Highlights of Montmartre
Townscape Preserved on the Hill
Image: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Montmartre is a hilly area in Paris’s 18 arrondissement, where cobbled slopes, stairways, and small squares connect with one another. Remnants of the village before its incorporation into Paris in 1860, together with the history of artists who gathered here from the end of the 19 century to the beginning of the 20 century, are woven into the present-day streetscape, museums, and former studios.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Standing at the top of the hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is distinguished by its white stone exterior and rounded domes. Inside, you can see the large mosaic covering the apse, while the forecourt offers sweeping views across Paris.
For the history, highlights, visiting hours, time required, and access to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, see the article below.
Place du Tertre and the artists’ quarter
At Place du Tertre, west of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, you can see painters displaying their work and drawing portraits. The surrounding area is dotted with Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church, the Musée de Montmartre, vineyards, windmills, and other sights that trace the neighborhood’s transformation from a rural area into an artists’ quarter.
Funicular
From around Abbesses station, you can climb the hill via the Wall of Love, sloping streets, and stairways. To avoid the stairs, take the funicular from the Anvers station side. Walk as far as the north side of the hill to see streetscapes quite different from the tourist-filled squares.
Essential information about Montmartre
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
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Check information about the neighborhood’s highlights and walking routes through the area.
Quartier de Montmartre à ParisAvec ses ruelles pavées, son étonnante basilique, ses artistes ou ses bistrots, Montmartre est le plus célèbre quar...parisjetaime.com - 📍 Location and area
- Paris, 18. A hilly neighborhood centered around the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre and the Abbesses area.
- 🕒 Visiting hours
- You can walk around the neighborhood all day. Opening hours for the basilica and museums vary by venue.
- 💶 Prices
- Walking around the neighborhood is free. Museums, the dome of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the funicular require separate fees.
- ⏱ Time required
- Allow about 2 to 3 hours for the main streets and basilica, or half a day if you include museums and a walk through the northern area. ⚠️ The time required varies depending on walking uphill, visiting venues and crowd levels.
Getting to Montmartre
Metro and funicular
The stations recommended for reaching Montmartre are Anvers station on line 2 and Abbesses station on line 12. Anvers is also a station for the funicular, which connects the foot of the hill with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica along Parc Louise-Michel.
You can find information on getting to Montmartre on the official page below.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Paris: A guide to attractions, food, transportation, and suggested itineraries”.
