
Musee de Montmartre (Montmartre Museum), Paris
Once a residence for painters, writers, and cabaret artists during its prime at the turn of the 20th century, this time-honored structure, now the site of Montmartre's historical museum, dates back three centuries. One of its most illustrious occupants was none other than Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who immortalized the scene of sun-soaked merrymakers in his iconic painting, "Bal du moulin de la Galette".
Recounting the vivid past of this celebrated district of Paris, the museum boasts a permanent collection that features a treasure trove of objects of historical significance, such as old maps, original documents, photographs, Toulouse-Lautrec posters, and original Erik Satie scores. It even showcases sections dedicated to pivotal events like the Revolution of 1789, the Russian invasion of 1814, the Commune in 1870, and the construction of the Sacred Heart Basilica in 1875.
In a bold move, the museum underwent an ambitious renovation in 2014, expanding the exhibition space twofold by incorporating the refurbished studio apartment once shared by the mother-and-son duo Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo, as well as the remodeled Demarne Hotel, which houses the museum's temporary exhibitions.
To complement the museum's exhibits, the enchanting gardens surrounding the building, affectionately named after Renoir, have been revitalized, meticulously recreated according to the artist's paintings. From here, visitors can gaze out at the vineyard, which has been flourishing since the Middle Ages and was replanted in 1933. According to the New York Times, the vineyard is purported to produce the most exorbitantly priced inferior wine in the entire city.
Recounting the vivid past of this celebrated district of Paris, the museum boasts a permanent collection that features a treasure trove of objects of historical significance, such as old maps, original documents, photographs, Toulouse-Lautrec posters, and original Erik Satie scores. It even showcases sections dedicated to pivotal events like the Revolution of 1789, the Russian invasion of 1814, the Commune in 1870, and the construction of the Sacred Heart Basilica in 1875.
In a bold move, the museum underwent an ambitious renovation in 2014, expanding the exhibition space twofold by incorporating the refurbished studio apartment once shared by the mother-and-son duo Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo, as well as the remodeled Demarne Hotel, which houses the museum's temporary exhibitions.
To complement the museum's exhibits, the enchanting gardens surrounding the building, affectionately named after Renoir, have been revitalized, meticulously recreated according to the artist's paintings. From here, visitors can gaze out at the vineyard, which has been flourishing since the Middle Ages and was replanted in 1933. According to the New York Times, the vineyard is purported to produce the most exorbitantly priced inferior wine in the entire city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Musee de Montmartre (Montmartre Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Musee de Montmartre (Montmartre Museum)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I
The capital of France takes its name from the Celtic tribe of Parisii who, back in the Iron Age, around the 3rd century BC, settled near the river Seine. The Romans conquered the Parisii and established on their land a garrison town which, towards the end of the 5th century AD, fell to the Franks and flourished under their rule. Despite wars, revolutions and numerous social cataclysms, Paris had... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour
Paris’ Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it was known as a bohemian enclave, attracting students, writers and intellectuals. Centered on the Sorbonne University's main university campus, the area was so named a few centuries ago because the students were speaking and learning in Latin. It remains very lively, with a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour
Originally named “Mons Martis”, meaning the “Mount of Mars”, Montmartre is one of the most famous and visited neighborhoods in Paris. Beyond the Sacré-Coeur, the Moulin Rouge and notable landmarks, the district is also about the atmosphere, the narrow streets, and the artsy culture that has made Paris famous. Once home to artists such as Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, Montmartre continues... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour
The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour
The district known to locals as "Le Marais" used to be a bourgeois area in the past and a major center of the Paris Jewish community that still exists today. Here, you will find different bookshops specializing in Jewish books, restaurants with traditional Jewish food and a synagogue. As one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, it also has no shortage of narrow medieval streets,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Must-Visit Cafes in Paris, France
Paris is home to thousands of cafes; there is a café on practically every street corner you turn, in every square you stumble across, on every boulevard you stroll along. The age-old Parisian tradition of sitting around at rickety tables and shooting back espressos is a fundamental part of everyday...
10 Unusual Things to Do in Paris, France
If you've visited Paris, you've probably seen the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles. You probably whizzed through some world-class art, ate delicious food in restaurants with English menus, and bought crepes from a street cart. However, Paris has a lot of things to do that...
8 Best Food Markets in Paris for Authentic French Produce
The image of Parisians that you may have in your head as strolling through a colourful market with a basket on their arm, chatting to vendors and picking up fresh produce, is quite accurate. Most Parisians do visit local markets at least once a week to stock up on the freshest fruit, vegetables,...
15 Places for Tasting Best French Desserts in Paris
If you have a sweet tooth and it wishes to "eat your way" through Paris, this guide will show you how! Featured here are some of the most famous and prominent dessert spots in the French capital, where you can grab something sweet to enjoy. With 20 listed recommendations, you should be...
Paris Souvenirs: 19 Distinctively French Products to Bring Home from Paris
You can hardly have enough money and luggage space to get all the takes your fancy in Paris. Luckily, with a little bit of tasteful advice and experience, you can save yourself some time and effort and pick up just about the right amount of things worth taking home. Listed here are some of the hints...
Top 16 Vegetarian Restaurants in Paris
The French have great respect for the fresh, organic produce yet France isn’t famous for its vegetarian cooking. Hence it’s a good idea for vegetarian visitors to Paris to come prepared in advance. This guide shows you places around the city which serve vegetarian food, complete with the...