Montmartre Walking Tour (Self Guided), Paris

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Situated at the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in the city, this basilica stands as a symbol of national penance and a beacon of hope.

The inspiration to construct the basilica came in the aftermath of two devastating events in French history: the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 and the Paris Commune. The Franco-Prussian War resulted in a humiliating defeat for France and led to significant political and social upheaval, including the rise of the Paris Commune, a brief and bloody revolutionary government in Paris.

Many in France, particularly conservative Catholics, viewed these events as moral failures of the nation. They believed that the country's suffering was divine punishment for what they saw as the growing secularization and moral decay of French society in the decades following the French Revolution.

The construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914, although the consecration of the basilica was delayed until the end of World War I in 1919.

The basilica showcases a stunning blend of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. It's most easily recognized by its gleaming white exterior, made from Chateau-Landon stones which secrete calcite, ensuring the basilica remains white even with weathering and pollution. One of the basilica's most striking features is its large dome, which provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the city of Paris.

Don't get too seduced by its majestic views of Paris and miss spending some time inside. Inside the basilica, visitors are greeted by a 475 square meter mosaic of Jesus with outstretched arms, one of the world's largest mosaics, and the stunning grandeur of the sanctuary. The beautiful golden mosaic is called Christ in Majesty and is meant to symbolize France's devotion to the Sacred Heart. Whether you are a devotee or not, it is definitely worthy of some awed gazing.

Tip:
You will need a level of fitness to climb the stairs. Alternately, you can hop on the free mini-train which starts from opposite the Windmill Theater in Montmartre and stops behind Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Nestled beneath the grandiose Sacré-Coeur Basilica and basking in the ambiance of the Place du Tertre, lies the venerable St-Pierre's, one of the oldest churches in Paris, having been erected in 1147 atop the ruins of a 5th-century temple venerating the god Mars. This unassuming sanctuary, bedecked with resplendent sculpted metal doors, was once an integral part of a sprawling Benedictine abbey. Today, the sole vestige of that once imposing structure, besides the church, is a petite cemetery, now sealed off to the public, yet still visible through the ornate metal door situated to the left as one enters the courtyard.

Having undergone numerous renovations throughout the centuries, Saint-Pierre's presents an interesting amalgamation of diverse styles. The columns gracing the nave hark back to medieval times, while the 18th-century facade has undergone restorations in the 19th century. The resplendent stained-glass windows were added much later, in the 20th century. A portrait of the titular saint, painted by Maurice Utrillo in 1914, is proudly displayed in the Musée de l'Orangerie.

Why You Should Visit:
For those seeking respite from the teeming crowds swarming the nearby Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Saint-Pierre's is a veritable sanctuary of serenity. Whether one is devoutly religious or not, this alluring and gratis house of worship is well worth a visit, offering a tranquil haven for contemplation and repose.

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.

For over one and a half centuries, Lapin Agile has been beaconing light on the northern slope of Montmartre. This somewhat strange looking, but lovely little house welcomes visitors with French songs, some of which date back to the 15th century, in a pub-like setting that exudes genuine French cabaret vibes. Unlike other cabarets, Lapin Agile does not feature topless dancers; instead, patrons are treated to songs, poetry, and humor (all in French). Its walls are adorned with souvenirs, paintings, poems, and testimonials, giving the place a cozy and welcoming feel.

The cabaret’s name comes from artist André Gill, who in 1875 painted a sign featuring a rabbit jumping out of a pan, upon which the locals promptly dubbed it Le Lapin à Gill (Gill's Rabbit). It became a favorite spot for artists and writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Picasso, Modigliani, Apollinaire, and Utrillo.

In 1905, Picasso paid for a meal here with one of his paintings, then quickly exited and painted another, which he named: "Au Lapin Agile". The painting sold for millions of pounds at an auction in the 1980s, bringing the cabaret even more fame. Today, it is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

A good variety of incredible singers and poets perform here live on a regular basis, sometimes taking as long as four hours per show, creating an incredibly warm atmosphere and making the time spent at Lapin Agile well worth remembering.

Tip:
This club is usually rather busy, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Place du Tertre is a public square famous for hosting many of Paris's most celebrated artists, including Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Maurice Utrillo. They created an artistic community here, drawn by the affordable rent and tax-free wine. Today, the artistic spirit continues to thrive, and visitors flock to the square to purchase local art and have their portraits painted.

The name "Place du Tertre" is sometimes translated as "Grave Hill", but a more accurate description is "public square on a small hill", perfectly capturing the charm and liveliness of this space.

Competition for artist space in Place du Tertre is fierce, with a ten-year waiting list for a small space of about three square feet that two artists share on alternate days. Only specific types of art, such as paintings, portraits, silhouettes, and caricatures, are allowed in the square.

