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Place du Tertre: What to See & Do

By Paris Top Ten March 19, 2017 (Updated October 10, 2024)

March 19, 2017 by Paris Top Ten

Paris is home to some of the most beautiful plazas in the world. From the Place Vendôme to the Place de la Concorde, these public squares are a must-see for any visitor to the City of Light.

The Place du Tertre is perhaps the most famous of them all. Located in the heart of the bohemian Montmartre district, this square has long been a favorite spot for artists and tourists.

Place du Tertre
Image by Pierre Blaché used under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

You’ll find several galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants in the area, and a few places to stay if you plan on making a memorable trip out of it.

Table of Contents

  • Place du Tertre
  • Place du Tertre History
  • Where to Stay Near Place du Tertre
  • Le Village Montmartre
  • Apollo Opéra Hôtel
  • Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre
  • Things to See & Do Near Place du Tertre
  • Saint Pierre de Montmartre
  • Eat at La Mère Catherine
  • Sacré Coeur Basilica
  • Ride the Little Train of Montmartre
  • FAQ
  • How do I get to Place du Tertre?
  • Where can I stay near Place du Tertre?
  • What are some things to do near Place du Tertre?
  • Find Things to Do in Paris
  • Find Accommodation

Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre and Sacré Coeur

It is a plaza founded in 1771. Its title is “Mound,” and it refers directly to Montmartre’s Hillock. With a height of 130m, the Place de Tertre was the tallest square in the continent of Paris.

On every street, the artists have a solitary easel, which they display on their afternoon tours. Place du Tertre is surrounded by the colorful façades of small buildings housing a café, restaurant, and art gallery. 

Place du Tertre is a famous square in the heart of the Montmartre district in Paris, France. It is the main center of the prestigious Benedictine Montmartre Abbey.

The whole Montmartre Boheme is seen here, which is why this popular spot is known for its artists and tourists alike and for its portrait sessions. You’ll find several galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants in the area, and a few places to stay if you want to make a more extended trip out of it.

Place du Tertre Painter and Piantings

This little square is a natural, unavoidable touristic attraction at the top of Montmartre, a few steps away from the Sacred Heart Basilica.

Most of the time, this particular square is packed with a curious crowd from all over the world, souvenir shops, and painters (from all over the world) with their material to make a quick portrait or their naïve paintings of Paris to sell.

There are a few moments in the day when you can catch the place in its bare and romantic atmosphere, like early morning or the beginning of the evening in winter. A lovely little village at the top of the capital!

See Related: Place Charles de Gaulle Etoile: What to See & Do

Place du Tertre History

Place du Tertre Art Scene

Place du Tertre is the heart of the Benedictine Monastery; it was by King Louis VI in 1133. 

The abbey church Saint Pierre de Montmartre is situated only a couple of steps from Place de Tertre and was dedicated in 1147 to Pope Eugenius II. Montmartre Abbey prospered through the years under the king’s patronage.

Under the patronage of the French kings, the Abbey of Montmartre could flourish. Montmartre Abbey thrived over the years and up until the French Revolution. In 1635, the public was first given access to Place du Tertre, the primary Montmartre village central square.

What remains of the Abbey include vineyards and St Pierre of Montmartre, the oldest church in Paris. Place du Tertre became public in 1775 as the center of Montmartre. Place du Tertre. Between 1780 and World War I, all Montmartre Boheme was seen there.

How to Get to Place du Tertre 

Place du Tertre is easy to reach, as it’s just a short walk from the Montmartre Metro station and near Abbesses Metro Station.

See Related: Édicule Guimard of the Châtelet station

Where to Stay Near Place du Tertre

Here are the best places to stay near the plaza.

Le Village Montmartre

Le Village Montmartre Bunk Beds
image by Booking.com

Le Village Montmartre is a charming little neighborhood located in the heart of the Montmartre district. Thanks to its many galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants, it’s a favorite spot for artists and tourists. If you plan on making a more extended trip, you’ll also find a few places to stay.

Apollo Opéra Hôtel

Hôtel Apollo Opéra Room with Two Beds
image by Booking.com

The Apollo Opéra Hôtel is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Place du Tertre, steps away from some of the best art galleries and restaurants in Paris. This historic hotel offers guests many amenities, including a fitness center, a bar, and a breakfast buffet.

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre Spacious Lobby
image by Booking.com

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay in the Montmartre district of Paris while you visit Place du Tertre, consider the Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre. This well-rated property offers spacious and modern apartments with kitchens and living areas.

See Related: Top Charming Hotels Around 100 Euros in Paris

Things to See & Do Near Place du Tertre

Once you’re there, you’ll find plenty to do, including exploring the many galleries and shops, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply people-watching from one of the cafes.

If you’re looking for things beyond Place du Tertre, here are some of the best things to do and see near the plaza.

Saint Pierre de Montmartre

Saint Pierre de Montmartre Exterior
image by Rutger van der Maar is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Paroisse Saint-Pierre de Montmartre is a historic church located in the Montmartre district of Paris. This church was initially built in the 12th century and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Eat at La Mère Catherine

La Mère Catherine Restaurant
image by ʎɔ. is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

La Mère Catherine is a restaurant located in the Place du Tertre, and it’s one of the most popular sports in the area. The food is excellent, and the prices are very reasonable. I recommend checking it out if you’re in the area.

The oldest restaurant in Place du Tertre is La Mère Catherine. The people of Montmartre Hill regard it as a charming and peaceful hideaway. According to legend, the word “bistro” was invented in this square.

Sacré Coeur Basilica

Sacré Coeur and Skyline

It is a must-see attraction when visiting Paris. Located on top of Montmartre Hill, it provides beautiful views of the city below. The basilica was built in the late 1800s to honor France’s fallen soldiers and is now one of Paris’s most popular tourist destinations.

Ride the Little Train of Montmartre

Montmartre Little Train Ride
image by Francisco Gonzalez is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Little Train of Montmartre is a favorite tourist attraction in the Place du Tertre area. It’s a small, narrow-gauge train that takes passengers on a scenic tour of the Montmartre district. The train makes several stops, including Place du Tertre and Sacred Heart Basilic.

See Related: Why Pont Alexandre III is the Best Bridge in Paris

FAQ

How do I get to Place du Tertre?

Getting to Place du Tertre is easy, as it’s located just a short walk from the Montmartre Metro station and near Abbesses Metro Station.

Where can I stay near Place du Tertre?

There are several places to stay near Place du Tertre, including the Apollo Opéra Hôtel and the Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre.

What are some things to do near Place du Tertre?

There are plenty of things to do near Place du Tertre, including exploring the many galleries and shops, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply people watching from one of the cafes. Other nearby attractions include Saint Pierre de Montmartre, Sacré Coeur Basilica, and the Little Train of Montmartre.

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