Place du Tertre visitor guide

Visit Place du Tertre, Paris

The Place du Tertre is a popular square in the centre of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of the north of Paris.

Discover the Place du Tertre

France This Way review: the Place du Tertre is a very lively centre with lots of buskers, artists and cafes and a very pleasant place to take a pause as you explore the streets of Montmartre

Cafe in Place du Tertre

The Place du Tertre is quite a small square paved with cobblestones that in recent years has become the centre of activity in Montmartre, and is very different to the quiet square you would have found here 50 years ago. It is often very busy (as is the area in front of the basilica - these two areas are among the most crowded we saw in Paris).

The square, with a covered area in the centre providing shelter, has cafes on all sides and also in the middle, and on all sides of the central area you can see artists at work and artists selling their works, many featuring paintings of the surrounding streets.

Several of the cafes are covered in fake flowers, that sounds when I describe it as if it would make the square a bit tacky but actually it just adds to the colour and atmosphere in the square.

As a background to the square you can see glimpses of the basilica.

The locations for the artists in the square are very sought after, and there is a long waiting list among the artists to have a place here. Most of the artists are really quite talented. This area has been attracting artists for a very long time, for example Van Gogh stayed in a house nearby, and this is the origin of the tradition - although artists from 100 years ago might be surprised what has become of their slightly seedy neighbourhood!

You can also visit the Gallery Montmartre on the south side of the Place du Tertre, which has many impressive contemporary artworks, but the prices will be rather higher than paintings bought in the square...

Many people like to have their portrait drawn by one of the artists in the Place du Tertre - sometimes these are a genuine representation and other times a caricature. Do make sure you check the prices before you sit down - everyone will have a different view of what is expensive and what is a reasonable price, so make sure you have agreed the price in advance.

Our friends paid about 45 euros for a portrait of the two of them, and it took about 40 minutes to complete, as a broad guide to what you might expect.

Alternatively you can just sit in one of the cafes around the square and watch other people having their portraits painted, and walk around looking at the art available.

We often hear warnings about visiting this square, particularly you should be aware that pickpockets and "games" that trick you out of money are said to common, as well as being put under pressure to buy things, but as long as you are sensible and keep an eye on your possessions I doubt if you will have any problems.

The closest metro stations to Montmartre are at Pigaille on lines 2 and 12 of the metro, and Abbesses on line 12. Note that you can also use your metro pass on the funicular in Montmartre if you want to avoid walking up the hill - although walking the famous staircases of Montmartre is a part of the attraction of the area to many visitors.

Artists in the Place du Tertre

Attractions nearby

The Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur is the most famous attraction in Montmartre and very close to the Place du Tertre. See our guide to Montmartre for other highlights nearby.

You can find more travel ideas in the Paris region guide.

To make travel arrangements to visit Place du Tertre see HERE

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Map of Place du Tertre and places nearby

Places to visit near Place du Tertre

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Montmartre guide

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The French version of this page is at Place du Tertre (Francais)