Last Updated on April 14, 2026
Montmartre isn’t about ticking off landmarks. It’s about atmosphere. The history of art and the artists that have lived and created in this area is what makes it unique. It can be touristy in parts but who cares. It’s the Paris we dream of visiting and see in the movies. A bit of romance, history and mystery and you can feel all that here.
In our opinion this walk is best done in the evening. Cafés fill up, music spills out onto the streets, and the area starts to feel a little more alive. If walking is not your thing then sit down and grab a glass of wine to people watch – if you can find an outdoor table.
🎥 Watch the full walk
🗺️ Route overview
Start: Rue Norvins
Finish: Around Sacré-Cœur
Time: ~40–60 minutes (longer if you wander)
📍 Starting on Rue Norvins
Rue Norvins is one of the main entry points into Montmartre, and it gives you a quick sense of what to expect — busy, slightly chaotic, but full of character.
📍 Place du Tertre — artists and energy
Place du Tertre is one of the more recognisable spots in Montmartre. It’s known for its artists, many of whom paint portraits right there in the square.
It’s touristy, but still worth walking through. There’s a kind of energy here that fits the area.
📍 Sacré-Cœur — the high point
At the top of the hill, Sacré-Cœur overlooks the entire city.
You don’t need a perfect sunset for this to work. The view is enough on its own, especially as the light starts to fade and the city shifts into evening.
📍 The real Montmartre — side streets
The best part of this walk isn’t the main stops.
Once you move off the main paths, Montmartre becomes quieter. You start noticing details — old doorways, small cafés, bits of ivy climbing up walls.
This is where the walk becomes something more than just a route.
🍷 Our top spots to eat along the way (Montmartre)
Montmartre has plenty of restaurants, but quality varies a lot. These are a few that are consistently worth stopping for:
Le Poulbot
A bit removed from the busiest streets.
Classic French dishes
Smaller, more relaxed setting
Less rushed than most nearby places
👉 Best for: proper dinner without the chaos
Fric Frac Montmartre
Simple, creative, and reliable.
Known for croque-monsieur variations
Quick and casual
Good value for the area
👉 Best for: easy stop mid-walk
Café Francoeur
A solid Paris café experience.
Traditional menu
Good atmosphere
Ideal for sitting back and watching the street
👉 Best for: slowing things down
La Maison Rose
More about the setting than the food.
Historic, iconic
One of the most photographed cafés in Paris
👉 Worth stopping by, even briefly
🎟️ Guided tour option
If you’d rather explore Montmartre with a guide who can point out the details you might otherwise miss:
🏨 Where to stay in Paris
Luxury — Hôtel de Crillon
One of the most refined hotels in Paris. Not in Montmartre itself, but easily accessible and worth it if you’re going all out.
Mid-range — Terrass” Hotel Montmartre
Great location and one of the best rooftop views in the area.
Budget — Le Village Montmartre
Simple, well located, and easy.
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