Waking up amidst the cobbled streets that inspired the Impressionist painters, in the shadow of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, is a unique experience. However, not all Montmartre hill is the same: depending on the slope and altitude, the atmosphere changes radically.
Why choose this neighborhood
Montmartre (affectionately known as the Butte) retains the spirit of an independent village, detached from the rest of the metro. Choosing to stay here allows you to experience Paris at a slower pace, made up of breakfasts in historic boulangeries, strolls through hidden vineyards, and spectacular panoramic views of the city at sunset.
Find accommodation in Montmartre
Find your accommodation among the hill's narrow streets and the most convenient areas at its foot, without sacrificing the neighborhood's charm.
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Pros and Cons of Staying in Montmartre
Each area of Paris has its own personality and, consequently, its own strengths and small trade-offs. To understand if this neighborhood is truly the ideal base for your stay, here's an honest assessment of its pros and cons:
Strengths
- Unique atmosphere: Montmartre retains the charm of an ancient village, with cobbled streets, small squares and some of the most evocative views of Paris.
- Spectacular views: From the vantage points around the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city.
- Charming places: bistros, historic cafés, and small boulangeries make the neighborhood ideal for experiencing a typically Parisian atmosphere.
- Quiet evenings: After sunset, many areas become quieter than during the middle of the day.
To be considered
- Climbs and steps: The hilly terrain can be challenging, especially with heavy luggage or strollers.
- Very busy during the day: the area around the Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre is often crowded, especially in high season.
- Metro isn't always very close: depending on the hotel, you may have to climb a few hills or walk a short distance to reach the stations.
Do you want to wake up a stone's throw from the I Love You Wall?
It's our favorite choice on the hill: an intimate and meticulously maintained nest, perfect for those who want to breathe in the true Parisian poetry from their first morning coffee to their last evening stroll.
Montmartre Bright & Quiet
Recommended choice JustParis
- Magnificent view
- Entire accommodation
- Private kitchen
The best micro-areas of Montmartre
The real key to a perfect stay on the hill is choosing the micro-zone that best suits your needs. Here's a detailed breakdown of the Butte's areas.
| Recommended micro-zone | Features and Atmosphere | Ideal for (Suitable for) | Metro Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbesses (The Bohemian Heart) See properties → | The liveliest and most fashionable area, full of boutiques, outdoor cafes, and small markets. The famous "I Love You Wall" is also located here. | Those who want to be at the center of neighborhood life and have shops and bistros on their doorstep. | Excellent (Metro Line 12) |
| Lamarck-Caulaincourt (The residential north side) See structures → | Just behind the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where the slopes become gentler and the crowds disappear. Extremely quiet, elegant, and popular with Parisians. | Those seeking absolute tranquility, quiet at night and a chic, non-touristy setting. | Vouchers (Metro Line 12) |
| Pigalle Alta / Blanche (The lower flat area) See structures → | Located at the foot of the hill, near the Moulin Rouge. A dynamic, youthful, and entirely flat area, it saves you from struggling uphill with your suitcases. | Young people and travellers looking for more affordable fares and maximum ease of travel. | Excellent (Metro Line 2 and Line 12) |
Where is the best place to stay in Montmartre? See the map
From the Sacré-Cœur to the streets leading down to Pigalle and Abbesses, discover where the facilities are concentrated and which location is best for your stay.
Who is it recommended for?
No neighborhood in Paris is universal or suitable for every type of trip. Artists' Hill has a strong, intimate, and timeless feel, which fits perfectly with the expectations of some travelers but may be off-putting for others. Here's a detailed overview to help you decide if this area is truly right for you:
It is not recommended for: tourists with reduced mobility, families with heavy or bulky strollers, and those with a lot of luggage, due to the constant changes in level and steps.
Getting from Montmartre to the rest of Paris
Montmartre is built on a hill (the famous butte), which makes the internal traffic unique and fascinating, but also requires a little planning to get around. Getting from here to the center of Paris is also very easy thanks to the various metrothat surround the hill and the characteristic local transport options.
To the south, you'll find Line 2 (Anvers, Pigalle, and Blanche stops), ideal for traveling from east to west and quickly reaching the Arc de Triomphe. To the west and north, you'll find Line 12 (Abbesses, Lamarck - Caulaincourt, and Jules Joffrin stops), which traverses Paris vertically, taking you directly to the Place de la Concorde, the Musée d'Orsay, and Gare Montparnasse.
If you want to reach the Sacré-Cœur Basilica without having to climb the famous 197 steps of the main staircase, the funicular is the perfect solution. It connects the lower part (near Place Saint-Pierre) to the top of the hill in less than a minute and a half. To use it, all you need is a standard metroticket (Ticket t+).
