Why is Rue des Tertres so special? It lies in the heart of Montmartre. This hilltop village has a fascinating past. Once outside Paris, it was full of farms and windmills.
During the Belle Époque, artists flocked here. Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Picasso came. They enjoyed lower costs and cheaper wine. Paris’s wine tax did not apply here. An artistic community grew. Lively cabarets flourished. Many still stand today.
Today, Rue des Tertres retains its artistic feel. Artists fill Place du Tertre. They sell canvases. They offer portrait sessions. Place du Tertre sits atop Paris’s highest hill. It is about 130 meters tall. Tertre means hillock. Place means public square. The name simply describes it.
Competition to become an artist here is fierce. Artists get a tiny space. It is about three square feet. Two artists share it on alternating days. Only paintings are allowed. These include Parisian scenes, portraits, and caricatures. Applicants go through the town hall. The waiting list can be ten years long.
Legend says the word bistro began here. La Mère Catherine is the square’s oldest restaurant. In 1814, Russian soldiers occupied Paris. They frequented the restaurant. They shouted “bystro!” It meant “quick” in Russian. They urged comrades to finish drinking. They had to rejoin their ranks.
A little train runs through Montmartre. It starts near the Moulin Rouge. It goes up to Rue des Tertres. It is great for families. It helps those with limited mobility. The tour includes commentary in English and French.
Place du Tertre buzzes with creativity. It has inspired artists for generations. Over 300 artists work here daily. Nearly ten million visitors come each year. They witness the legacy of masters like Picasso and Van Gogh.
In 1133, King Louis VI founded Montmartre Abbey here. For centuries, the abbey thrived. During the French Revolution, it was dissolved. Place du Tertre took on a new identity.
Today, artists transform the square into a kaleidoscope. Visitors watch portraits come to life. They see landscapes materialize. Caricatures capture people’s essence. Getting a portrait is a unique souvenir.
Cafés around Rue des Tertres offer a taste of history. Café Chez la Catherine has red-checkered tablecloths. La Mère Catherine dates back to 1793. It claims the word “bistro” originated here.
Each season paints Place du Tertre differently. Spring brings blooming flowers. Summer is busy. Fall is contemplative. Winter transforms it into a wonderland.
Just steps away, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica has great views. The Musée de Montmartre explores the area’s artistic heritage. Wandering the streets reveals artisanal shops.
La Maison Rose is a pink corner house. It was made famous by Maurice Utrillo’s paintings. Le Grenier à Pain has won awards for its baguettes.
To experience Rue des Tertres best, visit early. Artists set up their easels. Cafés prepare for the day. Midday brings bustling tourists. The blue hour after sunset is magical.
If you get a portrait, observe the artists. Chat with them. Discuss your vision. Agree on a price. Your portrait captures a moment in time.
Rue des Tertres is more than a tourist spot. It is the heart of its community. Every cobblestone tells a story. One tale speaks of a hidden passage to Sacré-Cœur. Artists hid their works from Nazis here. Another story tells of a “Lucky Cobblestone”. Touch it, and gain artistic inspiration.
Efforts are underway to preserve Rue des Tertres. Only authentic artists can set up here. Conservation projects restore historic buildings. Support local artists. Respect the space. Engage with the community. You help preserve this extraordinary place.