Montmartre · Paris
Place du Tertre
The living heart of Montmartre's artist quarter
Two minutes from the Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre is a small cobbled square packed with painters, caricaturists and portrait artists working live at their easels. It is one of the last places in Paris where you can watch an artist finish a canvas in front of you.
A little history
By the late 1800s the square had become a meeting point for Picasso, Utrillo, Modigliani and van Gogh, who all lived within a few streets. The tradition of licensed street artists has continued for more than a century — today around 140 painters share the pitches on rotation.
Visitor tips
Agree the price and size of any portrait before the artist starts.
Visit early morning or after 21:00 to see the square without the crowd.
The terraces around the square are pricey — one coffee is worth it for the view.
Ignore anyone who approaches you outside the licensed easels.
