Top 10 photo spots in Montmartre

Top 10 photo spots in Montmartre

While no photograph will ever capture the true beauty and soul that a visit to Montmartre can, we can do our best to capture one that’s pretty close.

Local photographers in Paris estimate that there are around 150 highly suitable spots in Montmartre from which to capture imagery; these take light and accessibility into account.

Being such a small, walkable district, this somewhat ensures that even as a novice photographer you’ll be able to snap the perfect picture on every corner — the neighborhood is simply laid out this way.

Most of the spots I am about to list are all within walking distance from one another. If you really wanted to, you could even use each of them as a map around the neighborhood for a full day of exploring.

Montmartre can probably be concluded as the most photogenic part of Paris. Here’s where you can go to make use of these photo opportunities.

1. The Tomb of Dalida in Montmartre Cemetery in Montmartre

Despite being born in Cairo to Italian parents, Dalida went on to be one of the most memorable French singers of all time. Her legacy lives on around the world but is more prominent in Paris — Dalida is buried right here in the cemetery of Montmartre.

The Montmartre Cemetery is the third largest in all of Paris. It is one of four major garden cemeteries located at each of the cardinal points of the city. Garden cemeteries are designed to be more aesthetically pleasing; filled with tress and floral life that give the burial site a less grey appearance.

Tomb of Dalida – by Yamen – Wikimedia Commons

In general the Montmartre Cemetery is a beautiful place for a curated Montmartre photo; Dalida’s tomb just happens to be exceptionally exquisite and a good place to start. The tomb features a life size, angelic statue of the singer that seems to proudly greet all visitors to the burial.

Dalida lost her life in Paris in 1987 to suicide. Her tomb is situated in the southeast-most corner of Montmartre Cemetery.

2. Le Consulat in Montmartre

18 Rue Norvins

Most free guided walking tours will pass by this historic spot en route to the Sacre Couer situated a short distance away.

Le Consulat is one of the oldest cafes in Montmartre still in operation. The cafe is known for its stand-alone appearance, having been built between two narrow streets so that nothing could be constructed around it.

Le Consulat was once a frequented hangout for artists like Picasso, Renoir and Monet who spent a lot of their time roaming through Montmartre in search of inspiration (or just to kill time).

The exterior is somewhat of a timewarp; it still seems to hold a distinct retro vibe, one that would have existed when it was first built into the neighborhood.

Le Consulat – by Ed Webster – Wikimedia Commons

This is one of the most photographic spots in Montmartre, however getting a good photo here is tricky as it relies heavily on the time of day. You simply can’t show up at le Consulat in the middle of the afternoon and expect to get a good, solo photo; the spot is simply too popular and will be overcrowded by this time.

To enjoy the best scene and light outside of this cafe, arrive midmorning on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. If you are only able to visit later in the week, then early morning would be best.

This will give you the best photo opportunity outside the building without hoards of strangers adding chaos to your image.

3. Renoir’s Swing in Montmartre

12 Rue Cortot

The Swing is one of the most famous pieces of art produced by painter Renoir during his time living in Montmartre. The painting was made by him while he was a resident living and working on the grounds that are now used for the Montmartre Museum.

The Montmartre Museum is located near the summit of Montmartre hill. Before its transformation into a museum, the property was used as artist’s studios and housing that could be rented by any interested individuals on a monthly basis; Renoir was one of these residents.

Renoir’s swing – by Shadowgate – Wikimedia Commons

The gardens in the Montmartre Museum are thus aptly known as the Renoir Gardens, as an ode to his time spent in this vicinity and neighborhood. Renoir is remembered as having spent vast amounts of time in the gardens either creating works or seeking inspiration.

The Swing is a depiction of said gardens. It was painted on the museum grounds and the artist made the decision to paint a suspended wooden swing from one of the trees; on top, he paints a girl standing while enjoying the swing.

The Montmartre Museum had a replica of the swing painted by Renoir built and suspended from the exact tree he is assumed to have painted. Visitors to the museum or the gardens can now recreate the image of the girl on the swing themselves.

Museum entrance: €9.50

4. Hôtel Particulier Montmartre in Montmartre

23 Avenue Junot

When celebrities come to Paris but want to keep a low profile, they stay at the Hotel Particulier in Montmartre.

Lucky for you, you won’t need to book a room at this luxury hotel just to take advantage of all of the photo opportunities inside. The hotel has many facilities that are open to the public so long as you are dining in the restaurant or enjoying a drink in the bar.

The hotel is the old townhouse of the Hermès family. It is tucked away in a quiet suburban street in Montmartre; I say tucked away literally, as the hotel is barely visible through all the lush greenery that surrounds it.

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre – by Hôtel Particulier Montmartre – Uploaded by them

The outdoor area in the back end of the hotel is, in my opinion, the best photo spot on the grounds. Perch at one of the iron tables and pose away; this enchanted garden will have all of your Instagram followers in curious envy.

The hotel bar is called Très Particulier, and is the best indoor spot for photographs at the hotel. It’s a one way ticket straight back to 1920s Montmartre with a list of cocktails, whiskeys and wines to match.

