Sitting high on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, Paris’ most bohemian neighbourhood Montmartre in a particularly pretty corner of Paris just feels just…so…French.
Cobblestone streets lined with lampposts, countless quaint eateries teeming with Parisians, breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the iconic red windmill of the Moulin Rouge, there’s a good reason why artist’s have long flocked to Montmartre to paint the iconic scenery.
Sure, you’ll encounter more than a few tourists, but no trip to Paris is not complete without spending a day here. Here’s 9 of the best things to do in the charming village of Montmartre.
Can Can Into The Moulin Rouge
You’ll find one of the most quintessential Parisian experiences in Montmartre. Feathers, sequins, rhinestones and impossibly long legs—we’re talking, of course, about the Moulin Rouge. Opening in 1889, the world’s most talented (and tallest) dancers take to the stage seven nights a week, putting on a show with spectacular dance routines, elaborate costumes, jaw-dropping acrobatics and laugh-out-loud moments throughout. Tickets ain’t cheap, but skip the dinner add-on and you can nab yourself a seat for about £110.
Sashay Away Into Madame Arthur
Image credit: Madame Arthur | Instagram
You won’t see the can-can at this cross-dressing cabaret. Instead, the resident drag queens at this budget-friendly theater sing and dance through Paris’ extensive musical history. The performances are mostly in French, but even if you can’t speak a lack of the native language you’ll still have a great time. You never know what kind of show you’re going to get back go with an open mind and be prepared to be entertained—these queens can seriously sing.
Admire The Works of Salvador Dalí
This permanent museum is dedicated to the multifaceted work of renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Housing the largest collection of Dalí’s quirky artwork, there’s over 300 paintings, sculptures, sketches and surrealist furniture he designed at Dalí Paris. The space is only small but a great opportunity to get up close and personal with these incredible pieces.
Sip Vino At A Hidden Inner-City Vineyard
Image: Clos Montmartre | Website
There’s no shortage of wineries in France, but in Paris they are few and far between. The good news is, if you look hard enough, you’ll find one down a sidestreet behind the Sacre-Cœur in Montmartre. Despite its petite size, Le Clos Montmartre produces over 20 different varieties of wine and is the ideal inner-city escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris. We’re spoiled with top-notch wines in Australia so the standard of the drops might not be quite what you’re used to, but it’s absolutely worth a visit for the calm amongst the chaos of Montmartre regardless.
Visit the Montmartre Cemetery
You may be a little surprised to see this one on our list of must-visit places in Montmartre, but this burial ground for France’s famous artists, authors and performances is more like a secret garden than a cemetery. With a hidden entrance, rambling landscape, hundreds of trees and grand tombstones, the 25-acre Montmartre Cemetery is the most romantic cemetery you will ever visit.
Take In The Beauty Of The Sacre-Cœur
Image credit: @itsalicesiena | Instagram
Sacre bleu?! No, Sacre-Cœur. Despite haters saying the Sacre-Cœur Basilica looks like a giant meringue perched on top of a hill, the late-nineteenth century basilica attracts millions of tourists every year. Known for its gold mosaic interiors, expansive terrace and sweeping vistas across Paris, this free attraction is well worth the visit for the panoramic views alone. Check it out early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and learn a bit about France’s history in the process.
Find The Perfection Angle Of The Sinking House
Paris’ answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is Montmartre’s Sinking House. Though it’s just an optical illusion, it makes for a great photo opp. When you’re visiting the Sacre-Cœur, head around to the right and get a few snaps to send back home.
Learn I Love You in 250+ Languages
Image credit: @semper_liber | Instagram
It’s only fitting that the city of love has a monument decided to love itself. Le Mur des Je t’aime or the Wall of Love was conceived by artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000. Situated within the garden at Square Jehan Rictus on Square des Abbesses, it features blue tiles with ‘I love you’ scrawled in hundreds of languages and writing styles. J’adore.
Get Your Portrait Painted At Place du Tertre
We couldn’t write a list of things to do in Montmartre without including Place du Tertre. Follow the distinctly French sounds of a piano accordion to this charming, picturesque old square. The streets are lined with bustling cafes, talented buskers and art galleries, but the biggest standout is the artists. On any given day, hundreds of artists will be perched on the side of the street, offering very enthusiastically to paint your portrait. It can get very busy and the artists can be very persistent, but don’t let this put you off. It’s an oh-so charming part of town worthy of a visit.