Place des Abbesses
Place des Abbesses
4
About
This charming and scenic square in the bohemian Montmartre district looks straight off a Hollywood set, but it offers a glimpse of authentic Parisian life. Just steps away are hip eateries, cafes and boutiques—and the Abbesses Métro stop stands right here, making the Place easily reachable for visitors.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Place des Abbesses
The area
Neighbourhood: Clignancourt
How to get there
- Abbesses • 1 min walk
- Pigalle • 4 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
4,186 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
328 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
157
Average
47
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Joanna W
Hoboken, NJ146 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Wonderful small Christmas market. Best chestnuts in the city, merry go round, gifts, vin chaud, crepes, sandwiches… Take the elevator up if you metro straight there! They are not kidding about 144 steps.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this place🇫🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧
Israel35,040 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Yes- a nice place: the entrance to a different part of the city- Montmartre. It’s colorful, scenic, picturesque and unique, as is all of Paris.
It was nice to be here and to use the elevator at the metro station.
Correction- the word refers to nuns who spend their lives and devote their time to worship- that’s the real reason for the name of the area (hey- the Sacre Coeur church is the centerpiece and pinnacle of this elevated neighborhood).... it’s certainly not what I wrote in January 2019 from the previous visit.
It was nice to be here and to use the elevator at the metro station.
Correction- the word refers to nuns who spend their lives and devote their time to worship- that’s the real reason for the name of the area (hey- the Sacre Coeur church is the centerpiece and pinnacle of this elevated neighborhood).... it’s certainly not what I wrote in January 2019 from the previous visit.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loretta R
Hermosa Beach, CA395 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
This is a fun spot to meander, but I wouldn’t recommend using the Abbesses Metro stop to access Montmartre. The climb out of the station is a HUGE stretch up winding stairways. Then, you have the hill to trek and the mega stairs up to Sacre Couer. Don’t do this to yourself unless you like to climb a lot. I hear that there is an elevator in the station, but I have never seen it, and the elevators in the Metro stations tend to smell like zombie pee—a mix of death and human waste. Instead, get off at the next metro stop, the Lamarck station, which is at the opposite side of Montmartre’s hills. Upon exiting, go right and take Lamarck Street until you see the back of Sacre Couer. You will climb a relatively short set of stairs, past a hidden Montmartre park. This approach is not only less crowded and less demanding on the legs, but it is also beautiful—plus you will get a back-side view of Sacre Couer, which people tend to neglect although the building is as beautiful from all angles. When finished visiting Sacre Couer, you might wander the top of the hill and enter nearby, much older Sainte Pierre church which is built on an ancient Roman temple to Mars (Montmartre is originally named after the Mount of Mars). Also nearby is Place du Tertre which is full of the artist stands and cafes that we often expect of Montmartre—charming although touristy. If you have time, visit the Dali Museum off Place du Tertre. Then, you might want to climb down the hill and visit Place des Abbesses either on your way to the Moulin Rouge or on your way to the metro (which means that you will still need to access the station’s mega-stairs, but at least you’d be going down—much easier). Place des Abbesses is a little dirtier and tighter in space than much of Paris, but it has its own charm. It does feel almost village-like. It's worth visiting if you are nearby.
TIP: All of Montmartre is less crowded, more “organic” to its true nature, and a lot more enjoyable in the early morning. Make it your first stop of the day.
TIP: All of Montmartre is less crowded, more “organic” to its true nature, and a lot more enjoyable in the early morning. Make it your first stop of the day.
Written 1 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo P
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
After the huge climb up from the Metro station - interesting wall designs but not for the older or unfit traveller - thought I'd purchase an English novel at the 'quaint looking' book shop across the road. Very rude older employee who advised me 'I was in France,so she only had French books' - not for English (which I'm not) or American (which I'm not). She seemed unaware her bookshop was in the tourist area of Montmartre and unfortunately she is a very poor ambassador for her city. when i looked up the bookshop on tripadvisor i saw many other cmments about her rudeness. What a shame she spreads her arrogance (& ignorance).
Written 17 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
patcane
Falls Church, VA17 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
This triangular square is the ideal gateway to all the landmarks that has made Montmartre famous: Picasso first loft (Bateau Lavoir), Place du Tertre, Moulin de la Galette and Sacré Coeur basilica, all at walking distance from abbesses square and metro station.
This is also your starting point to trendy streets like Rue Houdon, Rue des Martyrs and Rue Tholozé that have attracted start-up designers and a neo-bohemian crowd, plus a sprinkling of expats.
Now the area has become is a prime location for hip boutiques, sidewalk cafés where the main occupation is people-watching, and shabby-chic restaurants.
Full of grocery shops, award winning boulangeries and wine bars, rue des abbesses has all kinds of tasty treats pulling you in every direction. This is a fun street almost 24 hours a day with live music (mostly jazz) at night in the cafés, live theatres and boutiques.
Here you will also find quality food shopping (thus kind of expensive): fresh fruits, seafood, charcuteries (delis), wine shops, chocolate shops, patisseries, gourmet “épiceries”, etc.
Really recommended to travelers who are looking for something different in Paris with a strong Village atmosphere.
This is also your starting point to trendy streets like Rue Houdon, Rue des Martyrs and Rue Tholozé that have attracted start-up designers and a neo-bohemian crowd, plus a sprinkling of expats.
Now the area has become is a prime location for hip boutiques, sidewalk cafés where the main occupation is people-watching, and shabby-chic restaurants.
