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A Guide to Exploring Montmartre at Night
Originally published by i and updated by Vanessa M in May 2024.
Paris by night – Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre by Luc Viatour – WikiCommons
I remember the first time I brought my parents to Paris, our first stop was the neighborhood Montmartre. Its a truly magical part of the city, with its cobblestone streets, rolling hills, quaint restaurants and cafés…you really feel like you’ve stumbled into the past. I love history, so I love this feeling!
Montmartre is a really special part of Paris, and while you should definitely take the time to explore during the day, it should be your go-to for an evening out! Keep reading for my round up of the best places to head to!
Where to eat
La Part des Anges was recommended to me by a friend last year, and I’m so glad I listened to their advice! This restaurant is quite small, but that feeling goes along with the cozy atmosphere you’ll find in Montmartre.
The staff is super friendly, and will normally ask you what sort of food you like to eat before taking your order. From there they will tell you what the restaurant has available on the menu that they think you may like. I love this kind of personalized feeling, which can sometimes be hard to find in such a big city like Paris. The place is usually filled with locals, which is always a good sign in Paris!
Basque style tapas – pxhere
They specialize in South-Western French food, otherwise known as the Basque region! Basque cuisine includes grilled meat and fish, stews, sparkling wines and ciders. There is also a strong Spanish influence in Basque style cooking, as Spain is just next door. Talk about the best of both worlds.
Address: 10 Rue Garreau, 75018 Paris
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7pm-2am, Sunday 12pm-11:30pm
Another great choice for a restaurant in Montmartre is called La Boîte aux Lettres. Their menu is small and changes every three weeks, meaning you know that they’re using the freshest ingredients!
The restaurant is located slightly away from the bustling main area of Montmartre, making it a relaxing break from the crowds. The staff speak English and are happy to help, and to explain the menu if you’re having a hard time deciding!
This place is actually perfect for the indecisive amongst you, as they only offer 5 entrees, 5 main dishes, and 5 dessert options. They also have a fantastic wine list!
Theres not a lot of seating, so be sure to make a reservation before so you’re guaranteed a table.
Address: 108 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12pm-2:30pm, 7pm-11pm
Where to drink
Le Chinon, 49 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris by Thomas Sauzedde – WikiCommons
Le Chinon is where my friends and I like to head after a long day to relax, catch up, and share a few drinks. The bar is located on rue des Abbesses, smack in the middle of Montmartre, making their outdoor patio perfect for people watching too. We come here so often that we’ve now made friends with the staff, so trust me when I say – they are super friendly and help in creating a great ambiance.
If you’re feeling a little hungry, try out their cheese and meat plate too!
Good news for all of you students and young professionals that may be a bit short on cash is that they have Happy Hour until 2am! I’d be lying if I told you that didn’t entice me inside the first time I passed Le Chinon…
Address: 49 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris
Opening hours: Open everyday 7am-2am
Where to see a show
Le Moulin Rouge – pxhere
Okay – I know some of you may be shaking your heads thinking that Le Moulin Rouge is way too touristy to be worth it…but it so is! It may be a bit pricey, but myself, and everyone else I know who has been to a show there have really enjoyed themselves.
The spectacle has changed over the years, so be prepared to see more than just the French cancan that I know you’re all expecting! There are acrobats, magicians, and there are also 80 different dancers (men and women!) included in each show.
Not only is the show entertaining, Le Moulin Rouge itself is a sight to see. So much history has taken place there over the years since its opening in 1899, so be prepared to soak it all in.
Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
See the website above for show times and tickets.
Right next door is La Machine du Moulin Rouge for those of you that want to check out something a little less touristy. This venue is definitely for you if you love good electro music and want to dance the night away into the wee hours.
I normally head here when one of my favorite DJs is playing, so check out their website to see if any interest you!
For those of you that are in Paris in the warmer months, La Machine now has a roof top bar as well. Parisians are suckers for roof top bars as a way to breath in some fresh air in the summer, and, well…so am I!
Address: 90 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Opening hours: Friday & Saturday 12am-6am
Where to listen to live music
Jazz music by Jimmy Baikovicius – WikiCommons
If electro music isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of other options for you in Montmartre! Something I love doing on a weekend night is going out to see some live music. I like doing this anywhere around the world, but doing it in Paris is sure to make for a memorable evening.
Paris just happens to be a great place to listen to jazz music! American-style Jazz was brought here by soldiers after WWI, and it really stuck. Long after the World War’s, African Americans soon traveled to Paris to get away from the hard segregation they were experiencing Stateside. The result? Dozens of Jazz clubs popping up, all around the city! This confirmed the French’s love for all things Jazz!
Today, head to Bab Ilo in Montmartre to get your fill of some incredible live music. Every Sunday evening there is a jazz show that is definitely worth checking out! Head to their website to see the full agenda.
Address: 9 Rue du Baigneur, 75018 Paris
See the website for opening hours and more details.
Paris – La Cigale by Xiaolongimnida Blog – Flickr
If Indie and rock music is more your thing, La Cigale is the place for you. This place is so good, that the Inrockuptibles music festival has been taking place here for over 20 years! Big names like MGMT, Muse, Charlotte Gainsbourg and others have played at sold out concerts here – and that was just in 2018!
La Cigale isn’t open every night, so you’ll definitely want to take a look at their site to see who is playing and if there are still tickets. Move fast, as this place tends to sell out quickly!
Address: 120 boulevard de Rochechouart 75018 Paris
See website above for show times and tickets.
Where to stroll
After all of that eating, drinking, and music listening, you’ll need a walk! It’s up to you on whether you’d like to start your evening with a wander through the streets, or end with it. Either way…Montmartre never disappoints!
