While the Impressionists gathering at Place Du Tertre have been replaced by street painters, the 18th arrondissement has its charms undimmed by time. 

Why Should Montmartre be on Your Paris Must-Visit List?

The former village with its instagrammable cottages, lively cafes, night clubs, and fascinating stairways is a popular spot among visitors to Paris.

Teeming with rich culture, historical streets, scenic highlights, and delicious food, quaint Montmartre has much to offer. A thriving artistic center in the past century, it is rumored to exist from the days of Dante’s inferno.

Hidden gardens, colorful houses, and unique sights greet you at every winding street corner. Wander across this bohemian Paris neighborhood discovering some of these great spaces and things to do on your own or with a Montmartre food tour.

Places to see in Montmartre 

As you take the metro to reach this part of Paris, you pass the torn down Wall of Taxes that separated it from the city and is now replaced by picturesque boulevards.

The famous Moulin Rouge cabaret and the night bars are allurements you find at the foot of this quartier. Save these for the trip downhill, as the hilltop is where the true attractions await you. 

A stroll that begins at Place des Abbesses leads you to the real Montmartre –with its street cafes, vintage shops, boulangeries, artist studios, museums, residential homes, and more. 

You will be traveling along this route in search of the best food in Montmartre on our food tour. Before that, visit the small park, Square J. Rictus, with its unique tile mural.

Take a peek into the medieval past at the old village with its gardens, old houses, windmill, and the famous white church.

The beautiful mosaic ceiling and interiors of Basilica Sacre Coeur combined with the breathtaking view of the city below makes it worth the steep climb. Ride the automated lift near Rue Tardieu to save time.

Visit the Musee de Montmartre at Rue Cortot to see the village through the eyes of artists. If you’re lucky, you get to enjoy the flowering blossoms at the Renoir Garden behind it. Musee de la Vie Romantique: is the place to view the collections of famous literary figures.

Place Dalida, Square Suzanne Buisson and Square Marcel-Bleustein-Blanchet are great spaces to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. 

Walk Along Prominent Streets of Montmartre

Rue Lepic is where the locals live in ivy clad vibrant houses. This is where you will find the last windmill in the village at Moulin de la Galette. This is where you begin to sample and relish the food delights that define Parisian cuisine. 

Rue des Saules leads to the Clos de Montmartre vineyard, which produces the only “Made in Paris” wine. Across the street is Le Lapin Agile, a cabaret that inspired Picasso’s famous painting.

Rue Norvins traverses the heart of the medieval village, a pull for tourists with its old-world charm.

Step away from the village to the famed square of artists old and new. Place du Tertre is where travellers mingle with caricaturists and get their portraits done.

Meander along the old streets of this hilltop district – Rue Saint-Rustique and Rue Anton Antoine

Hanging around the village after an exciting Montmartre best foods tour? 

For some nostalgia, head to Le Refuge Café to admire the 1930s style Parisian café. 

Stop by the century old restaurant after your culinary adventure with Cocotte food tours, Maison de Rose with its little “open air” chairs was the meeting ground for eminent artists of old and is much admired for its vintage appearance.

Nearby Villa Leandre is a beautiful art-deco inspired street with British style villas., including one with an amusing “No.10 Downing Street” sign.

The best food tour in Montmartre Paris is incomplete without some souvenirs. Shop at Rue for some knick knacks that are uniquely French. 

Consider a Fotoautomat visit to capture some Parisian memories. This vintage black and white photo booth at 53 Rue des Trois Frères offers the definitive keepsake with its 4-photo strips.

Hidden Gems on The Montmartre Paris trail

You need to leave the tourist track behind and seek out less visited spots to experience the beauty and culture of this place. 

For the artistically inclined, Espace Dali (museum of Dali) on Rue Poulbot and site of Picasso’s early studio on Rue des 3 Frères are must stopovers.

The Sinking House of Montmartre is hard to find at first glance. Here is the secret to locating this optical illusion. Reach the last steps of the main stairs leading to the parvis of the basilica. Turn to your right and tilt your head and there it is!

La Folie Sandrin, Cimetière Saint Vincent, Château des Lys, a secret garden, and a working water tower are other gems to uncover in this unique part of Paris. 

Admire the vintage poster shutters of Rue Cavallotti or the ever-changing graffiti art at Rue D’Orchampt.

 After all the walking along the cobbled and winding streets, it is time for some incredible French food. 

What to eat in Montmartre?

While this section of Paris excels in gastronomic delights, it has recently impressed foodies with its award winning boulangeries.

Whether you prefer self-exploration or a guided Montmartre food and wine tour, you will find gourmet and artisanal shops selling delectable French treats. 

Meet some talented food artisans, chefs and bakers who serve you everything from acclaimed cheese and wines to the freshest bread and meals. French chocolate, macarons, biscuits/cookies are other specialties you can delight in on your food tours.

Overwhelmed by the sheer variety of bistros, boulangeries, delis and patisseries? Looking to avoid the standard tourist traps?

Take up the offer to be guided through the maze of eateries with guided secret food tours in Paris Montmartre. There is plenty of food sampling with some history and cultural lessons as an added bonus.

Best Way to Experience Montmartre Food Scene

The historic place, local life, sights, sounds and aromas are best experienced with a Montmartre secret food tour.

Taste some fresh and fluffy croissants at a patisserie and halt at an epicerie for cheeses and cured meats. indulge in some delicious Brittany-style crepes at a family-owned creperie. Wash down these generous portions with some beer or French wine. 

Indeed, the best food in Montmartre tour offers an immersive experience best enjoyed in the company of family and friends.