An Insider’s Guide To Paris' Montmartre Neighborhood

An Insider’s Guide To Paris' Montmartre Neighborhood

Where to stay, eat, and play in Paris' coolest neighborhood.

/ Yana

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.

Boulangeries & Patisseries

Carette

Carette is a charming tea room with its roots dating back to 1927 and is now located in the heart of Montmartre. They offer a great selection of pastries, jams, biscuits, macarons, and the best crêpes in town. Place du Tertre

Shinya Pain

Shinya Pain is a bakery that 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. Cash only. 41 Rue des Trois Frères

Boris Lumé Boulangerie

Boris Lumé Boulangerie is your destination for authentic French pastries and bread. The design takes you on a nostalgic journey. Amazing ceramic tiles and painted ceilings. 48 Rue Caulaincourt

Boulom

Boulom offers a delectable assortment of sourdough bread, rustic country loaves, village-style baguettes, chocolates, croissants, and sumptuous raisin bread, all available by the slice! 181 Rue Ordener

Where to Eat

Le Consulat

Le Consulat is 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

Au Rêve

Au Rêve was one of those places where many cultured people came for a coffee, including Jacques Brel, Patrick Modiano, Marcel Aymé, Claude Nougaro, and Fabrice Luchini, as well as journalists, cartoonists, and neighboring workers. After closing in 2009, the legendary café, a true institution, is back. Everything is homemade, with a beautiful cocktail menu and classic bistro cuisine. 89 Rue Caulaincourt

La Mascotte

La Mascotte is a 100-year-old brasserie that still serves up gorgeous seafood, especially a plate of fresh oysters on a sunny afternoon. 52 Rue des Abbesses ©Gilles Gandara

Seb'on

Seb'on perfectly embodies the essence of a hidden gem with its relaxed, and chic atmosphere.. 62 Rue d'Orsel

LouLou Montmartre

LouLou Montmartre 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

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

Where to Drink

Bar À Bulles

Bar À Bulles is hidden behind the wings of Moulin Rouge. Decorated with comfy velvet seating, antique tables and chairs adorned with charming flower-patterned lampshades, and a variety of hanging plants, it feels like time has frozen in this space. 4 Cité Véron

Le Très Particulier

Le Très Particulier is 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

HIRU is a cozy spot that boasts a fine collection of wines and cocktails. For a personal touch, ask for Alexandre, one of the welcoming owners who greet each guest personally.

What to See

Musée de Montmartre

Musée de Montmartre 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

Dalí 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

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

Step inside Sacré-Coeur, and marvel at the domes from within. If you visit around Vespers time (6 pm CET), you might be fortunate enough to catch the enchanting melodies of the Bénédictines Sisters of the Sacré Cœur. It's an experience that transports you back in time to the 18th century.

What to Do

  • 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

La Maison Rose is 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. Reservation recommended. 2 Rue de l'Abreuvoir

Marché aux Puces De Saint-Ouen

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

Where to Stay

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

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

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