Travel guides for couples; romantic escapes, city breaks + worldwide adventures

Montmartre, Paris; Where artists still paint in the streets [Video]

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Four ticket motifs, three in gold and one in silver, all labeled 'my return ticket' with 'ADMIT ONE' text at the top.
VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!

This guide forms part of our complete France Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across France.

This article is also part of our 🚗 4-Day Paris Travel Guide series, exploring major attractions in Paris including; Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Galeries Lafayette, Notre Dame, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and a River Cruise on the Seine. Beginning at Paris CDG and then to central Paris, our 4 days were packed with tours and adventures. Read the complete itinerary here.

Cafes, restaurants, stores, line the cobble stone streets

Montmartre feels different from the moment you arrive. Even on a wet February afternoon, there’s something about these streets that pulls you in. The cobblestones glisten, cafés hum quietly under awnings, and of course, souvenirs from tote bags to tea towels with various art or designs with Parisienne flair.

We come across cafe after restaurant with their colourful bistro sets on their patios. The smiling staff greeting every passerby, tempting them to come in & joking good-naturedly with their neighbourly competition.

We wander along, past little galleries & old staircases, where artists are already at work in Place du Tertre. Easels lined up, pencils moving quickly, capturing rooftops & moments. One artist has Mr. Bean & Sir David Beckham & Lady Beckham caricatures.

A woman sitting under an umbrella while an artist sketches her portrait on a rainy street, surrounded by colorful umbrellas and cobblestone pavement.

Another two artists swiftly sketch pretty young women who pose shyly by.

Art’s in every corner – watch for the sneaky silhouette of the kissing couple under an umbrella.

This isn’t staged. It’s lived in. This is the Paris of painters, dreamers, and late-night ideas.

You can almost picture the ghosts of creative legends who once called this hill home, from Picasso to Toulouse, all drawn to the same light, that same energy.

There’s a beautiful florist, the blossoms dewy, butchers with the freshest cuts of meat artfully displayed, the bakeries with their sweet, beautifully colourful macarons, flaky croissant & decadent treats plus plenty of places to check out art.

There’s the social media famous
Le Consulat; an iconic French restaurant located in the heart of the village. Once frequented by famous artists like Van Gogh, a cozy outdoor seating area & welcoming ambiance, offers a menu filled with traditional French dishes, including escargots, and of course, French onion soup.

Then, as the streets level out and the rain softens, we arrive at something instantly recognizable:

Exterior view of Le Consulat restaurant with people walking in front, located on a cobblestone street under a cloudy sky.
Exterior of Philippe Conticini pastry shop featuring a pink facade, large windows, and ornate signage.
Exterior view of a small Italian restaurant named 'Tentazioni' with a blue door and awning, featuring potted plants and a chalkboard menu outside.
A narrow cobblestone street in a scenic urban area, featuring an awning labeled 'Maison' and buildings on either side with colorful facades. People are walking down the street under a partly cloudy sky, with a mix of residential and commercial establishments visible.
A stylish cafe with an awning that reads 'FOOD COCKTAIL EVENT', featuring outdoor seating with fluffy white chairs and small tables. The facade displays elegant architecture with brick and decorative elements.
A collection of vintage posters displayed on a wall, featuring advertisements for various products and entertainment, with a focus on the Moulin Rouge and other iconic themes.
Exterior of a pizza restaurant named 'Pizza Pepone' with a blue awning and flower decorations, featuring outdoor seating and a view of the interior.
Exterior view of the Moulin Rouge in Paris, featuring its iconic red windmill and bright signage against a cloudy sky.

The world-famous Moulin Rouge red windmill standing bold against the grey sky, just as it has since 1889. You can just picture the bright lights of the cabaret, the high kicks of the Cancan, the sparkling of rhinestones, the flutter of feathers. A perfect finale.

Rain or shine, this neighbourhood performs.

And honestly? On a day like this… it feels even more authentic.

Continue Exploring Northern France

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