Montmartre Place du Tertre. Nestled at the heart of Montmartre, the Place du Tertre is one of Paris’s most charming and effervescent squares. It’s where the past and present merge, each cobblestone echoing stories that stretch back to the times when this was the hub of the city’s artistic boom. Just a stone’s throw from the famed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, I’m always captivated by the square’s vibrant atmosphere, where artists set up their easels daily and continue the traditions of the many illustrious painters who have called Montmartre home.
Place du Tertre in Montmartre Paris
Every visit to Place du Tertre offers an enchanting experience, whether it’s my first or hundredth time there. The intimate restaurants and cafés that border the square provide the ideal locale to indulge in delectable French cuisine while embracing the bustling street life. It’s a key fixture for anyone wanting to embrace the true spirit of Parisian life, contributing significantly not just to the local tourism and economy, but also to maintaining the cultural heartbeat of Montmartre.
Key Takeaways
- Place du Tertre is a historic and vibrant square in Montmartre, ideal for experiencing Parisian culture.
- It’s an artistic sanctuary that continues to attract and inspire artists from around the world.
- The square is a magnet for tourism, with its nearby restaurants and scenic architecture enhancing Montmartre’s charm.
Where is located Place du Tertre?

Place du Tertre is located near the Sacred Heart in Montmartre. Google Map Location
What is the history of Place du Tertre over the decades?
Montmartre was first home to the prestigious Benedictine Montmartre Abbey. Founded in 1133 by King Louis VI, the abbey became a focal point for religious and cultural life in the area. The Place du Tertre itself, once the abbey’s heart, remains a testament to this early spiritual significance.
Did you Know? Place du Tertre is nestled 130m above sea level, making it the highest plaza in Paris.
What happened at Place Du Tertre during the French Revolution?
Throughout the French Revolution, Montmartre and the Place du Tertre witnessed significant upheaval. It was here that, in 1794, the revolutionary government dismantled the Benedictine Montmartre Abbey as part of its anti-clerical movement. This period transformed the area from a locus of religious authority to one of revolutionary fervour.
How and why did Place du Tertre Became a cultural hub?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Montmartre was the heart of the bohemian artistic movement in Paris. Artists such as Picasso and Utrillo, among others, were drawn to the area for its lower rent prices and the camaraderie of other artists. This artistic community fostered a unique cultural atmosphere that persists to this day.

The area became known for its lively cabaret culture, including the world-famous Moulin Rouge, contributing to its reputation as a center for artistic and bohemian life. Additionally, the Place du Tertre itself is a vibrant square where artists congregate, creating and selling their art, which adds to the cultural experience of the area.
The Place du Tertre’s history is rich with the presence of artistic giants such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Amedeo Modigliani, Maurice Utrillo, Salvador Dalí, and Toulouse-Lautrec. These artists found inspiration in the bohemian atmosphere of the square, turning it into the iconic hub for art that we cherish today.
Did you know? Montmartre once housed artists like Picasso and Dali
Artists and Painters
Place du Tertre is synonymous with artists and painters who set up their easels outdoors, eager to capture the essence of Montmartre. On any given day, I can spot up to 150 artists, its history steeped in bohème charm, immortalising the Parisian scene on canvas. This historical artists’ hub welcomes painters both seasoned and novice, making it a kaleidoscope of art in motion.
Cafes and Restaurants
What truly accentuates Place du Tertre is its array of cafés and restaurants lining the square. I can indulge in a warm crêpe from a cozy crêperie or savour the classic French dishes at Chez la Mère Catherine, a bistro steeped in history as the first restaurant to open in this square. Whether I am seated indoors or at an outdoor restaurant, the lively chatter of street musicians adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the dining experience.
Montmartre Art Scene

Montmartre’s art scene is vividly painted across every corner of Place du Tertre. I am but a few steps from the iconic Lapin Agile, a beacon of the artistic revolution that swept through Paris. This spot has watched singers and poets perform since the early 20th century. It’s not uncommon to find a tucked-away shop selling unique pottery, or street vendors with an array of keepsakes that echo Montmartre’s bohème past. Truly, this enclave is a ‘cultural hub’, where every day, the Montmartre art scene unfolds like a lived-in tapestry of Parisian life.
How to get to Place du Tertre and what is there to see?
Place du Tertre, situated in the charming Montmartre district of the 18th arrondissement, is a hub of activity that significantly contributes to the local economy through tourism. I find that tourists flock here not just for the history and art, but also for the unique shopping experiences and the bustling local businesses that are quintessential to the Parisian charm.
Tourist Attractions
The Montmartre district, with its cobblestone streets and bohemian atmosphere, is home to Place du Tertre, an iconic square that’s a must-visit for tourists. Here, I’ve observed artists with permits eagerly setting up their easels, ready to capture the essence of the city on canvas. Crowds gather to watch these artists at work, creating a vibrant scene. Nearby, the Sacre-Cœur Basilica offers panoramic views of Paris, including the distant Eiffel Tower, making it a favourite spot for those looking to take memorable photos.
- Key Attractions:
- Artists at work in Place du Tertre
- Stunning views from the Sacre-Cœur Basilica
Traditional French Cafes
I always find the traditional French cafes to be the heartbeat of Place du Tertre, offering staple dishes and a charmingly nostalgic ambience that feels like a warm embrace. At Chez Eugène, for instance, I’m welcomed by the classic bistro fare served in a quintessentially Parisian setting. The outdoor restaurants and cafés here provide the perfect spot to people-watch while sampling a hot crêpe or a robust cup of coffee.
Montmartre Vineyard
Just a stone’s throw away is the lesser-known but equally charming Clos Montmartre vineyard. It’s an unexpected slice of rural charm in the urban landscape. Harvest season is my favourite time to visit, to see the grapevines bursting with fruit, knowing they contribute to a local wine-making tradition that dates back centuries.
Historical Windmills

