Place du Tertre, the artist-filled square atop Paris's Montmartre (map), was once the gathering-place of young French painters, poets and composers who went on to create much of the most famous art and music of the 20th century.

The artistic tradition continues in Place du Tertre, but in a different way. The artists today are more arrière-gard than avant-gard, happily daubing canvases and scratching pastels that appeal to the hordes of tourists who crowd the hilltop in the warm months.

The painters are not without talent, and it's fun to walk around and see their work. You can have your portrait sketched in 10 or 15 minutes, and it makes a memorable souvenir.

The shady place (square), only a few steps from the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur and the Église de Saint-Pierre de Montmartre (map), is surrounded by sidewalk café-restaurants.

A few steps away, in front of the Église de Saint-Pierre, the Place du Mont Cenis often has street musicians or other performers putting on their shows in hopes of tips.

Popular street singer Arlette Denis
performs in Place du Mont Cenis.

The easiest way to reach Place du Tertre is on the Montmartrobus from Place Pigalle. The Funiculaire de Montmartre, from near the Anvers Métro station, requires a bit more walking uphill. The young, strong and eager can climb the hundreds of stairs. More...

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