Can You Do Montmartre with Kids? Oui!
Updated: Sep 5
Some of the most iconic aspects of Parisian culture come from the Montmartre district, a bohemian hilltop neighborhood that has captivated artists, rebels, and original thinkers for generations. Think: Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec.
An afternoon excursion here is an absolute highlight for any family itinerary, provided you come prepared for cobblestone hills that are anything but stroller friendly and may put to the test your cardio.
If you prefer an expert guide, family-friendly tour operators like ExperienceFirst or those you’ll find on Viator make navigating the hills engaging and educational. You can select a public or private tour and cater to your interests and needs, whether that’s for a more adult-focused offering or something the kids will tolerate if not love. Whether you book a tour or explore at your own pace, we’re here to share what we learned about tackling Montmartre with kids.
The Sights at Montmartre
Say ‘I Love You’ at Square Jehan Rictus (Metro Abbesses)
Right outside the Abbesses metro station, stop at the famous "I Love You Wall" (Le Mur des Je t'aime). Kids love hunting down phrases written in more than 300 languages and dialects. The space can feel a little chaotic, but it’s worth packing some patience to get a photo you’ll treasure for years to come.
Eat Your Heart Out at Rue des Abbesses
Experience French village vibes as you wander past lively cafés and traditional bakeries. This picturesque street, which the Earful Tower describes as “the best street in Paris,” follows the footsteps of Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh, passing near the historic Le Bateau-Lavoir studio where Pablo Picasso once worked. Grab a warm croissant or crêpe here for fuel before the climb. On the return down, you can pick up artful gelato at Amorino. The chocolate and pastry shops offer their own temptations, as well.
Pass the Windmills and Cabarets
Heading up towards Rue Lepic, catch a glimpse of the historic Moulin de la Galette windmill, which now houses a restaurant. While the legendary Moulin Rouge nearby is strictly for a parents' night out show-wise, kids often love spotting its iconic red blades from the street below. And you can pop your head in to take a peek at the art and glitz.
Watch Artists at Place du Tertre
At the crest of the hill, this bustling open-air square is packed with painters, portraitists, and caricaturists. Having your child’s portrait sketched makes an unforgettable keepsake to take home. You can also tour the stands to find pieces that will complement your home décor and feel like a meaningful memento from your time in Paris.
Explore Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The dazzling white domes of Sacré-Cœur offer one of the most stunning sights in Paris, but the real reward is looking out over the city steps below Paris is truly at your feet. You can visit the basilica daily for free, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Of course, there’s so much more to this historic neighborhood—including reservation-worthy restaurants for a post-tour dinner—but consider this your starter course.
Parent Survival Tips
Skip the Stairs with the Funicular: The steep stairs up to Sacré-Cœur can wear out small legs quickly. Use a standard Metro ticket to ride the Montmartre Funicular instead, which glides straight to the top (roughly 36 meters) in under two minutes. Learn more.
Ditch the Stroller: Cobblestone alleys and narrow stairways make heavy strollers difficult to maneuver; a lightweight carrier or umbrella stroller is much easier to manage.
Reward the Climb: At the foot of the hill in Square Louise Michel, let the kids ride the vintage double-decker carousel before heading back down to the metro.
