With its many different neighbourhoods, each with its own charm and atmosphere, it’s hard to choose a favorite in Paris. But the one that stole my heart, and will always have a special place in it, is Montmartre. Artistic, romantic, full of character and hello the views? It’s hard not to fall in love with this hilltop corner of Paris. Just look for the Sacré-Cœur rising above the rooftops, and you’ll know exactly which hill to go to.
Montmartre has long been known as the artistic soul of Paris. It was once a small village outside the city limits, but it became a creative haven in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Montmartre attracted painters, writers and musicians from all over the world. Just to name-drop a little… Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh spent time here. Even today, you will still experience that artistic touch when visiting Montmartre.
Nowadays, Montmartre can get pretty crowded, especially during the daytime. People want to see this beautiful neighbourhood, I can’t blame them. But as the sun sets and the light slowly disappears, so do most of the tourists. Still, my favourite time to experience Montmartre is at sunrise, to enjoy the morning. The early bird catches the worm, except the “worm” is (are) the empty cobbled streets and a neighbourhood slowly waking up with the locals. Bakeries are just beginning to open their doors, the smell of fresh croissants drifts through the streets, locals walk their dogs or pick up their morning coffee, and not to forget: no one is blocking the view from the hill.
Wake up early and explore Montmartre before the rest of the city awakens. And if you want to save yourself some time on transportation, stay in the neighbourhood or somewhere just above it. That’s what I’ve done several times while visiting Paris, and there’s honestly no better way to start the day than with a quiet morning walk through Montmartre.
Thing to do during a morning in Montmartre, Paris
Breakfast at Les 5 Marches
Start your morning slowly with breakfast at Les 5 Marches, a cosy little café in the streets of Montmartre. Order a coffee, fresh croissant or a proper French breakfast, and watch the neighbourhood slowly wake up around you. During the week they open at 8:30, so that’s perfect for an early start! During the weekends they open at 10, so you might want to walk around a bit already before that.
I usally don’t drink beer for breakfast. Photo was taken during an afternoon visit 😉
Visit Musee de Montmartre
One of my favourite smaller museums in Paris, Musée de Montmartre. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the neighbourhood’s artistic history. The museum tells the story of Montmartre through paintings, photographs and old artist studios, showing what life used to look like here. Artists like Renoir once worked in this area, and you can still feel that creative atmosphere throughout the museum.
Afterwards, spend some time in the beautiful garden. There’s a lovely café and you can spot the small vineyard of Montmartre as well. A peaceful spot to slow down for a moment before continuing your walk through the neighbourhood.
Stroll around the streets in the morning
The best thing to do in Montmartre is honestly just to wander through the streets. Early in the morning, the streets are still quiet, letting you enjoy the neighbourhood without the crowds that usually arrive around 10:00 or 10:30.
Walk past iconic spots like La Maison Rose, one of the prettiest cafés in Paris, and the famous cabaret Le Moulin Rouge at the foot of the hill. Along the way, you’ll also come across little squares, hidden staircases and statues dedicated to artists and singers who once called Montmartre home.
Make a stop at the Sacré-Cœur
No visit to Montmartre is complete without stopping at Sacré-Cœur. The basilica sits at the highest point in Paris, offering one of the best panoramic views over the city. If you arrive early enough and there’s no line yet, definitely step inside as well. The church was built between 1875 and 1914 after the Franco-Prussian War, and was intended as both a religious monument and a symbol of hope and unity for France.
Visit Place du Tertre before the rest does
Place du Tertre is one of the most famous squares in Montmartre, known for its painters and artists selling their work. Early in the morning, it has a completely different atmosphere than later in the day. The artists are only just arriving and setting up their easels, cafés are opening their terraces, and you can actually walk around the square without bumping into crowds.
Enjoy the view & make your way down
Before leaving Montmartre, take one last moment to enjoy the view over Paris. From the steps below Sacré-Cœur, you can see how big the city is. It’s impressive! Make your way back down through the winding streets of the neighbourhood and try to enter some streets you haven’t yet. Who knows what you might find. There are little details and cute corners everywhere.
Paris, it’s been a while… I hope to wander the streets of Montmartre soon, explore other neighbourhoods and enjoy the energy of this beautiful city.
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