An Insider’s Guide To Paris' Montmartre Neighborhood

Traditionally a hangout for artists such as Picasso and Dali, as well as writers and other creatives, Montmartre has become increasingly desirable as an area over the last few years. With cafes, boutiques, and vintage stores around every corner, it’s a place not to miss while in Paris. Newly minted local Yana shares her favorite spots in the 18th arrondissement — a slice of the city that feels untouched by time.

• Shinya Pain Bakery specializes in unique loaves you might not find elsewhere in Paris, locally adored scones, and natural sourdough loaves. Opening hours are only from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday - Sunday. 41 Rue des Trois Frères
• Boris Lumé Boulangerie French pastries and bread. The design transports diners back in time with amazing ceramic tiles and painted ceilings. 48 Rue Caulaincourt
• Boulom Sourdough bread, country bread, village baguettes, chocolates, croissants, and raisin bread, all by the cut! 181 Rue Ordener
• Boulangerie Du Square An 18th-century bakery with a beautiful interior. Try the classics or one of their original creations, like the seasonal pesto, garlic, and squash seed bun. 50 Rue Herme

• Le Consulat A coffee house and restaurant stand, which is set in one of the oldest buildings in the area and is a symbol of the old Montmartre neighborhood. Picasso, Sisley, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Monet all gathered here. Go early to get a table (it opens at 11 am.) 18 Rue Norvins
• La Mascotte This 100-year-old brasserie still serves up gorgeous seafood, especially a plate of fresh oysters on a sunny afternoon. Ask for Franck. 52 Rue des Abbesses ©Gilles Gandara

• Seb'on With its casual, chic atmosphere, this place is the definition of a hidden gem. 62 Rue d'Orsel
• LouLou Montmartre This is a great spot for brunch with the most charming view of the Parisian skyline. LouLou's is 100% natural including a beautiful list of natural wines and artisanal beers. 8 Rue Lamarck

• Sushi Shunei The best sushi in town, hands down. 3 rue Audran ©11h45

• Le Très Particulier The Hotel Particulier’s bar, there are two ideal places for cocktails: the outdoor terrace in the garden during the day for a generous mimosa and a good book; and the indoor bar is lush, sensual, and sexy for the evenings. Cocktails are served from 6 pm–2 am
• HIRU A nod to the Basque origins and childhood memories of Japan of the two founders, Hiru is warm and cozy with a good selection of wines and cocktails. Ask for Alexandre, one of the owners, who always greet guests personally.
• Bar À Bulles Hidden behind the Moulin Rouge's wings. A warm and colorful vibe: velvet benches, tables, and chairs antiqued with flowery lampshades, and hanging plants, as if time stood still. 4 Cité Véron

• Musée de Montmartre This is one of my favorite museums in Paris. There’s no better way to discover the secrets of this district than by visiting Montmartre’s very own museum. Found in one of the oldest houses in Montmartre, it’s a place where artists, including Utrillo and Renoir, once lived. The garden holds a version of the swing, where Renoir painted his famous painting “Le Balancoire.” 12 Rue Cortot

• Dalí This gallery offers an exciting rediscovery of Dalí that invites you to fall in love with the artist once again. The largest permanent exhibition dedicated to Dalí in Paris, this collection includes sculptures, objects, engravings, and furniture. With a sprinkling of dreaminess and humor, this exhibition is an unavoidable tip for Surrealism fans. 11 Rue Poulbot
• Place du Tertre Has been featured on countless postcards, so don't pass up the opportunity to see it in person. It's where you'll find artists painting in the open air, several small museums, and the storied streets where the Parisian artists of the early 20th century used to roam. Artists can wait up to 20-30 years for approval to work here.
• Sacré-Coeur Visit the Sacré-Coeur and marvel at the domes from within. At Vespers-time (6 pm CET) you might get lucky and hear the mystical voices of the Bénédictines Sisters of the Sacré Cœur — it feels like going in a time machine back to the 18th century.

• Explore Montmartre in the early morning. Parisians will be out with their dogs, jogging up and down endless stairs, chatting on corners and artists will be set up before the crowds roll in. It’s magic.
• Visit the oldest street in Montmartre, Rue Saint-Rustique. For those looking to be charmed by the history of the 18th arrondissement, there is perhaps no better place.
• Relax in the park of Square Marcel-Bleustein-Blanchet if you feel like escaping the crowds. This charming hilltop village is perfect for a picnic during the summer and a beautiful spot to sit and read a book.

• La Maison Rose A historic pink building that has seen Picasso (who was good friends with the owner), Albert Camus, and other greats gather — and has been serving coffee for more than 100 years. 2 Rue de l'Abreuvoir

• Marche Aux Puces De Saint-Ouen Paris' largest flea market since 1870, it's a fantastic display of antiques. Don't miss Marc, a true tastemaker and collector who presents ‘Space Age’, as well as decorative arts that are fantastic and futuristic. Open Sat-Mon. Porte de Clignancourt

• Through a private passageway lies a secret countryside in the city Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is a chic five bedroom hotel, found in an old 18th century family residence hidden behind lush greenery. It’s one of the city’s best luxury hideaways. 23 Av. Junot Pavillon

84 Rooms recommends: Where To Eat, Stay, And What To See This Summer In Paris, and The Parisian Hotels to Book now.