The 18th Arrondissement offers a range of themes to explore when planning your trip: religious and political history, a food market in a historic hall, gardens and cultural attractions. Rather than trying to fit every stop into a set itinerary, you can choose according to the focus of your stay. Visiting conditions vary considerably.

History and Public Art

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was consecrated on 16 October 1919. Montmartre was the birthplace of the libertarian social movement known as the Paris Commune in 1871. These details offer two distinct historical perspectives: one concerns the consecration of the basilica, the other the origins of a social movement.

The Le Mur des Je t’aime wall features 311 declarations of love in 250 languages. The number of languages conveys the diversity of the messages gathered there. In Square Jehan Rictus, a garden of medicinal plants, a pergola and a central fountain are among the garden’s defining features.

Cimetière de Montmartre is a historic cemetery protected as a Monument historique. Its grounds have an elevation difference of 20 metres and offer remarkable views of Paris along the slope. The trees are also counted: nearly 800 trees from 38 different species grow on the grounds.

Food Market and Historic Architecture

Marché de l’Olive is open year-round as a food market. It is a good idea to check the latest market information before your visit, as market arrangements may change. The market hall was built between 1883 and 1885 in the style of the Baltard pavilions. This market brings together two interests: shopping for food and admiring a hall with historic architecture.

Gardens, Walks and Vineyards

The City of Paris uses the Petite Ceinture as a place for walking. Les Jardins du Ruisseau was established in June 2004 as the first community garden on the Petite Ceinture. This connects two different perspectives on the site: its use as a place for walks and the history of a community garden. Square Jehan Rictus, with its medicinal plant garden, pergola and fountain, offers another kind of garden experience.

Clos Montmartre is accessible only as part of a guided tour; check how to book before planning a visit. The 2,000 vines at Clos Montmartre are harvested every year. The annual harvest and the guided-tour-only access are two different aspects of the vineyard: one marks a recurring part of the year, while the other limits how visitors can access it.

Culture and Visit Planning at the Institut des Cultures d’Islam

The Institut des Cultures d’Islam holds two to three exhibitions each year. Adults and children can explore them at their own pace or as part of a guided tour. As exhibition content changes, you can plan your visit around the current programme without relying on any particular exhibition.

The institute offers guided tours for groups by reservation, Monday through Sunday. They last two and a half to three hours, are intended for groups of up to 30 people and start at 19, rue Léon. Booking and programme details may change; check this information with the institute before planning your tour. The duration helps with scheduling, while a reservation is the key condition for visiting.

The institute also has a restaurant and a tea room. They serve home-style cooking with Mediterranean influences, including traditional or Berber couscous, Tuesday through Sunday. Menus and service conditions may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: 19th Arrondissement, Paris, Paris 11, Paris 17, Paris 8, L'entrepot, 9th Arrondissement, Paris, 15th Arrondissement, Ménilmontant

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