Montmartre, with its bohemian charm and picturesque streets, is a delightful district in Paris for family adventures. Here are 10 child-friendly activities to enjoy in Montmartre:
1. Ride the Montmartre Funicular
You’re bound to do a lot of walking during a break in Paris and some areas of Montmartre can be quite steep. If you’re planning to visit Sacré Coeur you might not realise that it’s at the top of a hill. While you can take the steps up (there are a lot of them), there’s a much more fun way to get there. Give your feet a break and let the kids enjoy the Funiculaire de Montmartre ride up to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. It really offers a unique view of the city.
The Montmartre Funicular costs the same as one metro ride (each way) so isn’t too costly. Kids of all ages will love this alternative to the steps.
2. Explore the Sacré-Coeur Basilica
When you do get to the top of the hill, at the highest point, you’ll find the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Sacre Coeur is open from 6:30am to 10:30pm daily and entrance is free. It’s a great budget option for families. You are asked to be quiet inside the church, however, the children seemed to be very well-behaved during our visit. There is the option to climb the 300 steps up to the Basilica’s dome however, this is an additional charge and only during certain times of the day.
Once you’re finished looking around inside Sacre Coeur be sure to spend some time taking in the view outside. You’ll get panoramic views of Paris, depending on the weather, and can even see the Eiffel Tower during a clear day. Children might want to add a lock to the railings, as a fun way to remember this trip.
*Top Tip: Visit Sacre Coeur at dusk for a completely different view of the church, and Paris!
3. Carousel Ride at Place Saint-Pierre
Let the kids enjoy a classic carousel ride at the foot of Montmartre, near the Sacré-Cœur. Sometimes when you’re having a busy day children need a little bit of fun to keep them going. A quick ride on the carousel ride might just give the kids the energy they need to do another activity that day. Carousel rides are fairly cheap in comparison to big attractions in Paris so it won’t break the bank.
4. Scavenger hunt in Montmartre
Engage the kids with a scavenger hunt exploring the winding streets, famous landmarks, and hidden treasures of Montmartre. This is something you can set up at home before your trip. Montmartre is full of a great things to find, such as the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre cemetery or a cool metro station or two. This is something you can do on your way to and from other attractions. This can help you make the most of your time in this part of Paris.
5. Enjoy sweet treats
Exploring a new place can be hungry work, especially for children who might not be used to doing this much walking. Montmartre is a great area for sampling some delicious French food. You’ll find patisseries on most streets, selling amazing-looking cakes. Treat yourself to a pain au chocolat for breakfast, profiteroles for after lunch or macarons as a special treat. Children will have the best time picking out their favourite in the window or at the counter.
For lunch, consider eating traditional crepes. There are so many fillings to choose from including both savoury and sweet. Crepes can be very inexpensive depending on where you buy them. Walking around eating crepes in the summer months is so much fun! Don’t forget the napkins though, especially if you go for a chocolate filling.
6. Wander around Place du Tertre
Known for its artists and portrait sketchers, this square offers a lively atmosphere and the chance to get a family portrait done. First, get there early to beat the crowds and really soak in the atmosphere. The square is quieter in the morning, and you can watch the artists setting up – a fascinating process for the kids. Comfortable shoes are a must as you’ll be navigating cobbled streets. While the artists’ works are captivating, discuss with your children beforehand about respecting the art and the artists’ space. Budget for a portrait or a small painting; it’s a unique keepsake your family will cherish.
7. Montmartre Museum (Musée de Montmartre)
Though more suited for older children, this museum gives a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area. Montmartre is known for being home to many famous artists over the years including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. The Montmartre Museum is home to the last working vineyard in Paris. Although you cannot go in, you can get a great view from the gardens. You can also take a look at what an artist’s room would have been like, see Renoir’s swing and view paintings of Montmartre. Get children to take pencils and paper with them and see if they can recreate any of the artwork.
The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It costs €15 for adults, €10 for teachers and students aged 18-25 and €8 for children aged 10-17. Children under 10 are free. (2024 prices)
8. Attend a workshop or art class
Various studios and galleries in Montmartre offer art classes and workshops suitable for children, letting them tap into the artistic spirit of the area. This is a great place in Paris to do this as it’s so well-known for being an area for artists. It’s also a great way for children to feel like a bigger part of your visit to Paris.
Even if you can’t find a workshop or art class during your stay, that doesn’t mean you can’t do something yourself. Grab some art supplies and walk in the footsteps of impressionist painters or create something in the art nouveau style. Maybe draw a picture of one of the oldest churches or find a favourite piece of street art to copy. The streets of Montmartre are full of inspiration for budding artists.
9. Go on a film location tour
Paris has been used as a backdrop for many films over the years. If you have older children, a tour of some famous filming locations might be a fun thing to do. The best thing? You can walk past them all and not pay anything if you don’t want to! Here are some locations to add to your list:
- Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
- Place du Tertre
- Moulin Rouge
- Café des 2 Moulins
- Rue Lepic
- Lapin Agile
- Montmartre Vineyards (Vigne de Montmartre)
- Le Consulat Restaurant
- Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules
- Montmartre Stairs
Remember to check the opening times and availability of these activities in advance, especially if you’re travelling during holiday periods or off-season. Montmartre is not only a treasure trove of artistic and historical gems but also a place where children can explore, learn, and have fun in one of the most enchanting neighbourhoods of Paris.
10. Espace Dalí Museum
Visiting the Espace Dalí Museum in Montmartre can be a delightful and surreal experience for families. If you’re planning a trip here with your little ones, remember that this museum is quite compact, making it ideal for a short yet engaging visit. Before going, introduce your children to Salvador Dalí’s imaginative world through a few online images or books, so they have a context for the whimsical sculptures and paintings they’ll see.
While the artwork might be more appealing to adults in terms of understanding, children are often captivated by the quirky, dream-like aspects of Dalí’s work. The museum often hosts workshops for kids, so check the schedule beforehand to see if you can align your visit with these interactive sessions.
Read more about our holiday to Paris:
- How to spend 3 days in Paris with kids
- Travelling to Paris by Eurostar
- Staying at the ibis Styles Paris Montmartre Nord
- An underwater adventure at Aquarium de Paris
- Our experience at Angelina Paris
- Visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids
- A day at Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
- 10 things to do in Montmartre as a family
