Beyond Sacré-Cœur: Montmartre’s Must-See Spots

Uncover the charm of Paris, explore its vibrant art history, and wander through hidden corners just moments from Sacré-Cœur.

Sacré-Cœur

Let’s be honest—Sacré-Cœur is a Paris essential. The shining white domes, panoramic city views, and lively plaza set Montmartre apart as one of the city’s most characterful corners. But don’t just snap a photo and leave! Stick around and let the quirky energy of Montmartre pull you into a world of cobbled lanes, buzzing cafés, eccentric museums, and pockets of pure Parisian magic. This is the Paris the artists fell in love with—are you ready to make it yours? We’ve got just the list for you. 

Our favorite things to do around Sacré-Cœur include: 

  • Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Walking Tour 
  • Place du Tertre 
  • La Maison Rose 
  • Musée d'Orsay 
  • Les Caves du Louvre 
  • Le Refuge des Fondus 
  • Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 
  • Le Mur des Je t’aime (The Wall of Love) 

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Walking Tour by Experience First 

The best way to kick off your Montmartre adventure? Let a local lead the way! The Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Walking Tour is a lively walking tour that helps you peel back the layers of the neighborhood, pointing out both its most celebrated landmarks and its secret corners. Guides mix juicy history—think wild cabarets, lost artists, and the hill’s unusual religious past—with local gossip, fun stories, and personal tips. 

The tour covers everything from the pretty pastel homes and windmills to the vineyards hiding on the hillsides. You’ll stop at iconic spots like Moulin Rouge, pass Picasso’s old studio, and wind up at the foot of Sacré-Cœur, ready for that breathtaking city view. The guides bring a fresh, funny energy to history, making it feel like you’re exploring with a friend who knows all the best photo ops (and, crucially, the fastest way to escape the crowds). Perfect for first-timers and regulars alike, you’ll leave with a head full of inspiration and a phone full of snapshots. 

Place du Tertre 

Right in the heart of Montmartre, Place du Tertre is Paris’ most famous open-air art market. Easels cluster cheek by jowl under striped awnings as artists sketch, paint, and proudly invite you to sit for a portrait. The air brims with chatty back-and-forth (be ready: you will be complimented on your smile), and the string of surrounding cafés offers prime spots for people-watching with a coffee or glass of rosé. 

There’s a festive, spontaneous feel to Place du Tertre—laughter ripples across the square, while accordions strike up out of nowhere. Even if sketching’s not your thing, the sheer variety of art, from classic landscapes to wild modern abstracts, means you’ll find something you love. Midnight or morning, this cobbled corner is always alive. 

La Maison Rose 

When you picture Montmartre’s postcard hues, odds are you’re thinking of La Maison Rose. With its candy-pink walls and sage-green shutters, it’s Instagram-famous for a reason! This beloved café—supposedly a haunt of Picasso—sits prettily at a bend in the road, just a short stroll from the basilica. 

Inside, vintage mirrors, bistro tables, and warm-hearted staff await. On the menu you’ll find French classics with a modern twist: think rich duck confit, plump gnocchi, and, if you visit at brunch, perhaps the fluffiest pancakes in Paris. The terrace is an essential spot for your Montmartre photo shoot (and a glass of something sparkling). Between the setting, the food, and the unbeatable neighborhood vibes, La Maison Rose is a dreamy place to linger over lunch—or just a slice of pistachio cake. 

Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay Clock

Not technically in Montmartre but an easy, memorable trip away, Musée d'Orsay is a must for anyone who loves the Impressionists—that iconic burst of color that redefined art. This former train station on the Seine now hosts the world’s best collection of Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, and dozens more. 

We love the contrast: see the spots in Montmartre where these artists walked, lunched, and painted, then catch their masterpieces at d’Orsay for the full circle. The museum’s grand architecture, stylish café, and those clock-face windows with their own Paris views, make it a destination in its own right. Plus, those varied, dynamic galleries beckon you to linger as long as your legs allow. Whether you’re an art history geek or just want to see what all the fuss is about, Musée d’Orsay never fails to deliver. 

Les Caves du Louvre 

A short Metro ride away (and totally worth it for wine fans), Les Caves du Louvre is an experience that wraps Parisian wine culture around you like a cozy cashmere scarf. Nestled beneath the streets in a series of 18th-century cellars, this spot offers interactive tours where you learn how to taste wine, blend your own (yes, really!), and even try food pairings. 

The staff make even the greenest newbies feel welcome, and their passion for French wines is contagious. Aromatic quizzes, tastings led by sommeliers, and the chance to sniff, slosh, and sip your way through France’s wine regions make this as fun as it is educational. A bonus? You can bring home the bottle you blend yourself, the ultimate Paris souvenir. 

Le Refuge des Fondus 

Ready for a deliciously quirky dining experience? Le Refuge des Fondus is a Montmartre legend. This fun-loving, lively spot serves up hearty pots of cheesy or meaty fondue in a tightly packed, graffiti-filled dining room where strangers soon become friends. What sets it apart? Wine is served in baby bottles (yes, you read that right), a playful workaround to avoid glassware mishaps in the energetic bustle. 

The experience is pure joie de vivre. Everyone rolls up their sleeves, dips bread cubes or veggies into bubbling pots, and shares laughs across the narrow communal tables. The staff amp up the party with good-natured pranks and sing-alongs, so don’t be surprised if you’re urged to join in. Come hungry, come curious, and leave with a full belly and a big smile. For an unforgettable Paris memory, this is the ticket. 

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Big Bus Tour Bus

If your feet need a break but your curiosity is still in overdrive, the Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is the answer. With stops all around Paris, including Montmartre at the foot of Sacré-Cœur, you can tailor your own day—hop off for a deeper wander, or just stay put and enjoy Paris whisking past your window. The open-top deck is perfect for soaking in panoramic views—Montmartre’s hills and rooftops, the winding streets below Sacré-Cœur, and even distant glimpses of the Eiffel Tower. 

You’ll pass by must-sees like the Opéra, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe, getting a real sense of the city’s scale while staying comfy and dry, rain or shine. For families, it’s a breeze—no squabbles over metro tickets, just an effortless Paris adventure, with every sight and tidbit of information delivered right to your seat. 

Le Mur des Je t’aime (The Wall of Love) 

Paris wears its heart on its sleeve at this sweet little square. Tucked near Abbesses Metro, the Wall of Love is a mural made of deep-blue tiles spelling out “I love you” in 300 languages.  

Couples scribble notes, propose, or snap selfie after selfie, kids skip stones around the fountain, street musicians strum nearby, and the mural glimmers in the dappled sunlight. Snap a photo, trace your favorite phrase, and bask in the pure (and very Parisian) optimism. 

 

Whether you lean into art, dive into local food, toast to Paris with a view, or just wander and let Montmartre’s charm surprise you, there’s so much more near Sacré-Cœur than meets the eye. We hope your day is packed with discovery, delight, and maybe a little dash of Parisian magic. Happy exploring! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do in Paris in the Morning or Things to Do Near Les Caves de Louvre 

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