Place du Tertre

Place du Tertrethe historic heart of Paris's Montmartre district, the capital from country, is a must for visitors from all over the world. Situated 130 metres above sea level, it offers an exceptional view of the capital. Its name, meaning “little hill”, perfectly reflects its position on the Montmartre hill. Since the 17th century, it has been the center of local life, renowned today for its unique atmosphere, artists and lively restaurants and cafés.

Find out more about the Montmartre district, read our detailed article here.

A stone's throw from the Basilica of the Sacred HeartIt has been a hotbed of art and bohemia, welcoming legends such as Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani. Place du Tertre represents a blend of culture, history and everyday life, making any visit to Paris incomplete without discovering it.

Find out more about the Sacré-Coeur, read our article here.

The artists of Place du Tertre

L'history artistique de la place

Place du Tertre is famous for its artistic history, which began in the 19th century, when it became a haven for many bohemian artists, writers and musicians in search of a creative community and inspiring atmosphere. Famous names such as Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Maurice Utrillo and Vincent van Gogh were seduced by Montmartre's charm and affordable lifestyle, living and creating here.

This period, known as the “Belle Époque”, The Place du Tertre witnessed the emergence of an effervescent art scene, animated by cabarets and cafés hosting the creators of the day. At the heart of this effervescence was the Place du Tertre, a meeting and exhibition place for artists, where they shared ideas and projects.

Meet contemporary artists

Nowadays, the Place du Tertre is always lively by creative energy. Every day, contemporary artists set up shop here, easel in hand, to capture the beauty of Montmartre and its visitors.

Painters, portraitists and caricaturists work on site, offering tourists a unique opportunity to have their images immortalized or acquire original works of art. To work on the square, these artists must obtain authorization from the 18th arrondissement town hall, making these locations highly prized. Each year, only a few new artists are allowed to join this exclusive community.

How to buy art on the square

If you wish to acquire a work of art on the Place du Tertre, you'll discover a diversity of styles and techniques. Here, artists mainly offer paintings of Parisian landscapes, portraits, caricatures and silhouettes. It's worth bearing in mind that artists occupy specific spaces, and photographing their work up close without permission can be seen as an infringement of their rights.

By purchasing a work on the square, you're not only helping to support local artists, but also perpetuating the unique artistic tradition that makes the Place du Tertre such an iconic Paris landmark.

Things to do on Place du Tertre

Guided tours of Montmartre

Exploring the Place du Tertre and its surroundings on a guided tour of Montmartre is an excellent option. Led by experienced local guides, these tours reveal the neighborhood's well-kept secrets and captivating history. You'll have the opportunity to discover iconic sites such as the Musée de Montmartre, the majestic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, and the former homes of famous artists who populated the district.

Participating in these guided tours will enrich your understanding of Montmartre's artistic and cultural heritage, giving you a deep and unique perspective.

Seasonal events and performances

Life on Place du Tertre is punctuated by a variety of seasonal events and performances that contribute to its unique atmosphere. Between open-air concerts, street performances and festivals local, the animation is constant.

Summer evenings, in particular, are perfect for soaking up the romantic ambience of the square, lulled by twinkling lights and the melody of musicians, creating a magical setting.

Photography and painting workshops

Place du Tertre is a veritable Eden for photographers and painting enthusiasts. The artists present offer painting workshops and portrait sessions, giving visitors the opportunity to take home a personalized work or try their hand at artistic creation.

It's also perfect for photography enthusiasts, offering a backdrop of cobbled streets, quaint cafés and exceptional panoramic views of Paris, to immortalize unique and unforgettable moments.

Restaurants and cafés around Place du Tertre

Traditional French restaurants

Around the Place du Tertre, traditional French restaurants offer a culinary experience rich in authenticity. Among them, La Bonne Franquette stands out. Housed in a 16th-century building in the heart of Montmartre, this restaurant has seen the work of such renowned artists as Pissarro, Sisley and Toulouse-Lautrec, and offers traditional dishes made from label-labeled French produce.

Au Cadet de Gascogne, also nestled in the heart of Montmartre, boasts a terrace overlooking Place du Tertre. Despite a reputation for cuisine sometimes considered tourist-oriented, it offers a typically Montmartre atmosphere.

Not far away, Le Moulin de la Galette invites discovery in a setting reminiscent of the guinguettes of yesteryear, with traditional French cuisine that blends perfectly with the history and charm of the place.

Historic cafés and their specialities

The historic cafés on Place du Tertre are a must. Chez Eugène and Au Clair des Chasseurs stand out for their friendly atmosphere and local specialties. Chez la Mère Catherine, founded in 1793, is a veritable institution, offering traditional French dishes in a setting steeped in history.

These cafés are the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or light meal, immersed in the hustle and bustle of the square.

Fast-food and international options

For those looking for a quick bite or an exotic twist, the area around Place du Tertre is brimming with varied options. In addition to traditional French establishments, the neighborhood is home to restaurants offering international cuisine, such as La Brasserie Thaï, which offers an Asian culinary escapade.

This culinary diversity means there's something for everyone, while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Montmartre.

Conclusion

In the heart of Montmartre, Place du Tertre stands out as a magical enclave where history, art and charm blend harmoniously. This vibrant area, populated by talented artists and lined with traditional restaurants and cafés steeped in history, promises visitors a memorable experience. Whether your interest lies in art, French gastronomy or the neighborhood's characteristic bohemian atmosphere, Place du Tertre is an essential stopover on your trip to Paris.

Don't miss the chance to be immortalized by a local artist, enjoy a crêpe or a typical dish, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic place.

FAQ

Ideal times to visit Place du Tertre and meet the artists

Artists make their presence felt at Place du Tertre throughout the day. However, for the richest and liveliest experience, we recommend you visit between 10am and 6pm. It's during these hours that you'll have the chance to see the greatest number of artists at work.

Criteria and selection process for artists wishing to exhibit at Place du Tertre

Artists wishing to exhibit at Place du Tertre must go through a rigorous application process. This process includes the submission of a complete dossier, including a letter of motivation, proposals for artistic animations, and a technical portfolio. A dedicated committee evaluates these applications based on technical and artistic skills, as well as the artist's relevance to the desired art category.

A hearing may be required for clarification. The Allocation Commission, made up of elected members and representatives of the City of Paris, makes the final decision on site allocation.

Tips for negotiating the price of a portrait

If you're interested in purchasing a portrait at Place du Tertre, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the artist's work beforehand and discuss the price. Prices can fluctuate between €25 and €120. So it's a good idea to suggest a price that suits you, bearing in mind that you'll need to pay in cash.

The best addresses for a gourmet break near Place du Tertre

Close to Place du Tertre, several establishments offer a memorable culinary experience. Le Replat de Montmartre is renowned for its traditional French cuisine, while Le Coq & Fils specializes in poultry dishes. Café de Luce offers a warm, contemporary atmosphere. For lighter options, Grenouilles serves traditional sandwiches and crêpes. L'Arcane, with its Michelin-starred cuisine, promises a refined gastronomic experience. La Boîte aux Lettres, meanwhile, is an authentic bistro featuring foie gras and duck breast.

This article was written by Alex Arts, photographer, content creator, and local guide.