5. Le Moulin Radet in Montmartre

5 Hameau des artistes

Montmartre is the only place in Paris you can go that has original Parisian windmills still standing.

There is much debate around how many windmills there actually are still left in this area. Some people only consider the duo known as Le Moulin de la Galette as the only official two left. Others are happy to include the windmill atop the Moulin Rouge, and the windmill built onto a burial site in Montmartre Cemetery as existing windmills in the district — taking the official count to four.

Le Moulin Radet – by David McSpadden – Wikimedia Commons

Le Moulin Radet is one of the two that make up the Le Moulin de la Galette duo. Out of the two, this one is most accessible to public viewing as it’s brother is today situated on private property and can only be observed from afar.

The Moulin Radet offers and whimsical view of time gone by; a glimpse at what street life in Montmartre was during the 18 and 1900s.

Lush greenery grows around the windmill, setting the perfect scene for your photo opportunity. Afterward, head into the cafe that is built underneath le Moulin Radet — this is the only of the Montmartre windmills that you can still physically go inside of.

6. La Maison Rose in Montmartre

2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir

A short walk east from le Moulin Radet will bring you down a quaint little ivy-covered Montmartre street, where at the bottom corner sits la Maison Rose (Read more about our walking tours in Montmartre).

If you’ve ever researched Paris before it is likely you’ve seen images of this building come up quite frequently. This is one of the most photographed spots on Montmartre largely due to the buildings unique exterior.

The entirety of la Maison Rose is a beautiful bright pink. The green shutters match the trees and vines that grow around the building, and inside a wonderful cafe serves the public everyday except Tuesday and Wednesdays.

La Maison Rose – by Moonik – Wikimedia Commons

La Maison Rose has been a part of Montmartre since the neighborhood first started to become an artist’s hub. The same artists who enjoyed hanging out at le Consulat made time to sit at la Maison Rose as well; Picasso being one of the most frequent customers.

Like le Consulat, there is a right and a wrong time to be taking photos outside this venue. The cafe only opens at 11am everyday, so getting here around 9am would be a safe bet to getting the least crowded shot possible. Once the people start rolling in it is usually non stop until closing at 11:30pm.

7. Musée Jacquemart-André in Montmartre

158 Boulevard Haussmann

The Jacquemart-André Museum is where you’ll go to recreate an elaborate photographic scene from the 19th contrary.

The museum is the old home of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, who spent their lives traveling the world collecting opulent objects and furniture to fill their Paris home. After they passed, the house was turned into a museum (as they wished) and is now one of the most exquisite private museum spaces in Montmartre.

Jacquemart-André Museum – by International Fertilizer Industry Association – Wikimedia Commons

Between the music room, living quarters and winter garden, you won’t know where to start. Visitors to the museum are allowed to take photographs throughout the space.

The Jacquemart-André Museum is Montmartre’s (much smaller) palace of Versailles. It is as close to living like royalty that a regular, local couple could attain during the 1900s in Paris.

Much of the interior is distinctly French, however there is a strong influence of Italian Renaissance in addition to the Moroccan and Egyptian flairs seen every so often.

Small, private museums in Montmartre like this one are usually never crowded so any time of day is suitable. The museum is open seven days a week between 10am and 6pm.

Museum entrance: €12

8. Café des Deux Moulins in Montmartre

15 Rue Lepic

If you have ever seen the hit French film Amelie then this next spot should automatically be number one on your photography list.

The Cafe des Deux Moulins is where the movie was filmed; the main character Amelie worked in this cafe for the duration of the plot.

Café des Deux Moulins – by Café des Deux Moulins – Uploaded by them

The cafe retains immense pride in their involvement to this day. Inside the space you’ll find much Amelie memorabilia and even some dishes on the menu named after her.

This aside, the cafe is a beautiful spot for photographs in Montmartre regardless of its cinematic fame. The electric red and gold interior resembles a retro Parisian diner. Both the inside and the outside of the cafe are equally as photogenic — the diner is also open until 1:30am so late night food runs work well here!

9. The I Love You Wall in Montmartre

Square Jehan Rictus

Right by the Abbesses metro stop shortly up the Montmartre hill is a spot that is growing day by day in popularity.

The I Love You Wall in Montmartre is an art installation project that features the words “I love you” in over 250 different languages from around the world. The project is one that seeks to unify and include people from all walks of life in one joint message of love and acceptance.

I Love You Wall in Montmartre – by Paris 16 – Wikimedia Commons

The tiles used to construct the wall are made from lava to ensure that the attraction does not flounder or fade under the tumultuous Parisian weather patterns. Taking a photo in front of this beautiful display of love isn’t an opportunity you’ll get everyday; take advantage of your time in Montmartre and snap while you can!

10. The Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre

A list of photo spots in Montmartre simply wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of this world famous landmark.

The Sacre Coeur church sits at the summit of the Montmartre hill like a crown on the head of a queen. It is exquisite, and it brings in millions of visitors from around the world each year.

Sacre Coeur Basilica – by Dennis Jarvis – Wikimedia Commons

The steps of the Sacre Coeur are said to be the best photo spot from which to shoot from as you’ll be able to include all of the church in the frame. However, even the inside and from atop the dome tower are impressive photographic points worth considering.