Montmartre, the most bohemian district of Paris

Old small village perched on a hill at the north of Paris, Montmartre overlooks the city with its 130 meters height. In this area steeped in culture and history, the artistic atmosphere continues to live and renew itself through iconic locations such as the Rue Lepic and its small bistros, the Place du Tertre and its artists, the Place Émile-Goudeau and its Bateau- Lavoir, but also through its Sacred Heart Basilica (Sacré-Cœur), majestic symbol of the neighborhood and the highest point of Paris, on the steps of which street musicians and budding philosophers are gathering.

Montmartre, a timeless district steeped in history

Narrow streets winding, unexpected places, hidden gardens… Montmartre has retained its eternal village soul and the stories that surround it.

Once dotted with vineyards that produce wine for the “Tout-Paris” and mills serving hot cakes accompanied with glass of milk, Montmartre has loosened up over time: the mills were transformed into cabarets, substituting milk with wine… Today, still remain the most famous ones such as the Lapin Agile (former Cabaret des Assassins), the oldest cabaret in Montmartre, once a ill-reputed tavern before becoming the meeting point of famous artists…

Other names still resonate in Montmartre: The Black Cat, former literary cabaret, the Moulin de la Galette, the Café Guerbois, and the legendary Moulin Rouge, sanctuary of dance made timeless by the paintings of Toulouse Lautrec whose reputation is firmly established.

Montmartre, an eternal village of artists

For over a century, the omnipresence of art gives to Montmartre its bohemian character that evokes the carefree life of the artists who lived there: Edith Piaf, Jean Cocteau, Van Gogh, Degas, Modigliani, Braque and many others were inspired by its squares, cafes and cabarets.

The Impressionists such as Renoir, Monet and Cezanne were regulars of the Café Guerbois (which was also the landmark of writers like Zola); Toulouse-Lautrec used to paint during the night in his studio on Rue Cortot; Utrillo and Modigliani used to meet at the Lapin Agile; Picasso, Van Gogh and Apollinaire created their best works in the studio of Bateau-Lavoir…

By the way, do you know where the name Bateau Lavoir comes from? The guide Fabienne, passionate about art and artist herself, detains the answer to this question and many other anecdotes about the history of Montmartre and its artists…