It’s hard to pick the most romantic place in Paris, however, Montmartre is certainly one of the city’s best neighborhood for wandering lovers. There’s much more to discover than the “Love Wall” and Sacre Coeur, so I’ve teamed up with Gail Bosclair of Perfectly Paris, the expert in Montmartre holiday rentals and long time area resident, to compile our favorite romantic places on La Butte. Read on, tell us what you think and you can also win a free copy of Je T’Aime, Me Neither!
1. G.B. Place du Calvaire: One of my most favorite spots in Montmartre is at Place du Calvaire. Between Chez Plumeau and the Dali Museum on the opposite side of the wall, there is a stone wall. When you walk along it, there is a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. When my brother was in Paris to propose to his girlfriend, I told him I know the perfect place and he said he did as well. When we both told each other of our perfect place, it turns out it was the same!
2. L.H. Rue Saint-Rustique: Another great street in that area is the rue Saint-Rustique. Parallel to the touristy rue Norvins it has one of the most picturesque views of Sacre Coeur. Usually there is no one on it – tonight I saw these charming couples dancing away!
3. G.B. The stairs of rue de Chevalier de la Barre: There are many wonderful staircases in Montmartre but this one seems like it takes you to the sky so I think it is pretty romantic as well.
4. L.H. Square Nadar: Speaking of the Chevalier de la Barre, just at the foot of the statue of this rebel (and of Sacre Coeur), the Square Nadar offers a great resting place after climbing up those hundreds of steps… and a great view of the Eiffel Tower – benches reserved especially for lovers.
5. G.B. & L.H. Jardins Secrets: If you can get into it, the Sauvage de St Vincent this garden is amazing. LH – I agree, it’s a wonderful garden, though I read it’s closed for restoration works, so I can also recommend le Jardin des Abbesses. It’s another special hidden garden, tucked away on the Passage des Abbesses, you will find climbing roses and medieval medicinal plants from the era when there was the abbey here … and no other visitors… a perfectly peaceful romantic pit-stop.
6. G.B. Rue de l’Abreuvoir: Walking along this street seems like you are stepping back in time.
7. L.H. Allee des Brouillards: Before you walk up Abreuvoir or as you’ve come down it, you’ll find this discreet laneway. On the one side is the mysterious “chateau” of the same name, on the other a row of small houses. Renoir lived on the one at the far end… just beyond the lovers’ perch on the small staircase.
8. L.H. Villa Leandre: Less hidden than it might have once been, the nearby Villa Leandre is probably one of the most charmante streets in all of Montmartre. Walk all the way to the end to pick out your favorite villa house and imagine a Parisian happy-ever-after!
9. G.B. The Hotel Particulier: For a break after your stroll, the Hotel Particulier is also a very romantic place to go for cocktails in the evening either inside or outside. It is truly a gem since it is so hidden away. You also get to walk past Le Rocher de la Sorcière.
10. L.H. L’Ete en Pente Douce: I’m also particularly fond of the little square on the other side of Sacre Coeur, at the bottom of the rue Utrillo stairs on the corners of rue Paul Albert and rue Muller. In the evening the square is a magical Montmartre oasis, my favorite of the restaurants is L’Ete en Pente Douce, reasonable prices and good vegetarian options.
And here is a little map of the romantic sites to help your meanderings, do get lost off the beaten path, that’s where you will find your own perfect spot!
Je T’Aime, Me Neither and Perfectly Paris Giveaway (from 2013)
We are giving away a copy of the book to a lucky romantique reader!
Here is how to enter to win:
- Add a comment on this blog post below telling us which of the Montmartre places you like the best – or add a new romantic place in Montmartre
- Like Perfectly Paris’s Facebook page
- Like Je T’Aime, Me Neither’s Facebook page
We will pick a random contestant winner on August 31st. Good Luck and Happy Montmartre Romancing!
