Place du Tertre is a leafy, cobbled square in Montmartre, a short walk from Sacré-Cœur. Artists set up easels here to paint, sketch portraits and draw caricatures, with finished works on display to browse. The square was once Montmartre’s village centre and later drew bohemian artists; today, café terraces and colorful umbrellas frame an open-air art scene. Come to watch the artists and take in the neighborhood atmosphere. Cafés and restaurants can be expensive, so consider saving your meal for elsewhere in Montmartre.
A village square with an artistic past
Place du Tertre was opened in 1635 and served as Montmartre’s village square. The neighborhood’s bohemian history still shapes its character, though the square is now a popular stop for visitors. Artists gather here to work outdoors, continuing a local tradition that dates back to the 18th century.
Montmartre has been home to artists including Van Gogh and Picasso. Their presence belongs to the wider neighborhood’s history; the square’s appeal today is seeing artists at work and browsing the pieces they display.
Portraits, caricatures and original work
Painters, portrait artists and caricaturists set up their easels around the square. You can watch a drawing take shape, look over finished works and decide whether you want to commission a portrait. Styles differ, so take a circuit of the square before settling on an artist. Some artists may invite you to sit for a portrait, but browsing is also a reason to stop.
Artists share limited working space here, with arrangements that alternate between them. The result is a compact display of different approaches rather than a single gallery to move through.
Link the square with the rest of Montmartre
Sacré-Cœur is a short walk away, making the square an easy addition after a visit to the basilica. From Place du Tertre, continue into Montmartre’s side streets to browse art shops. The neighborhood also has bars and evening entertainment, including the Moulin Rouge, as well as quieter places to stop for a drink.
The square’s café terraces make it a natural place to pause and watch the scene, but meals here can cost more than elsewhere. If you are choosing a restaurant, compare options beyond the square. Keep your belongings close while looking at the artwork, since crowds can make it easier to lose track of valuables.
Perguntas frequentes
How close is Place du Tertre to Sacré-Cœur?
It is a short walk from the basilica. You can visit the square after Sacré-Cœur and continue through Montmartre’s side streets.
Can you get a portrait at Place du Tertre?
Yes. Portrait artists and caricaturists work in the square, and you can watch them or ask for a portrait. Compare styles before choosing an artist.
When is the best time to visit Place du Tertre?
Early morning is a good choice if you want fewer crowds. Around sunset, the square is livelier, with artists, diners and people passing through.
Are the restaurants at Place du Tertre expensive?
Prices at the square’s cafés and restaurants can be high. Consider visiting for the art and atmosphere, then eating elsewhere in Montmartre.
