In short
Located just steps from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre is the historic heart of the ancient village of Montmartre. World-famous for its open-air easels, the square hosted the greatest masters of modern art in the late 19th century.
Period: 18th century
Architecture: Parisian village
Function: public and art square
Best time: early morning
☰ Table of Contents
The ideal stop
Ideal immediately before or after visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
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Recommended parking time 30'
Thirty minutes walking among the easels.
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The local rite
Silently observe the painters at work as they complete a portrait on the canvas.
What to see at Place du Tertre
Discover the creative energy that fills the air as you walk among the easels crowded with paintings.
The Carré des Artistes
Admire the central area reserved for authorized painters.
The Ancient Presbytery
Discover the oldest building in the square at number three.
The historic cafes of the past
Stop in front of the colorful facades of the old bistros.
The license plate of the first car Historical detail
Look for the sign of the passage of the first car in 1898.
Glimpses of the Sacred Heart
Look east to spot the monumental white domes.
The visit to Place du Tertre
Take advantage of these notes to enjoy the artistic magic of the place without stress.
Best moment
Early morning on weekdays.
Crowding
Extremely high throughout the day.
Suitable for children
Yes, to have your portrait done.
What not to miss
The square illuminated during the evening.
Type of experience
Artistic, folkloristic and very lively.
What to expect
Lots of easels, tourists, and historic bistros.
How to visit Place du Tertre
You can reach the square by climbing the Montmartre steps on foot, then moving freely along themetro that surrounds the painters' area.
Need to know
- The space hosts around one hundred and forty artists who work in shifts.
- The municipality issues very strict licenses to exhibit the paintings.
- The area formed the main square of the old rural village.
- The first mayor of Montmartre took office here in 1790.
Practical advice
Always negotiate the price before having a drawing made.
Please keep your personal items safe in the crowd.
Choose the side streets to find less expensive souvenirs.
Avoid cafe tables if you're looking for a cheap meal.
How to get to Place du Tertre
The square is located on the top of Montmartre hill, in the northern sector of the French capital.
Line 12 stops at Abbesses, then continue on foot.
The Montmartrobus makes specific stops right in the adjacent streets.
Take the Funiculaire de Montmartre from Place Saint-Pierre.
Climb the steps of Rue du Mont-Cenis from the north.
Place du Tertre, 75018
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of Place du Tertre
The square arose in the fourteenth century within the grounds of the powerful Montmartre Abbey, serving as a community center for the hill's inhabitants. The term "tertre" refers to the characteristic flat hill on which the street structure was built.
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During the 19th century, the area became a cheap refuge for penniless artists, poets, and writers seeking inspiration away from the center of Paris. Legendary painters such as Picasso, Utrillo, and Van Gogh regularly frequented the tables of the local bistros.
The village retained a strong rural feel until its definitive annexation to the city of Paris in the second half of the 19th century. This urban transformation did not erase the bohemian atmosphere that continued to attract intellectuals from around the world.
Over the course of the twentieth century, the square gradually transformed from an avant-garde refuge to a renowned international tourist destination. The creation of the "Carré" allowed the presence of painters to be regulated, preserving tradition.
Today, the site is one of the city's most visited destinations, combining tourist trade with the historical memory of modern art. The old buildings retain their historic signs intact, offering a unique glimpse into Paris during the Belle Époque.
Curiosities about Place du Tertre
Colorful anecdotes and historical tales make this corner of Montmartre uniquely famous.
- The first car: in 1898 Louis Renault drove his homemade car up the steep slope to the square.
- Original bistro: La Mère Catherine restaurant, founded in 1793, claims the birth of the term “bistro” in 1814.
- Russian gossip: Russian soldiers shouted “bystro” (quickly) to receive food, giving rise to the name of the premises.
- Contested legacy: Space for easels is so sought after that municipal waiting lists last several years.
Activities that include Place du Tertre
Find accommodation near Place du Tertre
Find out where to stay in Montmartrefor an unsurpassed view of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have a portrait taken in the square?
Prices vary greatly, usually starting at forty euros.
Do the artists accept credit cards?
Many have equipped themselves with digital readers, but cash is preferred.
Is the square also open during the winter?
Yes, although the number of artists is reduced in the colder months.
Can you reach the square without climbing stairs?
Yes, the funicular or bus allow you to avoid the steps.
Are the paintings for sale painted on site?
Municipal rules require original and authentic production on site.
Is there a tourist office near the square?
Yes, the Montmartre information office is just a short walk away.
Is it possible to sit in the center without consuming anything?
No, the central area is reserved for artists and restaurant tables.
How far is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart?
The church is located less than two hundred meters to the east.
