A Guide to Exploring Montmartre at Night

Paris by night - Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

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

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

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

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 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

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 website for opening hours and more details.

Paris - La Cigale

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

Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre at night by Pedro Szekely – Flickr

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.  

Conclusion

Montmartre by night

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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