Montmartre 18th arr. of Paris

Paris - 18th arrondissement 'butte-montmartre' (75018)

The 18th arrondissement in the north of Paris is a multicultural and vibrant part of the city that is rich in history that can leave visitors with the feeling that they have actually stepped out of the city and entered back to the villages of bygone times.

Hotels in 18th arrondissement

As a first-time visitor to Paris you may be drawn to the 18th arrondissement (district) no doubt, by the charm of the former village of Montmartre in the
Clignancourt neighbourhood of Paris but it also encompasses the neighbourhoods of Grandes-Carrières, Goutte d'Or and La Chapelle, all of which had been swallowed up over time by the expanding city boundaries.

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Clignancourt / Montmartre

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT MONTMARTRE IN PARIS?

Montmartre was originally a small village on the outskirts of Paris. Its name means “mountain of the martyr” as it is said that the patron saint of Paris, Saint Denis, was beheaded here on the hill of Montmartre in the 3rd century AD.

Montmartre and the 18th arrondissement attracts mainly tourists these days but at the end the 19th century it was writers, poets, and painters who were attracted to the neighborhood to work and live. You may have thought it was for the ambiance the area offered,spectacular views over Paris,or perhaps the cheaper rents but apparently a major factor was that at the time, Montmartre was still officially outside the city limits and wine wasn't subject to Parisian taxes! Artists who took inspiration from Montmartre include Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Salvador Dalí and Gen Paul.
You will of course still find many 'artists' plying their trade today in the busy Place du Tertre, all vying for the tourist euro.

Here you can simply stroll the winding cobbled streets,climb or ride the funicular up to the top of the Butte Montmartre and the basilica of the Sacré Coeur and take in the views,then you can sit and people watch at one of the many bars and bistros in the area or head back down and go in search of ‘Amélie’ if you are looking for that familiar scene that perhaps, for you,was the allure of Paris.

Plus there is so much more to do do and see here...

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN THE 18TH ARRONDISSEMENT OF PARIS.

SACRE-COEUR

MOULIN ROUGE

PLACE DU TERTRE

Sacré Coeur Basilica

Built only at the end of the 19th century, the Sacré-Cœur basilica is located at the top of the Butte Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre ranks along side the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre as one of the most iconic buildings in Paris. It is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations attracting nearly 10 million visitors each year.
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Moulin rouge

The Moulin Rouge which opened its doors in 1889, very quickly became a popular place in Parisian nightlife and the shows of the worlds most famous cabaret still attracts large crowds of tourists today! It is the most prestigious cabaret in Paris and still showcases the famous French cancan dancers immortalised in the paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec.
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Place du Tertre

Here,at what was the former main square of the ancient village of Montmartre on the top of Butte Montmartre the easels of painters and portrait artists share the square with the restaurant terraces. Oozing with charm it is one of the most visited places in Paris.
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The 18th arrondissement (18e arrondissement) is located on the right bank of the River Seine in the northern part of Paris. It is a diverse and lively district known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. Here are some key features and points of interest in the 18th arrondissement:

Montmartre: One of the most famous neighborhoods in Paris, Montmartre is known for its artistic history, charming streets, and the iconic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. The area was once a gathering place for artists and intellectuals, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur: Perched on the highest point in the city, Montmartre's Basilique du Sacré-Cœur offers panoramic views of Paris. The basilica, with its distinctive white domes, is a symbol of the neighborhood and a popular tourist attraction.
Place du Tertre: This square in Montmartre is known for its open-air artists' studios and cafes. Visitors can observe artists at work, have their portraits drawn, and experience the lively atmosphere of this artistic hub.
Moulin Rouge: Located in the Pigalle district of the 18th arrondissement, the Moulin Rouge is a world-famous cabaret known for its colorful revues, can-can dancers, and historic significance in the world of entertainment.
Le Mur des Je t'aime (The Wall of "I Love You"): Situated in Square Jehan Rictus in Montmartre, this art installation features the phrase "I love you" written in over 300 languages. It is a symbol of love and unity.
Montmartre Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals, including writers, artists, and musicians. The cemetery is known for its atmospheric pathways and diverse tomb designs.
La Halle Saint-Pierre: An art center and museum located in Montmartre, La Halle Saint-Pierre focuses on outsider art, art brut, and contemporary art. It houses exhibitions, a bookshop, and a café.
Abbesses Metro Station: One of the most picturesque metro stations in Paris, Abbesses station is known for its Art Nouveau entrance and distinctive red awning. It is located in the heart of Montmartre.
Rue Lepic: This vibrant street in Montmartre is known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and historical sites. It was a favorite haunt of many artists, including Vincent van Gogh.
Église Saint-Jean de Montmartre: This church, designed by architect Anatole de Baudot, is known for its Art Nouveau style. It stands near the Place des Abbesses and features unique architectural elements.
The Dalí Museum is a permanent exhibition devoted to Salvador Dalí, mainly of sculptures and engravings. Near the Place du Tertre it has around 300 original artworks

The 18th arrondissement, particularly Montmartre, has a rich cultural history and continues to attract both locals and tourists with its bohemian spirit, artistic heritage, and stunning views of the city. The neighborhood's narrow streets, historic sites, and lively ambiance make it a unique and enchanting part of Paris.

A good source for what's on now is the site: 'Montmartre Addict'

Here is a quick introduction to the 18th arrondissement of Paris, the video below is one of Jay Swanson's 20 in 20 days series - enjoy it as an introduction to Paris' 18th.