Montmartre, Paris - 10 Hidden & Unhidden Sights Not To Miss
- Helen
- Nov 20, 2018
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 16, 2019
When you are in Paris, the Montmartre district is an essential part of the city to visit. A hilltop neighbourhood with highlights that incorporate cabaret, connections with famous artists, a vineyard and one of the world's most iconic Basilica.
The Montmartre region of Paris was a separate village in the 19th and early 20th centuries and today still retains a village feel despite now being consumed into the metropolis.
Take some time to soak in the history, culture, fun and beauty of the Montmartre district of Paris and let me enlighten you with details of hidden and unhidden sights of Montmartre not to miss!
10 Hidden & Unhidden Sights to See In Paris's Montmarte District
Moulin Rouge
82 Boulevard de Clichy, Paris
As the birthplace of the can-can dance, no trip to the Montmartre district of Paris would be complete without a visit to the Moulin Rouge.
The best time to visit this historic entertainment venue is at dusk or nightfall when the building and it's iconic windmill are lit up and a spectacle to behold.
Founded in 1889, the Moulin Rouge prospered as it offered clients champagne filled parties and attracted audiences who wanted to just have fun!
Sadly, the original building was destroyed by fire in 1915 and the Moulin Rouge we find today was built subsequently.
During World War 2 the Moulin Rouge became a dance club and fell into some decline. It was only after renovation in the 1950s that the cabaret at the Moulin was re-born.
Today the Moulin Rouge thrives, welcoming 600,000 visitors a year.
Villa des Platanes
58-60 Boulevard de Clichy, Paris
Located along the same busy road as the Moulin Rouge and within the historical red light district of the city, lies the Villa des Platanes.
Hidden behind large wrought iron gates, many walk past the entrance to this address without realising the astounding courtyard and building behind.
Built in 1896, this impressive mansion is situated within a stunning courtyard.
The address was once home to Marie Duplessis, the mistress of the famous French writer, Alexander Dumas.
Today the property is owned privately so gaining access is not possible (unless you happen to know the residents!). Despite this, while you are exploring the neighbourhood, it is worth stopping to peer through the gates and wow at the mansion's facade that is otherwise hidden behind.
Cafe des Deux Moulins
Situated on the corner of Rue Lepic and Rue Cauchois, Paris
The Cafe des Deux Moulins, translates as the Cafe of Two Windmills and is named after the two local mills - Moulin Rouge and Moulin de la Galette. The building here has been a tavern since 1810.
This typically authentic Parisian bar and cafe is notable as it was made famous from the film, Amelie, in 2001. The cafe was used in large parts of the film as Amelie's place of work as a waitress.
Today, much of the inside and facade of the Cafe are recognisable from the film and worth visiting for some authentic French ambience!
Maison de Van Gogh
54 Rue Lepic, Paris
While you are in Montmartre and particularly if you are a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, pay attention to 54 Rue Lepic.
Van Gogh lived at this address in a 4th floor apartment with his brother for two years. The apartment looked out over the city of Paris, and offered a view Van Gogh painted more than once.
It is said, however, that he preferred spending time on the streets of Montmartre and finding his inspiration amongst the people and sights at street level.
A plaque at the entrance now identifies this historic building.
Le Moulin de la Galette
83 Rue Lepic, Paris
Famous for being painted by Renoir as well as Van Gogh, Pissarro and Picasso among others. Le Moulin de la Galette is one of two remaining windmills in Montmartre.
A mill has stood in this spot since 1622. In 1809 the mill was used to produce flour but in 1870 it was transformed to become an outdoor dance hall. Today there is a poplar restaurant housed beneath la Galette.
For the best view of the Moulin de la Galette you will need to climb further up Rue Lepic and look back down to it.
Villa Leandre
Situated off Avenue Junot, Paris
This small residential street tucked away in the heart of Montmartre was included in my post about quirky, fun and pretty Instagram spots in Paris.
Villa Leandre is a beautiful road that was built on the site of a former mill in 1926 and is now lined with stunning houses. Each of these homes today are valued in their millions.
Take some time to wander away from the crowds for a few moments down this quiet street and enjoy the pretty painted and brick facades.
La Maison Rose
Situated on the corner of Rue des Saules & Abreuvoir, Paris
Found on a corner between two quiet streets in Montmartre is one of the more modest yet well photographed buildings of the district, famed for its pretty charm and place in history.
As with Villa Leandre (above), this pretty sight is also included in my post on Paris' Instagram spots (check this post out for more information and images!).
La Maison Rose was owned in 1905 by former model of Picasso, Laure Gargallo. Laure painted her house pink at this time after being inspired by the painted houses she saw on a trip to Catalonia.
Laure ran La Maison Rose as a boarding house and restaurant and it became a regular haunt of artists including Picasso and Maurice Utrillo who famously immortalised the building in his now well known painting.
Today, the building has been preserved opens as a bistro and cafe. Stop and enjoy refreshments, sitting outside if the weather allows!
Rue de la Bonne
This unassuming road in Montmartre is included here as it offers one of the best views of the Sacre Coeur, yet without the same volume of tourists as other view points.
Rue de la Bonne is so named due to the past presence of a fountain on the street which was called the, "Good Fountain". The fountain no longer exists but the street name, "of the good", lives on!
As would be expected of a street offering fabulous views, Rue de la Bonne is on a hill and part of the climb is by way of stairs.
Vignes du Clos (Vineyard)
Situated on Rue des Saules, Paris
Unexpectedly in this central and built up location in the Montmartre district lies a small vineyard.
Dating from the 1930s and located on a steep slope, the Vignes du Clos was introduced by the city to protect the land from property developers.
This significant sight is unassuming and often missed by those on the tourist trail.
Every October there is a 5 day grape harvest of the vines, from which 1,000 to 1,500 bottles of wine are produced. These bottles are sold at auction and the proceeds go to charity.
Sacre Coeur Basilica - Roman Catholic Church
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris
Last but far from least on this list of sights to see in the Montmartre district is perhaps the least hidden sight of any!
The Sacre Coeur Basilica is a world famous Roman Catholic church and one of the most breath-taking iconic sites in Paris.
Originally designed by Paul Abadie, building of the Sacre Coeur started in 1875. Six other architects succeeded Abadie to complete the building, which was finally consecrated in 1919.
To visit the Sacre Coeur takes a steep climb up the steps leading to the front or by the winding roads behind but the view is worth it!
The top of the Sacre Coeur offers the second highest point in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower. The Basilica here is also the second most visited church in the city after Notre Dame (two fun facts!!).
I am sure that no tourist to Paris will miss visiting this world famous landmark!
So, this completes the 10 hidden & unhidden essential sights to see in Montmartre, Paris. This district of the city was a favourite of mine and finding some of it's hidden as well as better known sights made for a very enjoyable day.
What have I missed from this list?
Any comments, thoughts or suggestions are always welcome!
**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**
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