By ANL | UPDATED: 03 Jun 2026

At its heart lies Place du Tertre, where portrait artists continue a tradition that flourished during the Belle Époque. Above the district rises the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a striking landmark symbolising both religious devotion and national history. Together with the nearby Moulin Rouge, Montmartre represents the artistic soul of Paris and remains essential for understanding the city’s cultural heritage.

Sacré-Coeur, Place du Tertre and Moulin Rouge are closely linked to the history of Montmartre, which goes a long way back in time. Archaeological excavations have shown that Montmartre was inhabited from at least Gallo-Roman times. Old texts refer to Mount Mars.

To understand how Montmartre fits into a wider cultural sightseeing approach, you can read our cultural travel method, which explains how we combine history, architecture and local life in our itineraries.

Photo: Travel In Culture

During the 9th century, Montmartre (meaning ‘Mount Martyr’) was a Christian pilgrimage site under the influence of Saint Genevieve, and a chapel in honour of Saint Denis was erected at this location.

Montmartre is also a key highlight in our 3 days in Paris itinerary, where it is recommended as the final stop for panoramic city views.

In 1134, King Louis VI erected the church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre and founded the Royal Abbey of Montmartre, a monastery of the Benedictine order. It became a popular pilgrimage site, partly because Saint Denis had been decapitated where the chapel Martyrium was erected. The monastery covered most of the hill at the time. Unfortunately, the Abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution.

Later, during the 1590 Siege of Paris, Henry IV placed artillery at Montmartre! Next, it was occupied by Russian soldiers during the Battle of Paris in 1814! In 1871, it was the focal point of a revolutionary uprising when soldiers from the French Army decided to remove the cannon!

 
Why is Montmartre so famous? In its ‘recent’ heyday in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Belle Époque, Montmartre was really ‘hot’ in Paris. Painters have always come here to socialise and share their ideas about art – it was a cultural melting pot and, in many respects, still is!

Many famous artists have, over the years, made Montmartre’s cafés their home in Paris. That includes painters of world-class such as Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vicent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró. It is possible to locate some of their old studios and houses.

Art district Paris | Photo: Travel In Culture

However, the outbreak of World Water I put an end to cultural life around the Place du Tertre. Most of the artists moved down to the Montparnasse quarter.

Some famous artists and creators have been buried at the Cimetière de Montmartre, e.g., the painter Edgar Degas and the director François Truffaut.

Montmartre Place du Tertre | Photo: Travel In Culture

Still today, Montmartre is the epitome of portrait painting, with the artists coming to work among the crowd of visitors. A local and village-like atmosphere characterises the cobbled streets and picturesque spots around the Place du Tertre. You can have your portrait painted or drawn by a professional artist in the famous square that has always appealed to artists. When you get hungry, a wide range of traditional French bistros and restaurants offer everything from the tourist menu to local recipes and sublime French cuisine, mostly preserving the cultural charm and romantic ambience of the artistic district.

Place du Tertre History: In the historic neighbourhood, you will find famous places such as the Café des Deux Moulins and Au Cadet de Gascogne, with a top location at the Place du Tertre.

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The streets around the Place du Tertre are perfect for a stroll to soak up the atmosphere – whether in the morning, the afternoon, or the evening. Depending on when you set out to explore the neighbourhood, you will experience different people and settings. If you remember the film ‘Amélie’, you may recognise the setting from the film up here, where you can follow in the footsteps of ‘Amélie de Montmartre’. The quaint district is also the setting of several other films.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Besides the old charm, the summit of the hill is also a nightclub district – and you will find lots of entertainment at Montmartre. One of the famous cabaret places is Au Lapin Agile.

There is also the Musée Montmartre, where you can catch a glimpse of the history of the ‘artist colony’.

Photo: Travel in Culture

One of the real gems of Montmartre is the still-existing vineyard crawling down the slope of the 130 m high Butte. The Clos Montmartre vineyard (still with a wine production) in the Rue Saint-Vincent is a reminiscence of the rural area that covered part of the hill until well into the 1900s.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Other structures belonging to the olden days were the windmills of Montmartre. The first mill was built in 1529, serving to grind wheat, barley, and rye. There used to be 13 mills atop the hill. Today, there are still two left, the Moulin Radet and the Moulin de la Galette, which are favoured motifs for photography!

Photo: Travel In Culture

So is the pink house (La Maison Rose), a stone’s throw down the Place du Tertre. People flock here 24/7 to take the best photos – preferably without others in the picture.

Photo: Travel In Culture

If you enjoy historic neighbourhoods like Montmartre, you may also like our guide to the Latin Quarter in Paris, another district rich in student life and history.

