Montmartre, the iconic hilltop district of Paris, beckons visitors with its artistic charm and breathtaking views. While the Sacré-Coeur Basilica offers a majestic panorama, it’s often crowded, making it difficult to truly appreciate the city’s beauty. Moreover, the basilica’s location obstructs the view of Paris’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
Fortunately, stepping away from the throngs reveals a hidden gem of Montmartre’s scenic secrets: a network of charming streets and squares that offer some of the most captivating views of the city.
Hidden Gems of Montmartre’s Views
Venture beyond the basilica and you’ll be greeted with sweeping vistas of southwestern Paris, a direction that’s obscured from the main square. Here, you’ll find glimpses of the Eiffel Tower, peeking through the trees along rue Azais or emerging prominently from Square Nadar, a tranquil park tucked away from the crowds.
Square Nadar offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of Place du Tertre, a nearby artist square. Here, you can relax on benches, enjoying the peace and quiet while catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower peeking through the buildings. The square’s barrier wall also provides captivating views of the city.
Montmartre’s labyrinthine streets are dotted with over thirty staircases, each offering a unique perspective. One of the most captivating views can be enjoyed from the top of rue du Mont Cenis, an ancient Parisian road situated behind the basilica. The staircase is flanked by charming Parisian buildings, adding to the beauty of the vista.
The view from rue du Mont Cenis is particularly captivating due to the low-lying buildings opposite the staircase, which showcase a delightful view towards the east. Continuing straight ahead, the Passage Cottin stairs offer equally impressive views. These hidden gems provide stunning panoramas of Montmartre and Paris’s cityscape, each offering a different perspective and a unique charm.
Unexpected Encounters with the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower often appears unexpectedly around Montmartre, revealing itself in the most charming of ways.
A walk along Rue Ravignan leads to a breathtaking panorama that greets you as you reach the top, where it meets rue Garreau and Rue des Trois Frères. Stand near the entrance of the Relais de la Butte restaurant for the best perspective, which features the magnificent dome of Les Invalides. The views are equally impressive from the restaurant’s terrace, which is slightly pricier but offers unparalleled panoramas.
Montmartre’s charming streets often surprise with hidden vistas. Nestled amidst the bustling rue des Abbesses, Le Vrai Paris café stands out with its eye-catching facade. But look to the left, past the vibrant façade, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view descending towards south of Paris. A large building with a triangular roof, the Opera Garnier, rises above the rooftops, a reminder of the city’s architectural grandeur.
A Witch’s Lane with a View
Hidden within Montmartre’s charming alleys lies a “witch’s lane,” known as le Passage Depaquit, a pedestrian alley and staircase located at 23 Avenue Junot. The gate to the lane, which leads to the Hotel Particulier de Montmartre, is often closed, but if you find it open, resist the urge to immediately enter the hotel. Walk past the strange rocky mound in the middle of the path and ascend the stairs to the top left, where you’ll be greeted with a mesmerizing view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
Legend has it that a witch once resided in the Hotel Particulier, and the mound is all that remains of her sorcerer’s fountain. Whether the tale is true or not, the enchanting vista from the lane is sure to cast its spell on you.
From Windmills to Rooftop Splendor
The iconic Moulin Radet windmill draws visitors to the steep rue Tholozé. As you reach the top, where the street meets rue Lepic, turn around for a breathtaking view of Montmartre and Les Invalides. The Autour du Moulin bar and the Tentazioni Italian restaurant** offer outdoor seating with fantastic views.
Further down rue Lepic, another captivating view awaits, this time looking towards the northwest. The sloping rue Tourlaque, which runs past the Montmartre cemetery**, offers a wider panorama than most streets bordering the hill. This vista is framed by gorgeous historic buildings, adding a touch of timeless charm.
For the ultimate Montmartre panorama, head to the rooftop of the Terrass hotel, a stylish establishment on the edge of the neighborhood. The hotel’s top-floor restaurant and bar provide a 180-degree perspective of Paris**. The view is particularly captivating at dusk, and the restaurant’s set menu offers a refined culinary experience.
From quiet squares to hidden alleys, Montmartre is a treasure trove of hidden views, each offering a unique perspective on the City of Lights. So, grab your camera and embark on a journey to discover these hidden gems.
