The Abbesses district, at the top of the hill
The Abbesses district delights lovers of authentic Paris. In the heart of the 18th arrondissement, nestled between the Montmartre hill and the north of Pigalle, Abbesses has a “village” spirit with unrivaled charm. Between artists' studios, small shops, fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants: it is a district with a unique atmosphere, which has lost none of its old-world charm.
A bit of history...
Abbesses pays homage to the leaders of the Abbaye des Dames de Montmartre, the “abbesses”. First called rue de la Cure, then rue de l'Abbaye, rue des Abbesses has been known by its present name since 1867. A district with a popular heritage, the Abbesses district has become, since the 19th century, moment when it was integrated into the city of Paris, the landmark of artists. Among the most famous Toulouse Lautrec and Pablo Picasso lived there. Today the charm of the place continues to be a source of inspiration for many painters and poets.
The most famous steps in Paris
Visiting the Abbesses district near Montmartre has to be earned. In fact, to get there, you will have to take the elevator or climb no less than… 115 steps to get out of the famous metro entrance. But the game is well worth the effort and the discovery of the neighborhood has many surprises in store.
As soon as you arrive at the Place des Abbesses, you will be transported into a setting of preserved beauty. To appreciate the character of the Abbesses, you must first stroll through its steep streets, its small shaded squares, its pretty views at the top of a staircase...
The Abbesses district: a village spirit
Bounded to the north by rue Lepic and to the south by the Saint-Georges district, the Abbesses district is certainly one of the most beautiful and typical in Paris.
Very touristy, it still offers a warm, family setting, where everyone knows each other. Children will particularly appreciate the carousel on Place des Abbesses, opposite the Notre-Dame-des-Briques Church, or the green setting of Square Jehan Rictus. Very heterogeneous, Abbesses brings together numerous unpretentious restaurants and bistros, French brasseries, cafés... Nothing better than sitting on the terrace of one of them to capture the aura of the place.
The other face of the neighborhood
Rue des Abbesses is also known and appreciated for its dynamism and its fashion, accessories and beauty boutiques. There you can find popular brands or new designers of the moment.
At nightfall, the Abbesses district reveals a new face, more festive and effervescent. The meeting is at the Relai de la Butte, overlooking all of Paris, not far from the Place du Tertre, or at the Mascotte, the benchmark brasserie on rue des Abbesses. A few blocks away, we find the “South of Pigalle” bars.
The Abbesses district: the must-see places
The mur des Je t'aime: this mural is erected in the romantic garden of Square Rictus. An ode to love, we can read around 311 I love you, written in 250 different languages. Imagined by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, it is the landmark of lovers from all over the world.
The Montmartre cemetery: located on the side of the Montmartre hill, this cemetery is home to many famous deceased people, such as Dalida, Michel Berger, Stendhal and Sacha Guitry. 21,500 graves are gathered there in the shade of almost 800 trees.
The Moulin Rouge: certainly the most legendary of Parisian cabarets. Identifiable by its unique facade with luminous wings, the Moulin Rouge offers a Parisian-style music hall show every evening. On the program, good humor and the famous French Cancan!
The Café des Deux Moulins: what café is more emblematic of the Abbesses than the Café des Deux Moulins where the cult film “The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain” was filmed. It attracts international tourists and movie buffs but remains the favorite counter for local regulars.
The Théâtre de l'Atelier: located in the center of Place Charles Dullin, the Théâtre de l'Atelier offers contemporary programming, including classical, dramatic or comic performances.
The Terrass'Hotel: tythical hotel in Paris located at 12-14, rue Joseph de Maistre, its rooftop bar and restaurant overlooks Paris with a panoramic view of the city. It is the ideal address in the 18th arrondissement to see the Eiffel Tower. You can also book a relaxing moment in its spa in partnership with NUXE.
Green spaces
The Abbesses district is distinguished by its picturesque green spaces. While the Square Burq delights families with its children's games, the popular Square Jehan Rictus, with lush vegetation and a charming fountain, offers a peaceful sanctuary near the Place des Abbesses. As for the Jardin des Abbesses, this little haven is nestled just after Square Jehan Rictus, accessible via the Passage des Abbesses.
Schools in the area
The Abbesses district, rich in its cultural and historical heritage, also stands out for its quality educational offering.
Lepic elementary school: 62, rue Lepic, 75018 Paris
Houdon elementary school: 15, rue Houdon, 75018 Paris
Yvonne Le Tac middle school: 7, rue Yvonne le Tac, 75018 Paris
Saint-Jean de Montmartre private school: 31, rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris
Transport services
Metro: 2 and 12
Buses: 30, 54, 68, 85
Living in Les Abbesses is a unique experience in the heart of the capital. With an atmosphere that is both romantic and arty, it is a typical neighborhood, a source of wonder on a daily basis. Our consultants are at your disposal for any sales or purchase project in our Junot Abbesses agency.
