In short
This historic automatic system allows you to ascend the thirty-six meters to the top of the artists' quarter without any physical effort. Operated by the city's transport company, the funicular runs parallel to the historic steps of Square Louise Michel.
- Absolute comfort: avoid the tiring climb on foot while conserving energy.
- Fare integration: works with the same travel tickets as the metro.
- Total accessibility: ideal for strollers, the elderly and people with reduced mobility.
- Sudden departures: the two independent cabins move in continuous flow.
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Things to know about the Montmartre Funicular
The operation of this means of transport follows the same logic as the traditional surface metronetwork.
Validity of the single ticket
allows a single stroke on the structure
No direct coincidence
Switching from the metroto the funicular (or vice versa) requires the use of a second ticket
Automated cars
the system does not have a driver on board
Heavy passenger flow
The cabins can accommodate up to sixty people at the same time
Map of the Montmartre Funicular
The line runs along a single, very short straight line connecting the lower station to the upper station. It can be easily reached from the Anvers (blue) and Abbesses (green) stops.
Quick tip
If you have a Navigo Weekly or Monthly pass or the Paris Visite pass, access to the funicular is completely free and unlimited: just validate your card at the entrance turnstiles.
Download the official map
Official RATP map of the Paris Metro, RER and Tram network.
High-resolution PDF format
Ideal for printing or offline viewing
Always updated
Official RATP Edition
Complete with legend
All Metro, RER and Tram lines
Official source: RATP Paris • All rights reserved
How to use the map
Find your departure station
Follow the color of the line
Count the stops for your route
Plan your trips
The access stations and connections of the Funicular
Since it isn't a line with multiple urban stops, the funicular runs along a single straight axis. The table describes the key access points at the base and summit of the hill, including the best ways to reach them from the surrounding metrostations.
| Access Point | Street Location | Useful for reaching | Recommended Metro connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Base | Place Saint-Pierre | Gardens of Square Louise Michel, Montmartre's historic carousel | Anvers station (line two) two hundred meters away on foot |
| Upper Peak | Rue Cardinal Dubois | Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Place du Tertre, Montmartre Museum | Abbesses station (line twelve) via internal elevators |
Which ticket should I choose?
Depending on your travel tickets or how often you use public transport, access to the funicular can be managed using different validation methods.
t+ ticket
Ideal for: occasional or single use.
- available in paper or digital format
- requires a full ticket for the ride
- available for purchase at metro stations
Navigo Easy
Ideal for: fast digital charging.
- rechargeable magnetic card in the app
- reduces the cost of a single trip
- convenient for avoiding queues at the ticket office
Navigo Subscription
Ideal for: long stays in the city.
- valid on weekly or monthly basis
- Unlimited rides included in the package
- requires a photo ID card
Paris Visite
Ideal for: intensive tourist use.
- valid for central zones one to three
- covers the entire ascent route
- no limit on passages through the turnstiles
The most popular tourist passes in Paris
The Montmartre is fully integrated into the public transport network operated by the RATP, making it extremely accessible to anyone using standard city passes.
Need to know
- Heavy queues on weekends: Sunday afternoon sees the highest concentration of passengers at the lower turnstiles.
- Ticket checks are frequent: teams of inspectors often man the exit gates of the upper station.
- No reserved seating: the passenger compartment is designed primarily for standing passengers to maximize capacity.
- Unfolded strollers allowed: the large interior space allows strollers to fit inside without having to fold them.
Practical advice
- Buy tickets in advance: Buying t+ tickets at the Politana metrostation avoids the lines at the funicular ticket machines.
- Take the funicular up and walk back down: the ideal option is to use the funicular to go up and then walk down the historic steps to admire the view.
- Use the side access from Rue Foyatier: the street runs alongside the tracks and offers excellent photo opportunities to capture the moving cabins.
- Check the information screens: the monitors located at the entrance report any temporary technical delays in real time.
History and curiosities of the Montmartre Funicular
The plant accompanied the development of the bohemian neighborhood, modifying its technological structure over the course of different historical eras.
- Inaugurated in 1900: the first system came into operation at the end of July to facilitate access to the nascent Basilica.
- Original hydraulic operation: the first version used a system of water counterweights to fill and empty special tanks.
- Electrification in 1935: the plant was completely transformed by replacing the old machinery with modern electric motors.
- Complete reconstruction in 1991: RATP completely renovated the cabins, adopting the current transparent glass and steel design.
- Over two million passengers: the structure is among the most used attractions in the French capital on an annual basis.
- Technological twinning with elevators: from a regulatory point of view, the line is classified as an inclined rail elevator.
- Famous film backdrop: the stations appear in numerous films dedicated to the Montmartre district.
- Periodic nighttime maintenance: Technicians check the tensile cables every night to ensure maximum structural safety.
Funicular or stairs? Which is better?
While the stone staircase remains the most poetic, romantic, and photographed option for lovers of urban strolls, the funicular proves to be an unbeatable tool for efficiency, comfort, and speed, especially after a long day spent walking the streets of the city center.
| Historic Staircase | Montmartre Funicular |
|---|---|
| Traditional romantic atmosphere among the cast iron street lamps | Lightning-fast ascent in ninety seconds without any effort |
| Considerable physical effort required to climb the steps | Full accessibility, excellent for strollers and prams |
| Completely free and accessible without physical barriers | Requires the use of a t+ urban network ticket |
| Progressive panoramic views over the city's rooftops | Quick view from the large panoramic glass cabin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same metro ticket for the funicular?
Yes, but you must use a new t+ paper ticket or validate your Navigo Easy rechargeable card again at the station entrance turnstile.
Is the Navigo Découverte weekly pass valid on the lift?
Yes, the card covers full funicular rides at no additional cost compared to the standard pass.
What is the closest metrostation to the departure base?
The most convenient station is Anvers (line two), located a few minutes' walk from the lower platform of Place Saint-Pierre.
Do small children pay to ride in the cabins?
Children under four travel free, while those aged four to ten can benefit from reduced-rate Carnet tickets.
Is the facility open during late night hours?
No, the system ends its regular services at 12:45 AM, coinciding perfectly with the closing time of the metrolines.
Can I bring my bicycle inside the funicular cabins?
No, transporting bicycles is not permitted for reasons of space and passenger safety inside the vehicle.
What happens if I have the Paris Visite tourist pass?
The Paris Visite pass (valid for zones one to three) allows free and unlimited access to the facility for its entire duration.
Does the funicular make intermediate stops along the incline?
No, the ride is direct and connects exclusively the lower base station with the arrival station located at the top.
Can wheelchair users access independently?
Yes, both stations are designed with flat ramps and wide access points designed to allow easy entry for wheelchairs.
Where can I sleep near Montmartre?
We've rounded up the best accommodation options in the Montmartre neighborhood.