Montmartre was once dotted with windmills, and today a couple still stand, retaining the historic essence of the area. The most famous one, Le Moulin de la Galette, now private, reminds me of its past life milling flour and reminds me of the lively dances that once took place under its sails. It’s these windmills that help me imagine the bygone days when Montmartre was an idyllic village on the outskirts of Paris.
Exploring these landmarks, I feel connected to the layers of history and the artistic heritage that Place du Tertre holds dear. Whether marvelling at the Basilica’s intricate mosaics, meandering through the Montmartre Vineyard, or pondering the history of the area’s windmills, there’s always a palpable reminder of the past’s presence.
Art in Montmartre
As I wander through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, I can’t help but feel enveloped by the artistic legacy that permeates every corner. From renowned painters who found their muse amongst these charming lanes to the contemporary artists who continue to draw inspiration from this culturally rich enclave, the presence of creativity here is palpable.

Influence of Famous Artists
Montmartre’s allure for artists began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One can’t speak of Montmartre without mentioning the likes of Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, whose time here shaped not only their own revolutionary works but also the course of modern art. Picasso’s studio, Le Bateau-Lavoir, became a melting pot for avant-garde artists and is where he painted the iconic Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Van Gogh, influenced by the vibrant atmosphere, produced over 200 paintings during his time in Paris. The spirit of La Bohême du Tertre thrived amongst these winding streets, leading Montmartre to become synonymous with bohemian lifestyle.
- Amedeo Modigliani lived and worked in Montmartre, his elongated portraits becoming a signature that echoes the unique artistic language developed in this district.
- Maurice Utrillo captured the very essence of Montmartre’s streets in his evocative depictions, often painting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a landmark visible from the Place du Tertre.
- The Musée de Montmartre, located in one of the oldest buildings in the district, ensures the artistic heritage is preserved, displaying works by many artists who lived in Montmartre, including Utrillo and Suzanne Valadon.
Contemporary Art Scene
Fast forward to today, and the Place du Tertre teems with contemporary artists and street artists, their easels dotting the square, as they capture the touristic buzz of modern-day Montmartre. Despite the passage of time, one can still find traces of historic legends through the work of these passionate creatives.
- During a stroll around the Place du Tertre, it’s common to see a vibrant display of paintings and sketches, each artist offering a unique window into their perception of the city.
- A visit to the Dali Museum, also known as Espace Dalí, allows one to explore a sizable collection of Salvador Dalí’s works, showcasing yet another layer of Montmartre’s inexhaustible artistic offerings.
- The bustling art scene even extends to the Metro station Anvers, serving as a gateway for those eager to explore Montmartre’s art, where posters and street performances often serve as an appetiser to the main artistic feast that lies ahead.
In essence, Montmartre remains a haven for artists, with its history and contemporary zest creating a timeless patchwork of artistic expression. Whether through the influences of past painters or the colourful palette of today’s street canvases, art in Montmartre continues to be as much a part of its identity as the Sacré-Cœur itself.
Montmartre in Films and Literature
The artistic aura of Montmartre and its bohemian vibe have long captured the imagination of filmmakers and authors. In cinema, ‘Amélie’, a charming tale of whimsy and romance, vividly brought to life the streets and ambiance of Montmartre, with pivotal scenes shot right in Place du Tertre. It’s impossible to forget ‘La La Land’, which although primarily set in Los Angeles, winks at the French quarter’s historic charm during a Paris sequence. Literature, too, nods to this locale. Hemingway and Fitzgerald documented the allure of Montmartre’s boheme in their writings, encapsulating the joie de vivre of the Parisian art scene of the early 20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cuisine are available at the restaurants around Place du Tertre?
Visitors to Place du Tertre can savour a variety of cuisines ranging from classic French dishes to international fare. The atmosphere of the restaurants here is quintessentially Parisian, perfect for those wanting to experience traditional French crepes or a hearty coq au vin.
When is the best time to visit Place du Tertre for its bustling atmosphere?
Summertime and early autumn are particularly vibrant times to visit Place du Tertre, especially in the late afternoon or evening when the square is abuzz with artists, diners, and street performers.