Line 40 (formerly called Montmartrobus) is the only bus authorized to climb the hill's narrow, steep alleys. It's a very convenient option if you're staying at the top and want to get around easily, as it runs a circular route connecting the metrometro Pigalle with the Jules Joffrin, passing through the most scenic spots.
How far are the main attractions from Montmartre?
From the Sacré-Cœur Basilica to the Eiffel Tower, here are the approximate times to reach some of Paris's most famous sights on foot or by public transport.
| Attraction | Walking time | Time on Metro / RER | Recommended line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basilica of the Sacred Heart | 8 min (uphill) | 2 min | Funicular or Bus 40 |
| Louvre Museum | 40 min | 18 min | Line 12 (from Abbesses to Concorde) + Line 1 |
| Pompidou Center | 45 min | 20 min | Line 4 (from Barbès - Rochechouart to Châtelet) |
| Champs-Élysées | 55 min | 15 min | Line 2 (from Anvers to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile) |
| Eiffel Tower | 1 hour and 20 minutes | 30 min | Line 2 (from Anvers) with change at Charles de Gaulle - Étoile (Line 6) |
| Disneyland Paris | - | 1 hour | Line 2 (to Nation) + RER A |
| Palace of Versailles | - | 1 hour and 10 minutes | Line 12 (to Solférino) + RER C (from Musée d'Orsay) |
How much does it cost to sleep in Montmartre?
The table shows the average seasonal costs for a double room depending on the type of accommodation chosen on the hill.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Price per Night | Main features | Recommended area | Search for accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design / Budget Hostels | 85-120 € | Basic accommodations, compact double rooms or dormitories in youthful and modern buildings. | Pigalle / Boulevard de Clichy | See facilities → |
| Charming 3 Star Hotel | 130-210 € | Well-kept structures in Parisian or Art Nouveau style, located in quiet alleys. | Abbesses / Lamarck | See facilities → |
| 4 Star Boutique Hotel | 210-350 € | Elegant rooms with artistic details, superior amenities, and sometimes views of the rooftops or the Sacré-Coeur. | Heart of the Butte | See facilities → |
| Historic / Luxury Homes | Over €350 | Exclusive suites within 19th-century villas with private hidden gardens or panoramic views. | At the top of the hill | See facilities → |
Recommended hotels in Montmartre
The best accommodation options selected for their impeccable central location, which allows you to start your itinerary on foot as soon as you cross the threshold.
La Boheme Montmartre
This residence offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a shower. Some units also have a kitchen with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven.
See availability
Timhotel Montmartre
Located in the Montmartre district of Paris, this Timhotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
See availability
Quiet apartment hill
This apartment features 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and a dishwasher, and 1 bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer, and a washing machine. Towels and bed linen are provided.
See availability
Appart'hôtel Odalys City
All studios feature a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchenette, a dining area, and a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer.
See availabilityFrequently Asked Questions
Is Montmartre a safe neighborhood at night?
Yes, the upper part of the hill (Abbesses, Lamarck, Sacré-Cœur) is extremely quiet, residential, and safe at all hours. The lower area near Pigalle and Boulevard de Clichy is very popular due to its nightclubs; while generally safe, it requires the usual caution associated with busy nightlife areas.
What's the best metro station to avoid the stairs in Montmartre?
The Lamarck-Caulaincourt stop (on the north side) has fewer steps and elevation changes upon exit than the Abbesses stop. Alternatively, we recommend getting off at Anvers (Line 2) and immediately taking the funicular to the top without climbing a single step.
Is it worth staying in Montmartre for a first trip to Paris?
Yes, if you're looking for an atmospheric stay. While not in the city's geographic center, metroLine 12 runs from north to south across Paris, allowing you to reach Place de la Concorde, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Latin Quarter in about 15-20 minutes.
Do the properties in Montmartre have elevators?
Many small, historic hotels housed in period buildings either don't have an elevator or have a very small one. It's essential to check this in the hotel's amenities section before booking, especially if you're traveling with heavy luggage or have mobility issues.
Are there supermarkets and services on the hill?
Yes, the area around Rue des Abbesses and Rue Lepic is full of express supermarkets, pharmacies, greengrocers, and historic dairies, making apartment accommodation very convenient.
What are the quietest streets to look for accommodation?
If you're looking for the quietest nights, head to Rue de l'Abreuvoir, Rue Cortot, or Rue Caulaincourt (in the upper part and behind the Sacré-Cœur). Avoid rooms directly overlooking Boulevard de Clichy or Place Blanche, where bars and clubs stay open late.
Find the right hotel for your stay in Montmartre
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