Montmartre museums and places of interest

Place des Abbesses. This lively square is the very heart of the community. The original Art Nouveau metro entrance is well worth having a look at.

Place du Tertre still has its village feel, particularly when the tourists aren't invading the cafés, eating places, having their portraits painted and browsing around the art galleries. The tourist info centre may be found at no. 21 which was for a time the HQ for the Paris Commune (1871).

Bateau-Lavoir where the artists lived and had their studios, including Picasso, Modigliani, Lautrec and Renoir. Located at 13 place Emile-Goudeau.

Saint Pierre (Saint Peter’s) the great abbey of Montmartre is the third oldest in Paris after St Germain des Pres and St Martin des Champs. It was begun in 1134. You will find it at the top of the hill, near Sacre Coeur. Address: 2 rue de Mont-Cenis. It was consecrated in 1147 by the pope himself in the presence of Queen Adelaide of Savoy (the convent's founder) and her son who was later Louis VII. You can see a depiction of the Montmartre vineyard on the altar.

Montmartre vineyards. Over the top of the hill. Apparently worth visiting on the first Saturday of October when the grapes are harvested. You might even get a wine tasting of the only remaining wine making in Paris.

Sacré-Coeur consecrated in 1919. Building started after defeat by hand of the Prussians in 1870. Site of pilgrimage and fantastic views it was intended to be an offering of pennance for the misery caused by the Paris Commune. I doubt the local residents (the peasants were responsible for the commune)  were quite in agreement.

Chateau des Brouillards - a folly later used for dancing. The gardens were turned into what is now the place Suzanne-Buisson.

Windmills – once upon a time the hill had 30 windmills on it. Some may still be found, for example I was  told of one right at the top of the hill and another on Rue Lepic (on the corner). They ground grain and flint (as well as rubbish). Many were later turned into commercial properties and dance halls.

Rue Cortot number 12 - visit the Old Montmartre Society in the home where many artists lived.

Moulin Rouge and Cabaret, Chat Noir and Montmartroise songs around Place Pigalle (still very colourful but perhaps more touristy than it was way back then)

The Erotic museum. Quite tastefully done apparently with some good art although certainly not appropriate for children. Near the Moulin Rouge.