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Place du Tertre in Montmartre: painters, restaurants and tips
Place du Tertre in Montmartre: painters, restaurants and tips

Place du Tertre in Montmartre: painters, restaurants and tips

Updated on October 25, 2026

The place du Tertre is the small cobbled square of the Montmartre painters, in the 18th arrondissement, about two minutes' walk from the Sacré-Cœur basilica. All day it is occupied by open-air artists who exhibit and paint views of Montmartre, and by portraitists (charcoal, caricature, silhouette) who work on the spot. Access is free. It is one of the most touristy spots on the hill: very lively, with terraces all around.

Highlights

The painters

The painters

Dozens of artists exhibit and paint around the square. Look at original works and compare before buying, because some paintings are reproductions.

The portraitists

The portraitists

A charcoal portrait or caricature takes a few minutes. Agree the price and size before sitting down: there is no official price displayed.

The view of the Sacré-Cœur

From the square the white dome of the basilica rises above the roofs; a detour to the Sacré-Cœur basilica completes the visit.

Practical info

Tips

  • Beware of people offering to tie a bracelet or do a "free portrait": always ask the price first. The restaurants on the square are aimed at tourists, with menus that are expensive for the area; compare with the neighbouring streets. To see everything, follow our complete Montmartre guide or book a guided tour of Montmartre.

How to get there

Metro Abbesses (line 12) or Lamarck-Caulaincourt (line 12), then walk up; the climb from Anvers (line 2) goes via the Montmartre funicular and the Sacré-Cœur. Allow about ten minutes' walk from the metro.

Opening hours

Best: Early morning
Open square; painters are there mostly during the day, restaurants until the evening

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