Montmartre at a glance
Montmartre is a neighbourhood in the 18th arrondissement, built on a 130-metre hill, the highest in Paris. The classic walk takes 3 to 4 hours; allow a full day if you add a museum.
| Good to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | 18th arrondissement, north Paris |
| Suggested time | 3 to 4 hours (a full day with a museum) |
| Metro | Line 2 (Anvers) or line 12 (Abbesses) |
| Easy way up | Funicular, at the price of a metro ticket |
| Free | Sacré-Cœur forecourt and basilica, Place du Tertre, cemetery |
| Best time | Early morning, on a weekday |
A half-day route
- Anvers or Abbesses: leave the metro and head up the hill, by Rue Foyatier or the funicular.
- Sacré-Cœur: enjoy the view from the forecourt, then step into the basilica (free entry).
- Place du Tertre and the Montmartre Museum: portrait painters, the Renoir garden and a view of the Clos Montmartre vineyard.
- Rue Lepic: wander down the side streets for lunch, away from the crowds.
- Moulin Rouge or the cemetery: finish at the foot of the hill, at Place Blanche or the Montmartre Cemetery.
Frequently asked questions
Which arrondissement is Montmartre in?
The 18th arrondissement, in the north of Paris.
How long does it take to visit Montmartre?
Allow 3 to 4 hours for the Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre and the back streets, and a full day if you add the Montmartre Museum or the cemetery.
How do I get up to Montmartre without tiring myself out?
Take the funicular on Rue Foyatier (about a minute and a half, at the price of a metro ticket) or buses 30, 31, 80 and 85.
Is Montmartre free to visit?
Mostly: the Sacré-Cœur forecourt and basilica, the streets, Place du Tertre and the cemetery are free. The Montmartre Museum is paid, and the Wall of Love was closed to the public in October 2026 (the square stays open).
When can I avoid the crowds?
Early in the morning and on weekdays. Weekends and Place du Tertre are busiest; the October grape harvest festival also draws crowds.
