Montmartre — The Artists' Quarter
Place du Tertre
The Place du Tertre is the famous painters' square at the top of the Butte: portrait painters, caricaturists, and landscape artists offer their works — touristy, yes, but the tradition dates back to the 19th century when Picasso and Utrillo painted here. A portrait costs from 30€. Around the square: small restaurants (expensive and mediocre) and souvenir shops.
The Quiet Montmartre
Behind the tourist façade lies a quiet, charming district that can only be discovered on foot:
- Rue Lepic: The main street of the district — here stood the Café des Deux Moulins (from the film Amélie), here are excellent boulangeries and fromageries.
- Vineyard of Montmartre (Clos Montmartre): The last vineyard within the city limits — 1,762 vines on a hill. In October: the Fête des Vendanges (wine festival).
- Musée de Montmartre: The oldest house in the district (12th century), where Renoir and Utrillo lived. Today a museum with a garden offering a magnificent view of the vineyard. Admission: 14€.
- Place Dalida: A quiet square with the bust of the singer Dalida — and one of the most beautiful views over the Parisian rooftops.
- Rue de l'Abreuvoir: The most photogenic street in Paris: Pink House (La Maison Rose), cobblestones, ivy, lantern. Instagram classic.
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge (1889) on Boulevard de Clichy is the most famous cabaret in the world — the cancan was born here, Toulouse-Lautrec painted his iconic posters here, Édith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, and Elton John performed here. The show (Féerie) is a spectacle of cancan, feathers, acrobatics, and champagne — kitschy and magnificent at the same time. Tickets: from 87€ (show), from 185€ (show + dinner). Reservation required.
