“Road of the Martyrs” echoes through the ages. We are standing before the Rue des Martyrs. This exceptionally Parisian street is full of charm.
The Rue des Martyrs origins date back to the 1670s. Albert Jouvin de Rochefort, a famous French cartographer, first noted the street. It led to the old Abbey of Montmartre. This abbey was later destroyed during the French Revolution.
The name “Rue des Martyrs” comes from a dark chapter. Saint-Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was decapitated here. He became a martyr. The abbey was supposedly the site of his martyrdom.
Fast forward to today. The Rue des Martyrs has experienced a wave of gentrification. Its pretty side streets and nearby boulevards have made it a sought-after area. Fifteen years ago, the nearby Pigalle area was a red-light district. Now, well-off young families fill the area. This creates a family ambiance.
The Rue des Martyrs is lined with over 200 shops. The street is a must-visit during your trip to the city of light. Discover wine, cheese, bakeries, and clothing shops.
For wine lovers, Nysa is a good choice. This Parisian wine shop chain never disappoints. Maison Thielen offers homemade charcuterie. They also serve a wide range of meals to take away for picnics. L’Escale Marine offers a wide variety of fish. La Poularde Saint-Honoré sells fresh beef, pork, poultry, and charcuterie.
Feeling hungry? Peppe offers Neapolitan pizza at the top of the street. They are featured in a Best Pizza in Paris guide. A five-minute walk away is Bouillon Pigalle. It offers classical French food on a budget. Enjoy steak frites, French onion soup, and beef Bourguignon.
Just off the Rue des Martyrs is Restaurant Amour. It is part of the Hotel Amour. They serve solid breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The street has many cafés and bars. They are perfect spots to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine. You can watch the world go by. KB Coffee Roasters offers great coffee at the top of the street. It has a huge terrace with views across the square. You can see the traditional merry-go-round. The terrace also has views of the Sacré-Cœur cathedral on Montmartre. Café Ventura is a go-to spot for a drink. They have a solid happy hour. Their terrace is perfect for people-watching.
The Rue des Martyrs is located in Paris’ 9th arrondissement. The upper end is a five-minute walk from the Pigalle metro station. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Moulin Rouge. The lower end is near the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette metro station.
To reach the Rue des Martyrs, take the metro. Use Pigalle (Line 2 & 12) for the north end. Use Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (Line 12) for the south end. You can walk from Montmartre or the Sacré-Cœur in about 10 minutes.
Soak in the ambiance of a street steeped in history. Feel the pulse of Parisian life on the Rue des Martyrs.