Walking through a sloping Montmartre street

The signature walk

One day, three Montmartres.

A route of roughly 4 km links the village-like northern slope, the historic summit and the stages of Pigalle. Start before 9 am for soft light, quieter streets and a day that leaves genuine time for visits.

View across Paris rooftops from the heights of Montmartre at sunset — Take in the view, then let the pace of the hill guide the rest of the walk.

Step by step

From the north slope to Pigalle.

Bring comfortable shoes, water and spare time: cobbles, steps and slopes are part of the landscape. The times are guides, not a race. Shorten a stage if you would rather stay longer in a museum, over lunch or simply on a bench.

08:00

The hill wakes up

Leave the metro at Lamarck–Caulaincourt and make your way gently to rue de l’Abreuvoir, place Dalida and rue des Saules. At this hour the northern slope still feels like a neighbourhood: shops are opening, residents are heading to work and tour groups have yet to fill the cobbles. Detour along rue Saint-Vincent to see Clos Montmartre, then climb gradually towards the summit.

10:00

Artists & gardens

Give the Musée de Montmartre and Renoir Gardens a proper visit rather than stopping only for a photograph. The collections explain the studios, cabarets and artists that shaped the hill’s reputation. Continue to place du Tertre via rue Cortot; watch the portrait artists at work, but save time for Saint-Pierre church and nearby lanes. Book paid visits ahead at weekends and during holidays.

12:30

The village at lunch

Descend towards Abbesses by rue Lepic or quieter lanes around place du Tertre. Before choosing lunch, read the menu and prices, and consider a table one or two streets away from the busiest routes. Rues des Abbesses, Joseph-de-Maistre and Caulaincourt offer very different moods, from traditional bistros to everyday neighbourhood cafés. A longer pause also helps you recover a less hurried rhythm.

16:00

Pigalle takes the stage

Continue towards Halle Saint-Pierre, then follow the slope down to rue des Martyrs and boulevard de Rochechouart. The scenery changes as studios and low houses give way to theatres, concert halls, cinemas and historic cabaret signs. Depending on your energy, finish with a film at Studio 28, a show, a concert or a simple drink around Abbesses. Check schedules and book popular evening performances.

Shape your day

Two simple alternatives.

A successful walk does not depend on the number of sights ticked off. Choose the version that suits your energy, the weather and the people with you.

2 H

Morning essentials

From Lamarck–Caulaincourt, reach rue de l’Abreuvoir, place Dalida, Clos Montmartre and rue Cortot before place du Tertre and Sacré-Cœur. This route covers major landmarks without the climb from Anvers. It is still full: if entering a museum or church, allow closer to three hours and be ready to drop a stop.

1 SOIR

The hill after dark

Start at Abbesses in late afternoon, climb part of rue Lepic, then choose dinner in the district. Continue with an intimate cabaret, play, cinema screening or concert around Pigalle and Rochechouart. Book the performance first and build the evening around its time. Afterwards, use well-lit routes and check the last metro.