Sacre Coeur and an amazing view of Paris await you at the top of the hill that makes up Montmartre. Remember when I told you I brought my parents here when they came over for a visit? Well, they were so moved by the beauty that they actually teared up when they saw the view the city in front of them…and they were happy tears, for sure!
On your way to the Sacre Coeur, make a pit stop at the Place du Tertre. You’ll see cafés, restaurants, and artists congregated in the square. You can get your caricature drawn, or you can just wander through and appreciate the artists at work!
Place des Abbesses should be your next stop. Not only is the walk down from the top of Montmartre filled with quaint streets, restaurants, and cafés, you’ll really feel like you’re walking through Paris as it was years and years ago. The entrance to the Abbesses metro is one of the most beautiful in Paris, decorated in the art nouveau style.
Where to learn some history
Cmcmcm1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Montmartre has some lovely museums to visit during your trip. The Musée de Montmartre is an excellent small museum. Housed in a building, one of which served as Auguste Renoir’s home while he painted in Montmartre. Excellent exhibitions and a quaint and peaceful setting to visit. I highly recommend it.
For fans of Salvador Dalí, a visit to his museum near Place du Tertre is an excellent option. It houses over 300 original works by the great surrealist painter who called Montmartre home in the late 1920s. Really interesting rolling exhibits, and a pleasant stop for sure.
Montmartre’s streets also house numerous smaller galleries and museums. Montmartre definitely rewards some aimless wandering to find them! Worth visiting Saint Pierre de Montmartre, one of the city’s oldest churches, now overshadowed by the basilica next door. It is a tranquil haven in a bustling neighborhood.
Where to get city views
Elena.laps, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve ever wondered about this neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, you’ve undoubtedly felt the allure of its art studios, historic cabarets, and, of course, the breathtaking Sacré-Coeur basilica. But, let’s be honest: many people come to see the iconic Montmartre view. Whether you’re a romantic, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys a good view, Montmartre never disappoints.
The dome in the Sacre Couer is Paris’ second highest point, so you can enjoy great views from inside. Even though I was unable to enter, I enjoyed the views from in front of the basilica. From this vantage point, I was able to see a sea of Haussmannian buildings, famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine River winding its way through the city.
As the day fades into night and Paris lights up, the Montmartre view transforms into a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights that you don’t want to miss out on. Pure magic!
Where to watch a French film
LPLT, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Good news for fans of French cinema! The Cinema Studio 28 provides a one-of-a-kind experience for non-French speakers: the opportunity to watch a French film with English subtitles in a typical Parisian art house cinema.
This small theater in Montmartre is well worth a visit if you enjoy arthouse films. It specializes in “foreign” films and is best known for its lamps, designed by Jean Cocteau (director of Beauty and the Beast— 1946).
These lamps were previously located in the lobby, but are now inside the theater. The cinema is situated on a small street on the way to Sacre Coeur (Montmartre Hills), which makes it unique from the start.
The friendly staff, climate bar, and atmosphere of the old-style cinema all contribute to a truly unique experience. I recommend seeing a French movie with English subtitles – a great opportunity to feel French for a while as a foreigner.
Address: 10 Rue Tholozé, 75018 Paris, France
See the website above for show times and tickets.
Where to shop
Carl Campbell from Querétaro, Mexico, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There are numerous options for taking a break from shopping near Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur. Fans of jewelry and accessories will find plenty to enjoy at designer Emmanuelle Zysman on Corpus Christi and La Petite Maroquinerie on rue Houdon.
A little further away, Tienda Esquipulas transports visitors to South America with masks, voto offerings, and waxed canvases in vibrant colors. For unique gifts, visit Gift Code, rue Dancourt, which sells fantasy objects, stationery, and jewelry.
There are many ready-to-wear stores, including Ba&sh, Kookaï, Sandro, and Karl Marc John on rue des Abbesses, as well as Maje and Les Petites on rue des Martyrs. Montmartre also has art and craft venues, such as the concept store Spree, which combines clothing, design furniture, and an art gallery on rue La Vieuville.
This main shopping street is a must-see for its vintage boutiques, cafés, and delightful delicatessen shops. Lulu et Brindille offers soft toys and decorative objects for children aged 0 to 3. For chocolate lovers, the Maison Georges Larnicol has opened a small Chocolate Museum on rue Steinkerque. Among its unique chocolate creations is a massive Eiffel Tower!
Where to see hidden gems
Montmartre’s backstreets contain some of the city’s most beautiful streets. If you start your walk at Van Gogh’s house on Rue Lepic and follow the winding road up, you’ll find some great spots. The windmills of the Moulin de la Galette are where Renoir painted one of his most famous paintings, which is now on display at the Musée d’Orsay.
Keep going until you reach the Place Dalida, named after one of the most famous French singers, disco queen Dalida. Her bust is facing one of the most beautiful spots in the city, the Rue de l’Abreuvoir. At the top is La Maison Rose, a nice cafe and restaurant in a beautiful setting.
Just around the corner is the Montmartre Vineyard, which has been producing wine on the hill since 1933, with proceeds going to a charity dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s artistic legacy. By the way, one of the best views of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica comes from Parc Marcel-Bleustein-Blanchet, which is located just behind the church. Go take a look, and don’t say I never did you any favors!
For the best experience, I recommend focusing on the best sunrise or sunset.
Conclusion
Montmartre by night by Joachim Huber – Flickr
While a day time trip to Montmartre should definitely be on your lists, why not head there in the late afternoon and stay for the evening? With so many places to go, restaurants to eat in, music to listen to, and drinks to be had it’s a no brainer!
If you’re still wondering what to see in Montmartre, join one of our walking tours and let one of our fabulous guides show you around!
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