Another building adding to the romance at Montmartre is the Moulin Rouge with its easily recognisable red windmill on its roof, which is illuminated at night. However, it has nothing to do with a windmill and never has had. It is the original venue of Cancan, the French cabaret show seeing the light of day at the Moulin Rouge in 1889, founded by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler at the bottom of the hill of Montmartre. It was the hip, artistic neighbourhood in Paris at the time. The Butte became famous for its cabarets, cafés, dancing, and intellectual spirit. Le Char Noir was one of the nineteenth-century entertainment establishments that attracted writers and poets. Why not spend the evening with a show at the famous and iconic Moulin Rouge?

An entertaining show to experience during your 3 days in Paris is a cancan cabaret at the iconic Moulin Rouge.

Nevertheless, the Moulin Rouge building, as we know it today, is a replacement for the original construction, which unfortunately burnt down all back in 1915. It took six years before it was ready to open again to the public!

Over the years, famous entertainers have performed at the Moulin Rouge. Among these are Édith Piaf, Josephine Baker and Frank Sinatra, each in their decade.

What best describes the Moulin Rouge today is a combination of dance hall and nightclub atmosphere. It is an icon of Paris’s nightlife and a must-see if you want to experience a more than a century-old entertainment tradition in Paris.

See a show – perhaps combined with a dinner or at least a glass of champagne to get a feel for the French cabaret culture as introduced in the Belle Époque. It is a special feature of Paris’s history and a unique experience you will not regret having!

The top sight of Paris, which everyone comes to admire, is the famous and eye-catching basilica Sacré-Coeur and its beautiful dome. The white construction is a visible landmark all over Paris. It was built from 1875 to 1914, designed by Paul Abadie. In its Romano-Byzantine architectural style, it is a spectacular masterpiece that soars high above the city. Inside the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, you will find the largest mosaic in France!

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In 1870, the Franco-Prussian War broke out between France and Germany, where France was defeated. As a result, a church was then agreed upon (the ‘National Vow’) as a spiritual gesture: the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

It is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart (‘Sacré-Coeur’) of Jesus, designed by Paul Abadie and completed in 1914. However, the outbreak of World War I put it on hold for some years, and it was not consecrated until 1919.

Being Romano-Byzantine in style, Sacré Coeur is greatly inspired and influenced by churches like Hagia Sofia in the former Constantinople and San Marco in Venice.

To arrive at the Sacré-Coeur from ‘lower’ Paris, you can either go up the steep stairs on foot or take the small funicular from the Place Saint-Pierre. Whatever you choose, you will be rewarded with the most panoramic and breathtaking view of all of Paris when you reach the hilltop with the spectacular cupola (which is especially beautiful against a blue sky)!

Photo: Travel In Culture

At the foot of the hill, you will find the square with the old merry-go-round (where Amélie also played around). It is an outstanding piece of cultural heritage and, today, a popular attraction for children and adults who fancy an iconic ride.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Montmartre famous in Paris?

Montmartre is famous for its artistic heritage, bohemian history and village-like atmosphere. It was home to many painters during the Belle Époque and remains one of Paris’s most atmospheric districts.

What is Place du Tertre known for?

Place du Tertre is known for its outdoor artists who create portraits and paintings in a historic square. It has long been a gathering place for painters and visitors in Montmartre.

Is Sacré-Coeur worth visiting?

Yes, Sacré-Coeur is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, offering panoramic views of the city. Its interior mosaics and hilltop location make it a major cultural and architectural highlight.

What is the history of Montmartre?

Montmartre has a long history dating back to Roman and medieval times and later became a centre for religious pilgrimage. In the 19th century it developed into an artistic hub known for painters and cabarets.

Can you still see artists in Montmartre today?

Yes, artists still work daily in Place du Tertre, offering portraits and artwork to visitors. The area maintains its artistic tradition, although it is now also a major tourist attraction.

What is the best time to visit Montmartre?

The best time to visit Montmartre is early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. This allows you to experience a more authentic atmosphere and better light for photography.

Is Moulin Rouge located in Montmartre?

Yes, Moulin Rouge is located at the base of Montmartre in the Pigalle district. It is one of the world’s most famous cabarets and an important part of Paris nightlife history.

How do you get to Sacré-Coeur?

You can reach Sacré-Coeur by climbing the stairs from Anvers Metro or taking the Montmartre funicular. Both options lead to the basilica at the top of the hill.

Read next: A Stroll Along Charming Canal Saint Martin in Paris and 9 Places to Visit in the Latin Quarter – The Heart of Paris

Images courtesy of Travel In Culture. Selected images from Pixabay.