If you’ve been to Paris before, you might not want to see the Eiffel Tower every time you return. On this visit to Paris, I chose to stay in Montmartre. In just two days, I got a taste of the town. And I loved it! Now I have my favorite 5 to-do’s in Montmartre.
I confess I’ve been to Montmartre before. A night at the Moulin Rouge was high on the “must-do” list when I was a twenty-something in Paris for the first time with college friends. In the 60s, it was pretty raunchy. I stood in the line and walked through the Sacré Coeur Cathedral many years later.
So what do you do in Montmartre if you’ve been to the Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur? Plenty!
5 To Do’s in Montmartre
#1 Cooking Class
Cook’n with Class Paris
Go to a cooking class at Cook’n with Class Paris. If it’s a Sunday, all the better. The Sunday Market Class includes shopping at the city market. Then, you return to the school to prepare a sumptuous meal with all the fresh ingredients. Read all about the fun experience
#2 Enjoy the Scenery
Even on a cloudy day, Montmartre is charming. Check out the patisseries and cafes along the way.
Who knows who you’ll run into? My good buddy and playwright, Silver Wainhouse! She lives near me in Uzès and was in town for the day.
#3 Eat the food
Take your time to find just the right spot to have lunch or a snack. I mean, is there anything quite as good as French Onion Soup — in France? Pair that with your favorite wine; you’re just about in heaven.
One day, wandering around near Pigalle, what should appear? Le Chat Noir. Right out of a Toulouse Lautrec poster.
Le Chat Noir
I expected Picasso or Toulouse to walk in at any moment. Surely they would enjoy the cafe’s Paysanne salad — filled with duck magret and gizzards. I did!
#4 Climb the hill to Sacrè Couer
Go ahead. Even if you’ve been to the Sacrè Couer, do it again. The views are spectacular. It’s quite a hike to the top, but a lift and a miniature train can take you up. If you’re around on a weekend, plan to have a coffee and croissant while sitting at a cafe near where the artists hang out. You might even snag a painting at a reasonable price. It’s what memories are made of.
Imagine yourself here…
Musée de Montmartre
#5 Visit Musée de Montmartre
If you want to take a trip through Montmartre’s past — to actually see where artists, writers, and sculptors such as Renoir, Émile Bernard, Suzanne Valadon, Pierre Reverdy, and Demetrius Galanis actually lived and worked, visit the Musée de Montmartre. It’s tucked away on a side street at the top of Montmartre, and it’s worth the stop.
Would I stay in Montmartre again? Absolutely!
I don’t always “plug” a place I stay when traveling, but I must give Le Grey Hotel a big shout-out. The boutique hotel is convenient for everything I wanted to see and do during my short stay. The staff is amiable and helpful. The breakfast is fresh, tasty, and served late into the morning. And there is a bar and sitting room that’s cozy and inviting.
Next stop: Living Like A Royal!
Categories: Around France, Blog, Cook'n With Class, Loving Art, Loving Food, Loving History, Paris
Beautifully done! I want to get on a plane now even though I’ve been there before.
Elaine Agran
Just do it! Paula and Rich say “hi”. Thanks for following, Elaine.
LOVE your post and photos and suggestions – thank you for posting this! I was in this area a few times with my daughters and a dear friend just a couple weeks ago – once to see Sacre Coeur again and a couple times to meet for dinner, one of which was on a cool, rainy afternoon/evening. I’ve not seen Montmartre more beautiful or inviting than on that evening – we found a sidewalk cafe to have coffee afterward just to enjoy it a bit longer. ❤️
It may seem strange to want to spend time away from all the spots to visit in Paris, but Montmartre definitely has a special appeal. Like Sunday mornings watching artists…with a coffee and croissant. So happy you enjoyed revisiting with me.
You had me at Magret and Gizzards!
In a good way, I hope! 🇫🇷
Oh, this is such a lively, lovely, historic corner of Paris! I’ve always been struck by the authentic personality of this petit coin artistique! In the past I’ve stayed at a charming Timhotel in Montmartre, but the Grey Hotel looks very appealing and the prices are very attractive, too! Thanks for posting your “slice of life” photos, Deb…the french onion soup photo, in particular, is mouth watering!
I was really surprised how easy it is to get from Montmartre to anyplace in Paris. Especially with the proximity of the hotel to the Metro.. I’m ready to go back!