with no strict plan, just a curiosity for what each corner might reveal.
Let’s start our walk:
A typical day in Montmartre almost always should start at the intriguing Moulin Rouge, with its red windmill in Boulevard de Clichy, at the foot of the hill. From here you can explore and walk your way up to the top of the famous Montmartre hill. But, don’t rush to the top.
A visit to Montmartre is best enjoyed slowly. Walk the staircases, stop for pastries, browse small art shops, and enjoy the street music that often drifts through the squares. The charm lies in wandering and discovering unexpected corners.
Start your walk near Moulin Rouge. Even from the street, the red windmill feels like an invitation to step back in time. Small boulangeries nearby fill the air with the scent of fresh croissants and baguettes — perfect for a light breakfast before heading uphill. Take your time; Montmartre isn’t a place to rush.
Montmartre mornings move at a relaxed pace. Small cafés open their terraces early, with chairs facing the street. Order a coffee and a croissant and watch locals start their day. The quiet streets and soft morning light make this one of the most peaceful moments to enjoy the neighborhood.
On your way up the hill, you’ll see fabulous and famous places like Cafe des Deux Moulins (Cafe des 2 Moulins – Cafe of the 2 windmills) in Rue Lepic (street), a delightful little restaurant from the movie Amelie. Further up is a grocery store which is also from the movie. Cafe des Deux Moulins is named after two windmills in the area:
Moulin du Radet (dating back to 1717 and situated in Rue Lepic), which is now a restaurant, and
Moulin Blute-Fin (dating back to 1622) is still in working condition.
The famous Le Mur des Je t’aime (The wall of love). This wall says ‘I love you in more than 300 languages. Situated at Square Jehan-Rictus, Pl. Des Abbesses. It is actually fun to see if you can spot your own language on there.
Where you’ll find it: Square Jehan Rictus, 14 Pl. des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France
Walking around in the district you’ll find tiny vineyards and beautiful streets to wander in, like Rue Lepic and many more.
However on many “most beautiful streets in Paris lists” and “to-do lists,” there is this little street (small cul de sac) called Villa Léandre, and well, I simply don’t think it is that much of a wow factor. I would rather explore the fabulous stores and more… (At the time of my visit it was to me, just a normal little street with houses.)
Wander toward the charming lanes around Rue de l’Abreuvoir and La Maison Rose. This corner is one of the prettiest spots in the district. The pastel buildings, old street lamps, and climbing roses create the feeling of a small countryside village inside Paris.
A few winding streets lead to Place du Tertre, the heart of Montmartre’s artistic life. Painters set up easels along the square, capturing tourists and landscapes with quick, confident strokes. Cafés spill chairs into the square, offering espresso and pastries. Watch for little lanes just off the main square — many hide quiet galleries and colorful stairways.
Montmartre has long attracted painters, writers, and dreamers.
For lunch stop at the Place du Tertre, with its beautiful little bistros and restaurants. Order a baguette and sit back while you take in the surroundings. Time to relax, before you head up further.
There are thousands of fabulous places along the way. Explore, experience, and become part of the city as you walk the streets of Paris. Stop and do the classic French Café scene. Enjoy buying at the classic French deli, Charcuterie, and market-like shops.
One such beautiful little street full of souvenir shops and small restaurants are: Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
TRAVEL TIP: (Disability Travel Tip) Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church and Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of the hill are also easily reachable by funicular if you’re not keen on doing more than 200 steps to get to the top of the hill.
Yes, The Cimetiere du Calvaire – cemetery (de Saint-Pierre de Montmartre) dates back to 1688 and is actually the highest point in Paris. (Unfortunately, it is only open to the public one day of the year – 01 November 2021 (on All Saints Day)) It might be a strange suggestion as a sightseeing or travel stop, but it is worth a visit.
Climb the steps to Sacré‑Cœur and the whole of Paris spreads out below you. Rooftops stretch endlessly toward the horizon. Street musicians often play on the steps, adding a gentle soundtrack while visitors sit and take in the view.
Standing at the highest point in Paris, you’ll have spectacular views. The Sacré-Cœu basilica was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Therefore it is actually quite new in comparison to other famous Paris basilicas. But don’t let me tell you all about it: Check out this video!
Apart from the spectacular views you’ll get to photograph from the Sacré-Cœur, there is a special surprise…
This photo opportunity is right next to the Basilica. Standing at the foot of the steps to the Basilica, you’ll find the Sinking House Of Montmartre just to the right-hand side of the famous Sacré-Coeur.
Hiding behind a bank of grass this optical illusion is created by tilting your photo to the left (after you’ve taken it) so that the bank of grass is level in your photo when you publish it to social media.
This is obviously a favorite Instagram spot.
Late afternoon brings a golden glow to Montmartre’s stone streets. Find a quiet viewpoint near Sacré-Cœur and watch the light change over Paris. As evening arrives, café terraces fill with conversation and the neighborhood takes on a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
La Maison Rose is a nice place to stop for something to eat and drink. This petit restaurant offers traditional French cuisine and you simply can’t miss the picturesque pink maisonette on the street corner.
Where you’ll find it: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris, France (Remember to make reservations for lunch and/or dinner before going there.)
On your way down, walk down the pretty Rue de l’Abreuvoir which will give you more pretty photo opportunities.
While in Paris, you simply must take the opportunity to visit
Galeries Lafayette – an ornate glass domed department store which is simply spectacular to say the least.
Where you’ll find it: 40, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris – about a 2 km walk via Rue Jean Babtiste Pigalle
Even if you don’t have the budget to buy anything, just go in and have a look.
And if you have a little extra time, take in the beautiful views al the way to the Eiffel Tower, from the roof top restaurant.
End your day with a quiet dinner or coffee in one of Montmartre’s smaller cafés. Many have terraces that look out onto the streets, perfect for people-watching as the lights of the neighborhood turn warm. The area takes on a slower rhythm in the evening, a gentle contrast to Paris’ bustling center, making it an ideal place to linger and reflect on the day.
