Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic hill and neighbourhood in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, known for its artist heritage and for the basilica that crowns its summit. It is the highest point in Paris at roughly 130 meters above sea level and has long been associated with bohemian culture.

The district features the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on the summit, the lively Place du Tertre where artists work outdoors, and winding streets with cafes, small museums and independent shops. The area includes a small surviving vineyard, the Clos Montmartre, and several museums relating to its artistic past.

Montmartre’s modern identity formed in the 19th century when it became a hub for painters, writers and performers; it retained much of that character into the 20th century as figures such as Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec worked in the area. The basilica was constructed from the late 19th century and completed in the early 20th century.

The neighbourhood sits on the north side of Paris, a short distance from the city center, with the southern slope facing the Opéra and Grands Boulevards and easy metro access via several stations serving the 18th arrondissement.

• Elevation: Rises to about 130 meters above sea level, making it the highest natural point within the city of Paris.
• Art history: Many of the area's narrow streets and squares preserve the late 19th-century character that attracted painters and writers during the Belle Époque.

What to See #

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: A white-domed basilica completed in the early 20th century that occupies the summit and is visible across Paris from many vantage points.
• Place du Tertre: A compact square lined with cafes and artists' easels where portraitists and street painters gather, located near the basilica.
• Clos Montmartre: A small, remaining hillside vineyard that dates from long before the district became part of Paris and produces a limited local vintage.