Parks, Gardens, Statues & Historical Sites
A guide to some of the best parks and gardens in Montmartre and South Pigalle, as well statues and historical sites to take note of while you stroll through these charming neighbourhoods.
Bateau Lavoire
Technically considered part of the Musée de Montmartre, the Bateau Lavoire is near the main museum, this smaller residence equally significant, though unfortunately far less preserved. After a fire in the 70s, what was once a meeting place and den for artists and performers is now just a shop front to commemorate who lived within. Formerly a ballroom, then a piano factory, the building was turned into a series of apartments and workshops, housing some of the world’s most famous artists, writers, actors, and performers. Famous residents include Modigliani, Maxime Maufra, Dutch painter Otto van Rees, Fauvism-leader Kees van Dongen, French writer and critic Max Jacob (who is responsible for naming the building), art critic and writer André Salmon, and the infamous Pablo Picasso. In fact, In fact, Picasso is believed to have laid the groundwork for his famed Cubism movement here, which lead to the style developing amongst other residents in the building, such as Pierre Reverdy and Spanish artist Juan Gris.
Other famous individuals who frequented Bateau Lavoire included the artists Henri Matisse and Georges Braque, the writer and filmmaker Jean Cocteau and American writer Gertrude Stein – all names and personalities that make an appearance in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris.
Considered the birthplace of Modern Art, the Bateau Lavoire – after being rebuilt – now serves to provide studio space for young artists. While tourists cannot go inside, it’s undoubtedly worth taking a look at the front of the building to appreciate what this space has done for the art world.
Practical Information: Not open to the public.
How to Get There: Located in Place Émile-Goudeau, the closest métro station is Abbesses (M12).
Montmartre Cemetery
One of the largest cemeteries still operating in Paris, this one often gets overlooked for its more famous counterpart Père Lachaise, but is equally significant for its famous burials. Rather than visiting the grave of Morrison, check out the grave of Zola, which has now become a protected monument/site. Aside from visiting burial spots of famed writers and Frenchman, what makes visiting this cemetery interesting is the opportunity to peacefully take in all the different artistic styles to the funerary styles. You’ll see grand chapels and statues, modern headstones, and a whole range in between to mark the spot of those deceased. And with over 300,000 buried here, there are a lot of styles to take-in. In truth, while it may seem morbid, it’s a lovely place to walk around and enjoy the sunshine, tranquil and beautiful with ornate headstones and beautiful trees and plants surrounding the graves.
Some of the famous people buried here include: writer Émile Zola, artists Gustavev Moreau and Edgar Degas, scientist Leon Foucault, the classic French writer Stendhal, famed singer Dalida, composer Hector Berlioz, composer Jacques Offenbach (the creator of the classic Cancan music), Russian ballet dancer Nijinsky, saxophone inventor Adolphe Sax, painter Auguste Feyen-Perrin, film director Francois Truffaut, French pop singer Michel Berger, Nissim de Camondo and his father Moïse (famous bankers, of the Musée Nissim de Camondo), world renowned mathematician Édouard Lucas,
You’ll also find a vast number of famous actors, performers, dancers, and poets buried here, along with famous dignitaries, war generals, race car drivers, architects, politicians, and socialites.
Practical Information: Open daily, minus rare instances where it’s mandatory to close (usually related to severe weather or health scares) and on certain holidays, typically from 8am-6pm. Free admission. Please note that hours may change, and closure can be enforced by the city.
How to Get There: The closest métro stations are Lamarck-Caulaincourt (M12), Abbesses (M12), Blanche (M2) and Place de Clichy (M2 or M13)
Moulin Rouge
A symbol of the Belle Epoque, the Moulin Rouge remains a functioning cabaret with dinner and dancing. While going to a show there may prove entertaining – and very costly – most people are satisfied stopping for a picture outside the venue, grabbing a few photos of the famous windmill and red-light lettering. And if you saw the film, you’ll be pleased to know that Zidler really was one of the founders of the original windmill performance space. Visitors should note that the original performance space burnt down during World War I and was later rebuilt to recreate the same fame and charm of the original. Other significant facts about this historic building, outside what you may have seen in the movie Moulin Rouge!, is that this was actually the first building in Paris to be fully powered by electricity. It was also home to the creation of the legendary French Cancan dancers. While it started as a place of indulgence and entertainment, it has marked its place in the city’s history as a significant performance space and a unique landmark.
How to Get There: The closest métro station is Blanche (M2).
Cimetière du Calvaire
In truth, the likelihood of you be able to visit this cemetery is slim, as it’s only open to visitors twice a year. Considered the city’s oldest and smallest cemetery, it has been in operation since the late 1600s. If you happen to be in Paris on November 1st – also known as All Saint’s Day – or during Heritage Days in late September, you may just be lucky enough to visit this charming and historic cemetery. The entrance to this cemetery is marked by a bronze door, designed by Tomasso Gismondi, an Italian artist and sculptor who has also produced works for the Vatican and other significant religious monuments in Italy. Inside this tiny cemetery is the resting place for clergyman, revolutionaries, and a significant amount of influential families who were fundamental for the development of Montmartre neighbourhood – though all together there’s not a lot of gravesides. Should you be able to visit, wander inside those gates and do what so few get the opportunity to. Otherwise, just stroll on by and enjoy the historical significance of the graveyard behind the gates.
How to Get There: Right by the Sacré-Coeur and close to the Place du Tertre, this cemetery is at the heart of Montmartre. The closest station is Abbesses (M12).
Place du Tertre
A lovely square in Montmartre, it admittedly has become a tourist trap, though for good reason. With cafes and little shops circling the square, in the heart of Place du Tertre you’ll find artists hard at work with racks and tables selling their works. Though some may seem overly-touristy, or like something you’ve seen countless times before, you can genuinely find some artists just using it as a space to find collectors. If looking to bring back any affordable art for your home, there’s a good chance you can find some here – just be sure to try and haggle, and don’t let yourself be taken advantage of price wise.
How to Get There: The closest métro station is Abbesses (M2).
Square Suzanne Buisson
A small tranquil square tucked away in Montmartre, it’s the perfect place to take a moment’s rest while escaping the crowds who flock to the steps at Sacré-Coeur. Here you’ll find a fountain and art deco rotunda, gardens, and families playing boule on a hot summers day. Aside from being named after a French resistance fighter who died in Auschwitz, this park is not particularly historically significant, but makes for a nice and pretty breather.
How to Get There: The closest métro station is Abbesses (M2).