Visit Montmartre on foot: the Moulin Rouge’s Parisian guide
august 2023
Visiting Montmartre on foot is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore one of Paris’s most iconic districts – take a stroll through the narrow streets and explore some off-the-beaten track places. The Moulin Rouge will guide you through one of the capital’s most iconic districts. Discover the hottest destinations and all our great tips for an unforgettable visit to Montmartre.
What are the best places to visit in Montmartre?
The Montmartre district is brimming with streets and alleyways, squares and bistros. We’ve put together a list of the must-see destinations in this charming artists’ village.
Visit Montmartre on foot – the iconic Rue de l’Abreuvoir
To visit Montmartre on foot, start your walk on Rue de l’Abrevoir. This street, at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur basilica on the left, is one of Paris’s most photographed. It has retained its yesteryear charm, immersing you into the heart of the old village of Montmartre.
On your walk, you’ll discover the famous Maison Rose, once frequented by many famous artists.
Les vignes de Montmartre – a vineyard in the heart of Paris
Visiting Montmartre on foot also offers the chance to take a stroll through one of Paris’s five vineyards. Montmartre has a rich wine-growing history. The Clos de Montmartre grape variety produces a very high quality wine that is vinified and bottled on site.
If you visit Montmartre in October, don’t miss the fête des vendanges and taste the new vintage.
Place du Tertre – stop off in the heart of Montmartre
No visit to Montmartre is complete without a detour to Place du Tertre. Situated at the top of the Butte, close to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, this historic square is a favourite haunt of Paris’s artistic community.
Here, painters and caricaturists mingle with the crowds of tourists. You can stroll around the square and meander among the easels.
Villa Léandre – Montmartre’s secret cul-de-sac
Just a stone’s throw from Place Dalida, Villa Léandre is another must if you choose to visit Montmartre on foot. This pretty, entirely paved cul-de-sac is lined with gardens and houses in a distinctly English style. The lush vegetation that adorns the walls of the homes completes this charming London-inspired tableau. Stroll through the heart of the leafy Montmartre district, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
Saint-Pierre market
To continue your stroll, head for the Saint-Pierre market. Located at the foot of the Butte Montmartre, this is the largest textile market in Paris. It’s a must for collectors of fabrics and materials of all kinds.
Continue your stroll with a visit to the Halle Saint-Pierre. This brick building was once a covered market. It is now a museum housing the works of a number of artists.
Rue Lepic – another iconic Parisian street in Montmartre
Rue Lepic is another must for those visiting Montmartre on foot. This picture-postcard street has been immortalised many times by painters, writers and film-makers.
Rue Lepic boasts a wide range of cafés and restaurants, ideal for stopping off for a crêpe or a snack in the heart of Paris.
Take advantage of your a relaxing ramble along Rue Lepic to stop off in front of the Moulin de la Galette. Located in the heart of the Montmartre district, this venue was once a byword among the Parisian elite for its guinguette and popular open-air dancefloor.
The Moulin Rouge cabaret
To finish your tour of Montmartre, walk down Rue Lepic to the Blanche metro stop. Below the Butte Montmartre, you’ll find a number of theatres and cabarets, including the Moulin Rouge! Don’t forget to book a cabaret evening at the Moulin Rouge. After a delicious dinner, you’ll be treated to an exhilirating show, an unforgettably fun experience to round off your day.
© D. Duguet
How to get to Montmartre?
Getting to the Montmartre district of Paris couldn’t be easier! The Butte boasts excellent public transport links
You can also take the only funicular railway in Paris, which links the bottom of the Butte to the Sacré-Cœur.
There are also two metro stops: Anvers station on line 2 and Abbesses station on line 12.
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