18th Arrondissement

Montmartre is a hill and a district located in the northern part of Paris, France, within its 18th arrondissement. It is an area situated on the right bank of the Seine river. Roughly translated, the place-name means ‘mountain of the martyr,’ alluding to the beheading of Saint Denis on the hill in 250 AD.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of the most popular landmarks in Montmartre. It is a Roman Catholic basilica that is located along Rue du Cardinal Dubois.

Pigalle is an area located around the Place Pigalle and is a well-known red light district in the city.

Sights & Activities

One of the popular tourist destinations in Montmartre is the Place du Tertre, a square located along Rue Norvins and where visitors can have their portraits made by several artists who set up their easels in this small square every day. After viewing the numerous paintings on display, visitors can also head out to the nearby L’Espace Salvador Dali, a small museum showcasing the works of the famous artist.

A short distance to the west of the square is the Montmartre Cemetery, located along Avenue Samson. Visitors are free to wander around this public space and view the tombs of some of Paris’ artists and artisans. Established in the early 19th century, the cemetery was built on the site of an old quarry and is therefore below street level. Its tree-lined walkways provide ample space for those who wander around this famous landmark. Numerous interesting and unusual sculptures are also located all throughout the cemetery and provide visual interest.

When in Montmartre, visitors can’t help but behold the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a structure that is visible for miles around. This is because the basilica was built on the summit of butte Montmartre. The building was constructed in Romano-Byzantine style and opened its doors for service in 1891. The building’s highlights include the statues of Louis IX and Joan of Arc at the portico and the huge mosaic in its apse.

Beside the Sacré-Cœur is another religious structure, the Saint Pierre de Montmartre. The church is identified as having been founded by Saint Denis during the 3rd century. Of particular interest are the Roman pillars located within the nave.

Place Pigalle is named after the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. The area gained notoriety as a red-light district with the establishment of many sex shops in the immediate vicinity of the square. Nightclubs presenting nude and topless shows can also be found here, ensuring a lively nightlife in the area. Along the Boulevard de Clichy is the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. The establishment still retains its turn-of-the-century décor and is still a popular destination among adult tourists in the area.

Also located along the same boulevard and is worth a visit by adult tourists is the Musée de l’érotisme or the Museum of Eroticism. Established in 1997, it showcases collections of erotic art from all over the world.

Eating Out

One of the more popular places to dine in Montmartre is the Le Moulin de la Galette, which is situated along Rue Lepic. It took its name from the nearby Moulin de la Galette, the windmill that has been depicted in several paintings, including that of Renoir. Near the Montmartre Cemetery is the Preuve Par Neuf, a restaurant known for its tasty desserts.

There are several pubs and nightclubs that visitors can head out to for a good time, especially in the area around Pigalle. Examples of which are the Madame Arthur along Rue des Martyrs, the Le Couloir along Boulevard Richecouart, and the Mayflower on Rue André Antoine. Of course, the Boulevard de Clichy also has numerous nightclubs and pubs, such as the Le Star Dust, the L’Art Scenik, the Night Story, and the Le Central.