On my most recent trip to Paris, I decided to make Montmartre my home base. It takes you to the most famous tourist attractions, as well as some locations that are off-the-beaten-path including one recommended by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex herself! As I mention below, feel free to follow this guide at a leisurely pace, veering off course if something catches your eye or pausing for an Aperol Spritz at a cafe en route to your destination. Just keep in mind that Montmartre is quite hilly, so wear good walking shoes and try to move in a generally downhill direction if possible.
Situated on the north edge of the city center, the name Montmartre comes from Mons Maris , or Mount of Mars, and refers to the hill at the center of the neighborhood. In the late s and early s, artists flocked to Montmartre to set up their studios and collaborate with other creatives.
This was when Montmartre developed its reputation as something of a bohemian enclave, as depicted in movies like the infamous Moulin Rouge or the classic Can-Can. Today, Montmartre is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris for tourists to visit. That means the streets can be crowded, attractions may have queues and restaurants may require reservations, but all you have to do is wander a few streets away from the main thoroughfares to discover the quieter, more authentic side of Montmartre.
My Top 10, unmissable Paris tours, excursions and activities including a guided tour of Montmartre are now available in one list here. You can start this walking tour at the lower funicular station, near the Anvers metro station. Its stark white exterior has long drawn criticism, but its beautiful ornate interior is much less controversial. The basilica is open daily from am to pm. Space here comes at a premium: artists wait many years to be granted access to a one-square-meter space, which they must share with another artist on alternating days.
The phrase took off and soon other restaurants started using the word to indicate they offered quick service. The only wine that is made in Paris is made in Montmartre. The vineyards are closed to the public for days a year, but there are lots of vantage points around the vines. There used to be about windmills in Paris, as they were used to mill flour for baguettes and to press grapes for vin. Today, two of the Montmartre windmills remain standing: Moulin de la Galette dating back to and Moulin du Radet dating back to Confusingly, the restaurant located inside Moulin du Radet is named Moulin de la Galette.
