Anyone visiting Paris cannot do without a visit to the famous Place du Tertre. All kinds of street artists work on this busy square in the famous artists’ district of Montmartre. Whether you are looking for an etching, portrait drawing or watercolor painting, you can find it at Place du Tertre.
Paintings, music and street artists
Easel
Place du Tertre is a square where artists still work on the street with their easels. It is a vibrant, lively square where you can have a portrait drawing, a cut-out silhouette or even a caricature of yourself made.
Commerce
Place du Tertre used to be a square where famous artists worked. It is also known that Picasso lived in this district. Nowadays, many high-quality artists have been driven out by the catering industry and commerce, but talented artists still work on the square.
Montmartre
Place du Tertre is the former village square of Montmartre where artists already lived around 1860. In addition to the (portrait) painters, musicians, street artists and poets also walk around the square. Place du Tertre is a tourist attraction but still retains an authentic atmosphere.
Catering on Place du Tertre
There are many catering establishments on the bustling Place du Tertre. Naturally, so-called tourist prices are charged here, so bring enough money if you want to have a nice lunch. But of course you can also go there for a cappuccino or a delicious Parisian waffle. Those who want to dine on the square can choose from various restaurants.
Admission and prices
Entrance to Place du Tertre (open 7 days a week) is free. However, the cost of the products is very high. It is not without reason that Place du Tertre is called the tourist trap of Paris. The artists try to extract high prices from tourists for paintings that were made in an instant. But negotiating makes sense. If you make a good price agreement in advance, you are assured of a nice and affordable self-portrait or beautiful caricature.
Location and transport Place du Tertre
Hilltop
Place du Tertre is located in the middle of the artists’ district of Montmartre. The square, which means hill or top, is located on the hilltop just behind the famous Sacre-Coeur. Place du Tertre is the highest square in Paris and measures no less than 130 meters!
Leg car or funicular
Those who are in good condition can walk to the hilltop. Via the (steep) stairs you will reach the Sacre-Coeur in less than 10 minutes. There is also a funicular that takes you to the hilltop, the so-called funicular . This funicular can accommodate sixty people, so you never have to wait very long. Whatever mode of transport you take, at the top everyone will be richly rewarded with a beautiful view of the city.
Address and opening hours funicular
The funicular at La Place Saint-Pierre (at the bottom of the hill) is open 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Early birds can also go there! Metro line 2 towards Anvers takes you close to the funicular . With the metro ticket you can use the funicular, but individual tickets or even strip cards are also available.
Tips
Negotiation pays off
Think carefully in advance what you want to spend on Place du Tertre. Many tourists have left the square with a self-portrait worth 100 euros without having this wish in advance. Also consider in advance how much you want to spend and negotiate vigorously.
Coins
It is useful to bring some loose change in advance if you want to give the street artists a small contribution. The street artists appreciate this and make it easier for them to be photographed.
Photographing
Taking photos on the Place du Tertre is allowed. Most artists would of course appreciate it if you asked kindly in advance. Then you will definitely come home with the nicest snapshots!