What to do on a Sunday in Montmartre, France

Last Updated:

7/31/2020

Ah, Montmartre. The village-inside-a-city, perched atop the hill. Neighborhood locals, known as “Montmartrois,” are typically die-hard fans of their touristy-cum-quaint quartier. And we can’t disagree.

A street scene of Montmartre with a scenic curve in the road lined by crooked houses (left) and cobblestone streets of Montmartre with a man seen strolling from the back (right). — Top: Siebe Warmoeskerken. Above: Amy Leigh Barnard / Liam Martens

To dodge the crowds and catch a panoramic view, head up early (before 10am) and stroll around Sacré Cœur. For those planning on cooking or just wanting to catch a local vibe, make your way to the market street on rue du Poteau after hitting these other 18ème (18th district) addresses we love.

Where to Eat

A beautiful Paris-Brest cake with figs (left) and crates of fresh vegetables (right) at Soul Kitchen in Montmartre, Paris. — Soul Kitchen

Kiez: Paris’s first German-style biergarten, Kiez is perfect for those looking for a quick and hearty bite, or trying to nurse a hangover with a beer. As any self-respecting biergarten should, Kiez offers up a meat-heavy selection of bites, ranging from schnitzel and wursts to kebabs and burgers.

Inside the Kiez Biergarten and its table football game (left) and sausage dishes (right) served all day Sunday in Montmartre. — Kiez Biergarten

There are even a veggie-friendly maultaschen (a ravioli-like dish). And naturally, you have a solid selection of bottled and on-tap beers. It’s up there in the 18^th, but it’s a nice stroll to the northern part of the neighborhood.

Inside Soul Kitchen, which is open all day Sunday in Montmartre in Paris (left). Cakes and coffee on a wooden table at Soul Kitchen in Montmartre (right). — Soul Kitchen

Soul Kitchen: The cozy wood-and-brick décor at Soul Kitchen will make you almost feel like you’re in your own kitchen. Head over in the morning for a tea accompanied by a cinnamon roll, extra-large muffin, or gluten-free cookie. Or in the afternoon for a healthy, homemade lunch (think mac and cheese, veggie bowls, fresh side salads).

Inside Soul Kitchen restaurant in Paris, a favorite spot for Sunday brunch, which has cheery decor of bright tiles, warm lighting, and exposed brick walls. — Soul Kitchen

Where to go for Tea or Coffee

La Bossue: Open throughout the day, this cute pâtisserie-comptoir is a perfect stop-off for a Sunday goûter (a sweet afternoon snack). Whether you’re in the mood for madeleines or granola-topped fig tarte, La Bossue has you covered. And the coffee is organic to boot.

The queue outside Café Pimpim (left) and a woman holding freshly baked biscuits (right). — Café Pimpin

Café Pimpin: “Good coffee and easy food” is the name of the game at this welcoming café. When you’re ready for a break from neighborhood trotting, order up a Lomi espresso, sit back, and enjoy. If you’re hungry, the rotating menu features items like panini, tapas, and brunch on Sundays.

A feta dish in an earthen dish on a hand-painted plate (left) and window seating (right) at Café Pimpim in Montmartre on a Sunday. — Café Pimpin

Where to View Art

Musée de Montmartre: Home to some of the world’s greatest artists, Montmartre was a hub for creative of all types. The eponymous museum houses permanent and temporary collections that tell the story of the neighborhood via those who knew it best. The museum itself was even once a residence for greats like Auguste Renoir and Maurice Utrillo. For visitors with little ones, there’s an extra bonus: On Sundays, the museum hosts ateliers for kids at 10:30am.

A sunny day out on the lawn of the Musée Montmartre, where people are having drinks at tables set up for summer. — Musée de Montmartre

Halle Saint-Pierre: Located adjacent to the Sacré Coeur, this museum is decidedly a more contemporary take on the art scene. Opened by avid racecar driver and art collector, Max Fourny, in the ‘60s, the space now houses over 500 works of modern 20^th-century art.

Where to go Shopping

A model wearing an orange silk print dress from Spree in Montmartre. — Chinemachine

Chinemachine: The vintage enthusiast will feel right at home in this well-curated shop just steps from the Abbesses metro station. You could stumble on a pair of vintage worn-but-affordable Gucci kitten heels, or a fabulous pair of no-name (but isn’t that cooler anyway?) tailored leopard pants. It’s very much worth a stop, promise.

A grey and purple blazer (left) and black and white ankle boots (right) from Spree in Montmartre, which is open on Sundays in Paris. — Spree

Spree: The go-to concept store in the neighborhood, this shop carries a slew of on-trend brand names like Comme des Garçons, MSGM, and Ulla Johnson, as well as its own brand, simply called Spree.

Inside the boutique Spree and its mannequin wearing a pink full-legth dress (left) and a table with a sweater and trainers on display (right). — Spree

How to Get There

Numerous metro lines stop in Montmartre and the best option depends where you want to start your day. But in all likelihood, you’ll be looking for the line 2 (Anvers, Pigalle, or Blanche stops) or line 12 (Pigalle, Abbesses, or Lamarck – Caulaincourt stops).

A model wearing a mask and a Victorian style shirt from Chinemachine in Montmartre (left). The wooden tables and benches at Kiez Biergarten, which is open on Sundays in Paris (right). — Chinemachine / Kiez Biergarten

Addresses (and opening hours)

Kiez – 24 rue Vauvenargues. Open 10am-2pm Sundays.

Soul Kitchen – 33 rue Lamarck. Open 8:45am-6:30pm Sundays.

La Bossue – 9 rue Joseph de Maistre. Open 10:30am-7pm Sundays.

Café Pimpin – 64 rue Ramey. Open 11am-6pm Sundays.

Musée de Montmartre – 12 rue Cortot. Open 10am-6pm Sundays.

Halle Saint-Pierre – 2 Rue Ronsard. Open 12-6pm Sundays.

Chinemachine – 100 rue des Martyrs. Open 1-8pm Sundays.

Spree – 16 rue Lavieuville. Open 3-7pm Sundays.

A street scene of Montmartre as the sun sets, which apartment buildings on either side and shoes hanging on street cables in the center. — Amy Leigh Barnard

WRITTEN BY

Erin Dahl

Erin’s had a whimsical affair with Paris since her first trip as a wide-eyed teenager. She is Editor for the HiP Paris Blog as well as Co-founder of Content Coopérative, Paris’s first English-native content agency.