Montmartre: My Favourite Neighbourhood in Paris
I didn’t expect to fall in love with Paris. In fact, I didn’t even plan on going during my first trip to Europe. It was only thanks to a seat sale and the promise of Christmas markets that I wound up in France’s capital city. Then, just a few short days later, I left completely and utterly in awe of the City of Love. But it wasn’t visiting the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, exploring the Notre Dame or walking down the Seine that caused my surprise infatuation. No, I fell in love with the Montmartre neighbourhood where I was staying, which, to me, offers some of the best of Paris. I’ve now been back twice since my original visit, and Montmartre remains my favourite part of the city. Here’s why.
Montmartre Has Best View in Paris
Believe it or not, the best view in the city is not from the Eiffel Tower. Why? Because you can’t actually see the Eiffel Tower when you’re looking out from it, and it’s kind of an integral part of the city skyline.
So instead, head to the beautiful Sacre Coeur Basilica and look out from there. All of Paris is right in front of, including the Eiffel Tower (though depending on where you are standing, you may need to walk a bit to the right). For the best view, go at night to see everything lit up, and if you time it right, the Eiffel Tower will sparkle too. Oh, and did I mention the view here is completely free.
Find the ‘Real’ Paris on Rue Des Abessess
Montmartre’s Rue des Abessess is one of those streets that you wouldn’t know about unless you were told ahead of time (exactly what happened to me) or were lucky enough to stumble upon. It’s not a big stretch, but its cobblestone path is lined with cafes and restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. It’s more of a local neighbourhood rather than a tourist spot. You’ll find local artists and musicians on the streets, and French citizens sipping coffee in the cafes. To me and everyone I know who has been, Rue Des Abessess can only be described as the ‘real’ Paris.
Eat the Best French Macarons…Ever
Ok so this might be a bit of a personal choice, but given my inability to say ‘no’ to any French macaron I like to think I might be a bit of an expert. After three trips to Paris and multiple macaron tastings later, I think that Christophe Roussel just might be the master of macarons. The shop is adorable, with rows upon rows of brightly fresh, colourful macarons in a number of different flavours. My personal favourite was the raspberry, but do yourself a favour and try a few, they are all delicious.
Christophe Roussel’s shop in Montmartre is located at 5 Rue Tardieu, very close to the steps leading up to the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
Visit the Moulin Rouge
OK, I know the Moulin Rouge is not at all off the beaten path but, I LOVE it. I’ve been twice now to see the show and each time get totally transfixed by the show. Part of why I love Montmartre so much is because, for me, it’s old world Paris. And, what’s more old-world Paris than this historic cabaret show?
If the Moulin Rouge is on your list, make sure to book your tickets in advance. When I first visited in 2011 I thought I could just show up (I got laughed at). You can book Moulin Rouge tickets in advance here.
Where to Stay in Montmartre
Montmartre is a great place to base yourself. There are a couple of metro stations in the area for seeing the rest of the city and, as I said above, it’s great for walking around and exploring on its own. Plus, it’s not as expensive as some of Paris’ other neighbourhoods. For any visitor to Paris, I highly recommend finding accommodation in Montmartre.
If you are on a budget try: Le Village Hostel (where I stayed)
For a midrange hotel try: The Mercure Paris Montmartre
For a higher end experience try: The Grand Pigalle Hotel
Pin me for later!
*Disclaimer: This post does contain affiliate links. Should you book a tour or hotel through these links I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Oh I would tear up some of the macarons! We had a bakery in Aspen where they would make them fresh daily…definitely have to say that would be my favorite part about Montmartre!
haha they are sooooo good
Oh my, those macarons! I loved your perspective on Paris – Montmartre seems lovely and much more rustic with a lot less tourists 🙂
Haha yes the macarons are the best!
it look like a charming town thanks for sharing it
Thanks for sharing Rue Des Abessess, next time for sure!
It’s awesome!
Montmartre is my absolute favourite part of Paris, too! I love the arty atmosphere and the cute cafes… I spent most of my time there on a visit a few years back, just watching the artists, sipping coffee, and wandering around – ideal!
It’s pretty perfect eh?
I love Montmartre. Rue des Martyrs that starts up in Montmartre and leads all the way down into the 9th Arr. is also worth exploring…antique shops, bistors, patisseries, boutiques and really just a true Paris neighborhood. I grew up in Paris and I have to say that Montmartre and the 9th just below are my very favorite areas!
Oooh when I go back I’ll have to pick your brain 😉 thanks for the tips!
[…] Montmartre: the ‘Real’ Paris […]
Montmartre is really exceptional and it definitely offers the best views in the magical Paris, Hannah! Your pictures are truly stunning!
[…] Montmartre: My Favourite Neighbourhood in Paris […]
[…] for me, is old-world Paris; it’s my favourite neighbourhood in Paris. It’s also where you can find the Sacre Coeur Basilica and Moulin Rouge. Plus, accommodation here […]
[…] be the best day to climb Notre Dame for the view, or to explore the picturesque neighbourhood of Montmartre. But, there are still lots of things to see and do on a rainy day in Paris. Here are my top […]
[…] streets is the best way to really experience Paris. Personally, my favourite neighbourhood is Montmartre. Every time I visit Paris I make sure to spend part of a day here because the cute buildings, […]
[…] for me, is old-world Paris; it’s my favourite neighbourhood in Paris. It’s also where you can find the Sacre Coeur Basilica and Moulin Rouge. Plus, the accommodation […]
[…] time I visit Paris, I stay somewhere new but Montmartre is still my favourite neighbourhood so it makes sense that they would have one of my favourite Paris Christmas markets. It’s […]