Full of grocery shops, award winning boulangeries and wine bars, rue des abbesses has all kinds of tasty treats pulling you in every direction. This is a fun street almost 24 hours a day with live music (mostly jazz) at night in the cafés, live theatres and boutiques.
Here you will also find quality food shopping (thus kind of expensive): fresh fruits, seafood, charcuteries (delis), wine shops, chocolate shops, patisseries, gourmet “épiceries”, etc.
Really recommended to travelers who are looking for something different in Paris with a strong Village atmosphere.
Written 23 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William B
Perth, Australia928 contributions
Sept 2012 • Friends
There is a beautiful precinct of Paris nestling just below the ''Sacre Couer'' that is bustling with sidewalk cafe's and Parisian character. The little suburbs of Paris that make up Montmartre should not be missed as they are the real memorable places that the city has to offer. Located between Pigalle and the ''Funicular'' railway that takes you up to the ''Sacre Couer'' and Place du Tartre (Artists Square) this is ''music'' for the tourist or first time visitor to Paris. You may think that the famous landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre are what you need to see but you have missed the essence of Paris if you haven't wandered the streets of Abbesses and the surrounding areas. Catch a metro to Abbesses or even Jules Joffrin stations and start your adventure. Use the Sacre Couer as your landmark (which you can see at the top from all over) and start wandering. There is so much to see. Tons of cheap cafés, some really steep stairways, some really rough wine and some real French atmosphere. At night it all just comes to life. I have to drop a star because of the rude service which unfortunately is most of Paris. But hey! you would be disappointed if they were polite. Wouldn't you? Abbesses is free, authentic and something not to be missed, day or night!!!!
Written 15 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerome P
Lokeren, Belgium327 contributions
Oct 2012 • Solo
Les Abbesses(place des...)might be the starting point for a steep climb to Montmartre or Place du Tertre(where the painters are), but... for the young ones only!
Use the stair-streets, virtually unknown to the ordinary tourists. Take rue Vieuville(no spelling mistsake) at the place des Abbesses till the end, go to the left, take deep breath and start to climb the stairs,then start to climb another stair street...and before you reach the end of the stairs, look back, the view of Paris is brilliant, you won't forget it.
Place des Abesses is a triangle little square which has changed a bit over the past five years(no more grocery store...)Trendy shops are there now "Kusmi tea" for instance is a jewel.
It is also nice to sit on the heated terrace of "Au petit Montmartre" to drink a wine or a coffee; beer is too expensive.
And yes there is also the "wall" with "I love you" in so many languages, but honestly, I don't like it so much.
Just go up the rue des Abesses for 30 meters, till you reach the bakery on your right. Buy pastries, bread, baguettes,(all at normal prices) but be sure to look around for a long time first. It seems the bakery escaped from a fairy tale...
Places des Abbesses is a wonderful place, with some magic in the air indeed.
Go there before the tourists arrive!
Use the stair-streets, virtually unknown to the ordinary tourists. Take rue Vieuville(no spelling mistsake) at the place des Abbesses till the end, go to the left, take deep breath and start to climb the stairs,then start to climb another stair street...and before you reach the end of the stairs, look back, the view of Paris is brilliant, you won't forget it.
Place des Abesses is a triangle little square which has changed a bit over the past five years(no more grocery store...)Trendy shops are there now "Kusmi tea" for instance is a jewel.
It is also nice to sit on the heated terrace of "Au petit Montmartre" to drink a wine or a coffee; beer is too expensive.
And yes there is also the "wall" with "I love you" in so many languages, but honestly, I don't like it so much.
Just go up the rue des Abesses for 30 meters, till you reach the bakery on your right. Buy pastries, bread, baguettes,(all at normal prices) but be sure to look around for a long time first. It seems the bakery escaped from a fairy tale...
Places des Abbesses is a wonderful place, with some magic in the air indeed.
Go there before the tourists arrive!
Written 19 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nell P
London, UK1 contribution
Sept 2013 • Family
Have had a lovely stay in Montmartre, where I met some lovely french people who went out of their way to help, in particular a lovely gentleman who walked us to the Moulin Rouge, showed us the cafe of Amelie fame, and even bought us a souvenir. Unfortunately be warned of La Librairie des Abbesses, where you will find the owner who kicked me out of her shop for treading on a book which was lying on the floor and unseen by myself and who was extremely rude to my daughter who asked for a bag after making a purchase. Beware of the clothes shop Homies where should you wish to try on clothes which are in the sales basket, you will be told that you are not allowed, a special rule, I believe, dreamed up in the moment by the shop assistant.
Written 6 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samharb
warrington44 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
Lovely area of Paris, cobbled streets full off shops, cafes, restaurants, artists. All leading upto Sacre Coeur, or down to Moulin Rouge. The square had a Christmas market when we were staying, fresh chestnuts and warmed wine - the taste and smell of christmas.
Written 17 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thornwell
columbia, south carolina64 contributions
Is everything one might imagine for a Paris square. Sidewalk cafes, best Metro station entrance, bakeries, and the whole human parade to watch. Best place to sit, drink coffee or vin rouge, read a good book, and pass the time of day in the most pleasant way.
Written 5 July 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know if the weekend brocantes is still on at the weekends? Will it be open in August? I can't find any reference to it being open.
Written 1 August 2015
idersair
Paris, France
Hi,
I didn't myself know that there were brocantes at Place des Abbesses. I am often there on Sundays and have never seen brocantes there.
Maybe, you should check the tourism office of Montmartre: type montmartre-guide on Google. I believe there is an English version of the website.
I hope you will enjoy Paris.
Regards
Written 2 August 2015
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing