Pigalle is the district around the square of the same name, at the foot of the Montmartre hill (9th and 18th). It takes its name from the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. Long known for its cabarets and risqué image, it has changed: the southern part, nicknamed SoPi (South Pigalle), now has cafés, cocktail bars, boutiques and rue des Martyrs, while the upper part keeps the Moulin Rouge and the concert halls. Allow half a day; it is best to come in the late afternoon to see both faces of the district.
Highlights
Place Pigalle
The district's landmark, at the crossing of boulevard de Clichy and boulevard de Rochechouart, where streets lead off to SoPi and Montmartre.
The Moulin Rouge
The cabaret on boulevard de Clichy, near Blanche station, still stages its revue; see the Moulin Rouge page for tickets.
SoPi and rue des Martyrs
The southern part, between Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and Saint-Georges, is the most pleasant by day for bakeries, cheesemongers and cafés: see rue des Martyrs.
The concert halls
La Cigale, the Divan du Monde and La Boule Noire put on concerts in the evening; check their programme before coming.
Quiet squares and Romantic life
Avenue Frochot, place Gustave-Toudouze, place Saint-Georges and the Museum of Romantic Life with its garden offer a calm break.
Practical info
Tips
- By day the district is easy to visit; at night expect crowds, music and touts outside the clubs and sex shops of boulevard de Clichy: keep your bag and phone in front of you and avoid empty streets. The cobbles make the district hard going in a wheelchair, and it is not ideal with young children in the evening. For a show, see our cabaret comparison; for the daytime walk, the Montmartre guide is the natural companion.
How to get there
Metro Pigalle (lines 2 and 12), Blanche (line 2), Abbesses (line 12) or Saint-Georges (line 12); Place de Clichy (lines 2 and 13) is a ten-minute walk.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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