Our guide on how to spend the day in Montmartre
I’ve read many books on life in Paris for someone who before this trip had never been to Paris or even France for that matter. Before our trip to the French capital, I reread some of my French books and found many suggestions for visiting different areas and Arrondissement (Parisian neighbourhoods) for visiting Montmartre and each author commented on the beauty and relaxed vibe of the area. So visiting Montmartre was up there as one of the must-see areas of Paris. Looking back at the trip now I have such a love for the area and it was one of my favourite parts of our trip to Paris as it felt like a small town within a big city.
After we got out breath back after the crazy amounts of stairs out of the metro station in Montmartre of Absesses. My biggest tip would be to take the lift out of the metro station to avoid the massive amount of stairs. I saw quite a few people heading to the lift which at the time I thought seemed a lot considering the other metro stations have escalators or not too many stairs but oh how wrong I was. After regaining our breath at the exit of the station we started to explore the beautiful area of Montmartre. I cannot wait to go and visit the city and explore again as there is still so much we have not seen.
Here is our recommendations for must-see places in Montmartre
Sacre Coeur Basilica
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
The Sacre Coeur stands tall and towers over the city. It is a very popular basilica and lookout area in Paris filled with tourists and people relaxing on the steps meeting friends and loved ones. Many people can be seen enjoying wine on the steps too.he view from the area outside the Sacre Coeur is one of the best places to see the whole city of Paris from a height. As it is a very touristy area with the typical pickpocket issues it is important to stay vigilant over your belongings. Having said that we did not experience these issues directly ourselves but it was something we were warned about prior to the trip so just keep aware. I would highly recommend visiting the Sacre Coeur for a lovely view of Paris and especially during the summer for sunset picnics over the city.
Place du Tetre
Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France
This square is a short walk around the corner from Sacre Coeur. This area is a little quieter from the bustling area surrounding the Sacre Coeur and is home to quaint restaurants, boulangeries and shops.
Also, the area is known as a local hangout for Parisian artists who sit creating beautiful pieces of art including portraits, caricatures and landscapes of the city. Each artist’s designs are truly unique and there is something for everyone from each stall. Even though the area is bustling with tourists and locals alike it still has a relaxed feel about it with local artists spending hours painting and drawing whilst customers watch.
A walk through Montmartre
A walk through the area of Montmartre was something I had always wanted to do when I would visit Paris and I was so happy I fulfilled this on my last trip to the city.
To me, there is nothing better than an afternoon spent wandering around Montmartre taking in the beauty of the area. During our trip to Paris it was an area we kept wanting to go back to despite all the steps out of the metro station, which I warn you is a lot of steps and I am still getting my breath back now haha.
Brasseries in Montmartre
15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France
After a good wander through the picturesque area of Montmartre, there is nothing better than people watching outside a brasserie with a glass of vino. This is something I wish was the norm back home and something I vowed to start doing after work which is difficult for someone who mainly works from home but you can dream haha.
I loved seeing people around 5 pm just before the sunset, sitting outside of little brasseries with a good book with not a care in the world or catching up with friends. We visited a corner brasserie on our way down a hill in Montmartre. Little did we know it was the brasserie used in the cult classic French film ‘Amelie’ called ‘The Café des deux Moulins’ it is only a few moment’s walks from the Relais Montmartre we visited during happy hour, where we got a glass of champagne for €5 and a glass of French Red for €5 also. It was a lovely way to relax after all the hills in Montmartre and to watch the sunset in such a beautiful calm area of the city whilst people watching.
Le Cafe Nazir
56 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France
The day before we left Paris to come home we again visited Montmartre just to get our final fix of the area and see parts we did not see upon our first visit. During the second visit to Montmartre we were undecided on which of the many brasseries to have a late lunch in.
We stumbled upon Le Cafe Nazir on the corner of Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre. This cute brasserie was the perfect place for a bite to eat whilst passing through Montmartre. Le Cafe Nazir provided the scenery and the food for a lovely afternoon. We indulged on some french classics for starters of French Onion Soup and the garlic snails (definitely not for everyone including me) but worth a try when in Rome or shall I say Paris. We did not stick to traditional french brasserie cuisine for the main courses we indulged in two burgers that were as french as me haha. At least the fries had ‘french’ in their name.
Le Cafe Nazir had such a lovely atmosphere and I would recommend a visit here if you’re ever in Montmartre.
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