Place du Tertre
Imagine stepping into a living canvas where every corner whispers tales of the past and every cobblestone tells a story. Place du Tertre, perched atop the enchanting Butte Montmartre, invites you to immerse yourself in a world where art breathes life into history. This iconic square, once the heart of Montmartre's bohemian quarter, now thrives as an open-air studio, where nearly 300 artists bring their visions to life. Stroll through the square, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the timeless charm of 18th-century architecture, the inviting allure of traditional bistros, and the vibrant energy of artists at work. Whether you're here to commission a custom portrait, marvel at the skill of a caricaturist, or simply soak in the artistic atmosphere, Place du Tertre promises an unforgettable experience steeped in creativity and history.
Located at the crest of Butte Montmartre in Paris's 18th arrondissement, Place du Tertre is one of the city's most picturesque and historic public squares. Situated just 200 meters west of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur at an elevation of approximately 130 meters, this cobblestone plaza was once the main village square of Montmartre before its annexation into Paris in 1860. Today, the square serves as a vibrant open-air artist studio known as the 'Carré des Artistes', where nearly 300 licensed painters, portraitists, caricaturists, and silhouettists set up their easels daily amidst 18th-century village facades, traditional bistrots, and leafy plane trees. Visitors can stroll through the bustling plaza, watch artists create original works in real time, commission a custom portrait or caricature, and experience the timeless bohemian spirit that once nurtured legendary masters of modern art.
History
Opened to the public in 1635 as the central village square of Montmartre, Place du Tertre takes its name from 'tertre', meaning a small hillock or elevated mound. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, low rents and exemption from Parisian wine duties transformed Montmartre into the epicenter of the bohemian avant-garde movement. Groundbreaking artists including Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Maurice Utrillo, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Francisque Poulbot lived and worked in nearby studios such as Le Bateau-Lavoir and gathered in the taverns lining Place du Tertre. Historic restaurants like La Mère Catherine (established in 1793) and Chez Eugène preserve the architectural character of 18th- and 19th-century village Paris, anchoring the square's enduring legacy as a sanctuary of artistic creation.
Fun Facts
- The square's central artist area ('Carré des Artistes') is strictly managed by the City of Paris, divided into 140 one-square-meter spaces shared by around 300 licensed artists working on alternating schedules.
- According to Parisian legend, the word 'bistrot' was coined at La Mère Catherine on Place du Tertre in 1814 when Russian soldiers occupying Paris shouted 'bystro!' (meaning 'quickly') to demand fast service.
- In 1898, automotive pioneer Louis Renault proved the hill-climbing capability of his first vehicle, the Voiturette Type A, by driving it up the steep slope of Rue Lepic directly to Place du Tertre.
- Montmartre remained an independent agricultural and wine-growing village of mills and vineyards outside Paris's tax walls until it was officially absorbed into the capital in 1860.
- Perched atop the Butte Montmartre at roughly 130 meters above sea level, Place du Tertre is one of the highest public squares in Paris.
Guide Tips
- Visit before 10:00 AM if you want to capture peaceful photos of the cobblestones, lampposts, and historic village architecture before the easels and terrace crowds fill the square.
- If you wish to have a portrait or caricature drawn, confirm the final price, technique, and estimated time before the artist begins.
- Take time to explore the adjacent historic alleys, including Rue Saint-Rustique (the oldest paved lane on the Butte) and Rue Norvins, for classic Parisian village charm.
- Pair your visit with the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, located just a two-minute walk away.
Opening Hours
Open 24/7 (Public square; artists and cafe terraces typically active daily 10:00 - 20:00 / 23:00)