A popular legend claims that the term "bistro" was coined in the square. In 1814, Russian troops were stationed here, and soldiers would shout "bystro," meaning "quick" in Russian, to urge their comrades to finish their drinks and return to their duties.

Today, the square is home to numerous bistros, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can revel in the lively atmosphere and watch the next generation of artists at work. While Picasso and Van Gogh may be absent, visitors can partake in the Parisian tradition of sitting outside a bistro, enjoying the fresh air, and admiring the local artwork.

Situated right next to the picturesque Place du Tertre in Montmartre, this unique permanent exhibition is entirely dedicated to the art of Salvador Dalí and showcases over 300 original works of the artist – the largest collection of Dalínian sculptures and engravings in France.

Salvador Dalí is one of the world's most acclaimed artists of the 20th century and a recognized master of surrealism. Born in Spain in 1904, he began as an Impressionist but later discovered Cubism in 1921. In addition to his paintings, he created three-dimensional sculptures and engravings.

The museum offers a fascinating insight into the Catalan master's imagination and features some of his clothing designs and a film, which is displayed in a corridor – a rare sight in art galleries. The collection includes famous original sculptures such as "Space Elephant" and "Alice in Wonderland," as well as some of Dalí's works on paper, including "Moses and Monotheism" and "Memories of Surrealism."

Visitors can also explore the creative process behind some of Salvador Dalí's most celebrated works in detail.

Why You Should Visit:
A fascinating exhibition, perfect for Dalí aficionados or for anyone wishing to understand the motivations and meaning behind the master's work.

Tip:
There is a lovely gift shop at the end and even the opportunity to buy some of the artwork if you feel like spending some serious money.

Nestled in the heart of the City of Love, Paris, lies an attraction dedicated to the grandeur of romance. And no, it's not your typical grandiose monument or ancient building. It's something far simpler, yet incredibly effective in capturing the essence of amour.

Introducing Le Mur des Je t'aime, a love-themed wall encompassing 40 sq m (430 sq ft) in the picturesque Jehan Rictus garden square in Montmartre. Created by calligraphist Fédéric Baron and mural artist Claire Kito in 2000, it is composed of 612 tiles of enameled lava, bearing the phrase 'I love you' 311 times in 250 languages.

As the years passed, the Wall of Love has grown to become a beloved site for romantic occasions. From proposals to engagement and wedding photo shoots, and everything else in between, the wall has witnessed it all. The surrounding small park brims with lush vegetation and cozy benches to sit and soak in the charm. And on lucky days, visitors can be serenaded by the soulful melodies of live bands playing next to the wall.

Tip:
Don't forget to keep an eye out for the red splashes on the wall, symbolizing parts of a broken heart. Who knows, maybe you can take on the challenge of piecing them back together to form a full heart.

Le Bateau-Lavoir, a historical site situated in Montmartre, was once the epicenter of the art world, brimming with artists and literary figures. Originally a piano factory, the building was converted into multiple art studios, becoming an integral part of the early 20th-century art movement.

Max Jacob, French poet and painter in the early 20th century, called it Le Bateau Lavoir (Washhouse Boat) for its resemblance to a laundry boat. Painter, Maxime Maufra, was the first tenant here in 1890. From 1904, Le Bateau was predominantly occupied by emerging artists and writers, as well as actors and art dealers, most of whom were extremely poor and unappreciated. It became an unofficial club that included artists Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, André Derain, Raoul Dufy, Marie Laurencin, Modigliani, Jean-Paul Laurens, Maurice Utrillo, to name a few; and writers such as Guillaume Apollinaire, Alfred Jarry, Jean Cocteau, Gustave Coquiot, among others.

Picasso lived here from 1904 to 1912, and painted his world-famous "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon", "Young Girl with a Flower Basket", and "Garçon à la pipe (Boy with a Pipe)". Othon Friesz painted "The Reclining Nude" whilst staying at Le Bateau in 1905.

It was at this informal art club that Picasso voiced for the first time the concept of cubism. Daily discussions took place in the studios and spilled out into the neighboring cafes. Slowly, the old style of painting was abandoned and a new aesthetic doctrine started to emerge.

The First World War that broke out in 1914 forced many artists to leave Montmartre for a more comfortable, calmer residence. With the emergence of the artistic scene in Montparnasse after WWI and notably La Ruche, Le Bateau-Lavoir lost its beauty.

In 1970, the wooden structure caught a fire and only the façade survived the incident. Fortunately, the edifice was rebuilt eight years later. Today, the birthplace of Cubism is no longer open to the public, but its front window, filled with old photographs, vividly depicts the eventful history of the place.

If you have a heart for art, you absolutely must not miss this.

More than just a windmill, the Moulin de la Galette is a legendary spot, housing a bar and restaurant that bears the same name. Though the windmill was erected in 1622, it's the bar and restaurant that has earned the place its current fame.

During the 19th century, Le Moulin de la Galette served as an ideal destination for Parisians seeking entertainment, fresh bread made from flour ground by the windmill, and a glass of wine. Artists like Renoir, van Gogh, and Pissarro immortalized the vibrant atmosphere of the place in their paintings. The most famous of these is Renoir's festive masterpiece "Bal du moulin de la Galette."

However, beneath the surface of the festive atmosphere lies a tragic history. The Debray family purchased the mill in 1809 for producing flour. During the siege of Paris at the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1814, three Debray men lost their lives defending the windmill against Cossacks. These brave men were then nailed to the wings of the windmill.

In 1833, the Debray family converted the mill into a thriving bar and restaurant. The idea was an instant success, drawing numerous Parisians who relished the freshly baked galettes, wine, and the panoramic views of Paris and the Seine river from atop the hill.

In 1958, the Moulin de la Galette was declared a monument. Today, the windmill serves as the entrance to the bar and restaurant, offering an extensive menu. In fair weather, the place is still a great spot to savor the locally made wine and enjoy live music in the garden, much like the Parisians depicted in Renoir's famous painting.

In June of 1886, Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo moved into this spacious – by Parisian standards – apartment on Rue Lepic in Montmartre. Vincent's studio featured a small window, and his bedroom was a small room known as the cabinet. Theo's room and the living room were located at the front of the apartment.

Situated on the 4th floor, the apartment boasted a picturesque view of the city, which Vincent captured in several of his paintings. However, the vibrant streets of Montmartre offered him greater inspiration, featuring outdoor life, windmills on the hill, and the cafes.

Growing weary of the busy city life, Vincent left the apartment in February 1888 and journeyed to the peaceful countryside of the south of France in search of brighter light and tranquility.

The apartment building at 54 rue Lepic continues to be a point of interest, particularly since the hilly and atmospheric street now houses several excellent restaurants and cafes.

Since its opening in 1889, the same year as the Eiffel Tower's construction, Moulin Rouge has been offering world-class dance entertainment, becoming a meeting place for Parisians and visitors from all walks of life. The elegant cabaret attracted the uber-rich, society ladies, middle class, artists, and foreign visitors who rubbed shoulders and enjoyed the popular can-can dance, which was first popularized here. Today, visitors can book a table, savor dinner and champagne, and experience a magical dance performance.

Over the years, the venue has hosted numerous celebrities and royal guests. In 1890, the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, visited the cabaret to witness the new and riveting can-can dance. A year later, artist Toulouse-Lautrec created his first poster for Moulin Rouge.

Ginger Rogers graced the stage for the 90th anniversary in 1979, while Queen Elizabeth II attended a private show in 1981. Other members of the British royal family that have visited Moulin Rouge include Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana. Liza Minnelli, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra also took part in special galas. The 100th anniversary celebration featured a star-studded gala with Lauren Bacall, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jerry Lewis.

Moulin Rouge has been featured in countless books, plays, and films. The 2001 film "Moulin Rouge!", directed by Baz Luhrmann, re-popularized this vibrant and one-of-a-kind place, which burned down in 1915 and was rebuilt in 1921. An intensive renovation took place in 1951, and the same decor remains in place today.

Why You Should Visit:
Moulin Rouge has been the center of Parisian nightlife for over 130 years, influencing entertainment across the world. It's a must-visit destination to witness the unique atmosphere that has attracted celebrities, artists, and royalty.

Tip:
Visit at sunset for photos of Moulin Rouge's iconic windmill and neon signs lit up against the backdrop of a darkening sky.

While Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris typically steals the show, Montmartre's cemetery offers equally impressive tombs and is just as picturesque. Sprawling at the foot of Montmartre, near the start of Rue Caulaincourt in Place Clichy, this cemetery spans across the hollow of an old quarry, below street level, with its entrance on Avenue Rachel beneath Rue Caulaincourt.

The cemetery epitomizes the artsy, quixotic, gentle, almost whimsical Paris that every visitor secretly longs for. As a popular tourist attraction, it is as captivating as Père-Lachaise and serves as the final resting place for many renowned artists who lived and worked in the Montmartre area.

Notable individuals interred here include painter and sculptor Edgar Degas, composer Hector Berlioz, filmmaker François Truffaut, singer-songwriter Jim Morrison, and writers Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, and Stendhal, among others. The Art Nouveau tomb of Émile Zola (1840–1902) presides over a lawn near the entrance, even though the novelist's remains were transferred to the Panthéon in 1908.

Tip:
Entry is free and a map is provided to help visitors locate various crypts/chapels. Step up to each of these to get a glimpse of stained glass windows and/or ornate interiors.